International Maritime Signal Flags

ALFA

I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.

BRAVO

I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous cargo.

CHARLIE

"Yes" or "affirmative".

DELTA

I am maneuvering with difficulty, keep clear of me.

ECHO

I am directing my course to starboard.

FOXTROT

I am disabled; communicate with me.

On aircraft carriers: Flight Operations underway

GOLF

I require a pilot

HOTEL

I have a pilot on board

INDIA

I am altering/directing my course to port.

JULIET

I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep clear.

KILO

I wish to communicate with you.

LIMA

You should stop your vessel immediately.

MIKE

My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.

NOVEMBER

No, or negetive

OSCAR

Man overboard

PAPA

All personnel return to Ship; proceeding to sea (Inport).

QUEBEC

Ship meet health regs; request clearance into port.

ROMEO

None.

SIERRA

Moving astern.

TANGO

Keep clear, engaged in pair trawling.

UNIFORM

You are running into danger.

VICTOR

I require assistance.

WHISKEY

I require medical assistance

X-RAY

Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.

YANKEE

I am dragging my anchor.

ZULU

I require a tug

Answering Pennant

Message is understood. Also, numeric decimal point.

First Substitute

Navy Meaning : Absence of flag officer or unit commander (Inport).

International Meaning: Substitute for the first flag in this hoist.

Second Substitute

Navy Meaning : Absence of chief of staff (in port).

International Meaning : Substitute for the second flag in this hoist.

Third Substitute

Navy Meaning : Absence of commanding officer (in port).

International Meaning : Substitute for the third flag in this hoist.

Fourth Substitute

Navy Meaning : Absence of civil or military official whose flag is flying on this ship.

International Meaning : Substitute for the fourth flag in this hoist.

One

Numeral One