International code of flag signals is a method of communication over short range, being limited by the need for transmitting and receiving stations to be in sight of each other. All British ships are obliged to carry a full set of international code
flags, together with a copy of the code book, International Code of Signals. The flags cover the alphabet from A to Z, plus three substitutes, and the numerals from 0 to 9; and there is a code and answering pendant.
The system is extremely useful for communication if radio silence has to be maintained, as when a country is engaged in hostilities. The method proved ideal for signal transmission between ships in convoy and has shown itself to be a speedy communications system when employing single or even double flag hoists. Where code groups are used, it is time-consuming in transmission and in decoding the messages received.
During peaceful trading, single letter hoists tend to play a major part in harbour or port control with regard to the pilot service, port health clearance, fishing boats, emergency signals and the like. It is a require-ment of all deck officers taking a watch to be alert for the use of single letter and important double letter flag hoists.
Meaning:
|
A
|
Alfa
|
Diver below, OR undergoing speed trial |
|
B
|
Bravo
|
taking or discharging explosives |
|
C
|
Charlie
|
Affirmative/Yes |
|
D
|
Delta
|
Keep clear; Maneuvering with difficulty |
|
E
|
Echo
|
Altering course to starboard |
|
F
|
Foxtrot
|
Disabled, communicate with me |
|
G
|
Golf
|
Need a pilot |
|
H
|
Hotel
|
I have a pilot |
|
I
|
India
|
Altering course to port |
|
J
|
Juliette
|
I will send you message by semaphore; On fire with dangerous cargo, keep clear |
|
K
|
Kilo
|
You should stop your vessel instantly. Wish to communicate |
|
L
|
Lima
|
You should stop, I have something important to communicate |
|
M
|
Mike
|
I have a doctor on board. Stopped and makingno way through the water |
|
N
|
November
|
Negative/No |
|
O
|
Oscar
|
Man overboard |
|
P
|
Papa
|
“The Blue Peter” All aboard, vessel is about to proceed. At sea: your lights are out or burning badly |
|
Q
|
Quebec
|
My vessel is healthy and I request free practique |
|
R
|
Romeo
|
The way is off my ship. You may feel your way past me |
|
S
|
Sierra
|
My engines are going full speed astern |
|
T
|
Tango
|
Do not pass ahead of me, Keep clear, engaged in pair trawling |
|
U
|
Uniform
|
You are coming into danger |
|
V
|
Victor
|
I require assistance (not distress) |
|
W
|
Whiskey
|
I require medical assistance |
|
X
|
X-ray
|
Stop what you’re doing and watch for my signals |
|
Y
|
Yankee
|
I am carrying mails; dragging my anchor |
|
Z
|
Zulu
|
To be used to address or call shore stations. Require tug |
|
NC
|
I am in distress
|
|
AC
|
I am abandoning my vessel
|
|
AN
|
I need a doctor
|
|
BR
|
I require a helicopter
|
|
CD
|
I require immediate assistance
|
|
DV
|
I am drifting
|
|
EF
|
SOS/MAYDAY has been canceled
|
|
FA
|
Will you give me my position?
|
|
GW
|
Man overboard. Please take action to pick him up
|
|
JL
|
You are running the risk of going aground
|
|
LO
|
I am not in my correct position: used by a light vessel
|
|
PD
|
Your navigation lights are not visible
|
|
PP
|
Keep well clear of me
|
|
RU
|
Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty
|
|
QD
|
I am going ahead
|
|
QQ
|
I require health clearance
|
|
QT
|
I am going astern
|
|
QU
|
Anchoring is prohibited
|
|
QX
|
I request permission to anchor
|
|
SO
|
You should stop your vessel instantly
|
|
UM
|
The Harbor is closed to traffic
|
|
UP
|
Permission to enter Harbor is urgently requested. I have an emergency
|
|
YU
|
I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International Code of Signals
|
|
ZL
|
Your signal has been received but not understood.
|
