This document provides flag signals corresponding to letters of the alphabet used for communication between vessels at sea. Some key signals include:
- Bravo - I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
- Charlie - Keep well clear of me, I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board. I am leaking dangerous cargo.
- Delta - Keep clear of me, I am maneuvering with difficulty.
- Foxtrot - I am disabled, communicate with me.
- November - No or the significance of the previous signal should be read negatively.
- Tango - Keep clear of me, I am engaged in pair trawling.
1. *
ALFAH / ALFA HOHTELL / HOTEL
I have a diver down; keep well clear I have a pilot on board
at slow speed
*
BRAVOH / BRAVO INDEEAH / INDIA
I am taking in, or discharging, or I am altering my course to port
carring dangerous good
*
CHARLEE / CHARLIE JEWLEEETT / JULIETT
Keep well clear of me. I am on fire and
Yes, or the significance of the previous have dangerous cargo on board. I am
group should be read in the affirmative leaking dangerous cargo
*
DELLTAH / DELTA KEYLOH / KILO
Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering I wish to communicate with you
with difficulty
*
ECKOH / ECHO LEEMAH / LIMA
I am altering my course to starboard You should stop your vessel instantly
FOKSTROT / FOXTROT MIKE / MIKE
I am disabled; communicate with me My vessel is stopped and making
no way through the water
*
GOLF / GOLF NOVEMBER / NOVEMBER
I require a pilot. When mode by fishing No; or (The significance of the previous should
vsl. Operating in close proximity on the be read in the negative). This signal may be
fishing ground it means “I am hauling given only visually or by sound. For voice or
nets” radio transmission the signal should be “NO”
2. OSSCAH / OSCAR YOUNEEFORM / NEEFORM
Man over boat You are running into danger
PAHPAH / PAPA VIKTAH / VIKTOR
In Harbour : All persons should report on board as the
vessel is about tp proceed to sea. At Sea : It may be used by
fishing vessels to mean “My netshave come fast upon an I require assistance
obstruction.
At Sea : It may be used as a sound signal to mean “I require
a pilot”
KEHBECK / QUEBEC WISSKEY / WHISKEY
My vessel is “healthy” and I request I require medical assistance
free pratique
ROWMEOH / ROMEO ECKSRAY / X-RAY
Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering Stop carrying out you intentions and
with difficulty watch for my signals
*
SEEAIRRAH / SIERRA YANGKEY / YANKEE
I am operating astern propulsion I am dragging my anchor
* *
TANGGO / TANGO ZOOLOO / ZULU
I require a tug. When made by fishing
Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair vessels operation in close proximity on the
trawling fishing nets, it means “I am shooting nets”
FIRST SUBSTITUTE CODE AND
ANSWERING PENDANT
SECOND SUBSTITUTE NOTES : (1). Signals of letters marked * when made by sound only
be made in compliance with the requirements of the I.R.F.P.C at sea
rules 34 & 35 accepting that sound signals ‘G’ & ‘Z’ may continue
to be used by fishing vessels fishing in close proximity to other
THIRD SUBSTITUTE fishing vessels. (2). Signals ‘K’ & ‘S’ have special meanings as
landing signals for small boats with crews or person in distress (
I.C.F. the safety of life at sea) (1969 chapter V regulation 16).
3. ALPHABETICAL, NUMERAL,
SUBTITUTE FLAGS AND
ANSWERING PENDANT
OO NAH WUN / UNAONE SOK SEE SIX / SOXISIX
BEES SOH TOO / BISSOTWO SAY TAY SEVEN / SETTESEVEN
TAY RAH TREE / TERRATHREE OK TOH AIT / OKTOEIGHT
KAR TAY FOWER / KARTEFOUR NO VAY NINER / NOVENINE
PAN TAH FIVE / PANTAFIVE NAH DAH ZAY ROH / NADAZERO
Created by Paman “J” Gaul