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International Code of Signals :: Alphabetical Flags

The term "alphabetical flags" generally refers to the set of flags used in the International Code of Signals to represent letters of the alphabet. Nautical alphabet flags are used for communication between ships or between ships and shore. Each flag represents a specific letter or number.

They are used for:

  1. Visibility and Long-Distance Communication
  2. International Communication
  3. Emergency Signaling
  4. Avoidance of Verbal Misunderstanding
  5. Military and Security Applications
  6. Regulatory Compliance
  7. Traditional and Cultural Significance

Alphabetic flags along with their corresponding letters:

A - Alpha / B - Bravo / C - Charlie / D - Delta / E - Echo / F - Foxtrot / G - Golf / H - Hotel / I - India / J - Juliet / K - Kilo / L - Lima / M - Mike / N - November / O - Oscar / P - Papa / Q - Quebec / R - Romeo / S - Sierra / T - Tango / U - Uniform / V - Victor / W - Whiskey / X - X-ray / Y - Yankee / Z - Zulu

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The code flag Z "Zulu" means  'I require a tug . ' When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: “I am...

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The code flag Y "Yankee" means '  I am dragging anchor . '

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The code flag X "X-ray" means ' Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals . '

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If you see the W (Whiskey) flag,  the boat has a medical emergency and needs help . The combination of the D (Delta) and V (Victor) flags, meanwhile,...

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The code flag V "Victor" means ' I require assistance . '

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The code flag U "Uniform" means ' You are running into danger . '

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The code flag T "Tango" means ' Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling . '

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The code flag S "Sierra" means  "my engines are going full speed astern"

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The code flag R "Romeo" means ' I have received your signal . '

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The code flag Q "Quebec" means Ship meets health regs; request clearance into port.


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The code flag O "Oscar" means ' Man overboard . '

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The code flag N "November" means  'No (negative) . '

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The code flag M "Mike" means ' My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water . ' 

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The code flag L "Lima" means ' You should stop your vessel instantly . '