Signal Flags

History of Signal Flags
Meanings of Signal Flags
Navy Signal Flags
Reed's Nautical Almanacs

Signal flags, as a part of the International Code of Signals can be used to communicate messages from one vessel to another while at sea. Signal flags, which have alpha-numeric correspondence, can be used to spell out messages; although mariners usually employ nautical signal flags in combinations which correspond to particular messages. Mariners string signal flags end-to-end and and hang them from the rigging in bow-to-stern direction. Signal flags are also used to dress ships for ceremonial and festive occasions.

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HISTORY OF SIGNAL FLAGS

The International Code of Signals has been in continuous use since 1857, when it was published by the British Board of Trade as a means of maritime communications. The original Code contained 17,000 signals using 18 signal flags, some of which were specific to the United Kingdom. The Code was revised in 1932 to include seven languages: English, French German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Norweigan. When the code was revised again in 1969, the revision included Russian and Greek, plus giving a complete meaning to each of the alpha-numeric nautical signal flags.

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MEANINGS OF NAUTICAL SIGNAL FLAGS

Besides having alpha-numeric correspondence, signal flags also have specific meanings when flown upon a vessel. The International Code of Signals specifies a meaning for each of the signal flags. We have listed below each of the signal flags, the letters and messages to which they correspond.

Signal Flags Alphabet

signal flags : a
A (Alfa) - Diver Below (when stationary) or "I am undergoing a speed trial. "

signal flags : b
B (Bravo) - "I am taking on, or discharging explosives."

signal flags : c
C (Charlie) - "Affirmative"

signal flags : d
D (Delta) - "Keep clear of me, I am manouvering with difficulty."

signal flags : e
E (Echo) - "I am altering my course to starboard."

signal flags : f
F (Foxtrot) - "I am disabled, communicate with me."

signal flags : g
G (Golf) - "I require a pilot."

signal flags : h
H (Hotel) -"I have a pilot on board."

signal flags : i
I (India) - "I am altering my course to port."

signal flags : j
J (Juliet) - "I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board, keep well clear of me! OR "I am going to send a message by semaphore."

signal flags : k
K (Kilo) - "You should stop. I have something important to communicate."

signal flags : l
L (Lima) -"You should stop your vessel instantly."

signal flags : m
M (Mike) - "I am stopped." OR "I have a doctor on board."

signal flags : n
N (November) - No, "negative"

signal flags : o
O (Oscar) - Man overboard

signal flags : p
P (Papa) - The Blue Peter: "All aboard, vessel is about to proceed sea." If already at sea - "Your lights are out or burning badly." Fishing boat at sea - "My nets have come fast upon an obstruction."

signal flags : q
Q (Quebec) - "My vessel is healthy and I request free practique."

signal flags : r
R (Romeo) - "The way is off my ship. You may feel your way past me."

signal flags : s
S (Sierra) - "My engines are going full speed astern."

signal flags : t
T (Tango) - "Keep clear of me, I am engaged in pair trawling." OR "Do not pass ahead of me."

signal flags : u
U (Uniform) - "You are running into danger."

signal flags : v
V (Victor) - "I require assistance." (not distress)

signal flags : w
W (Whiskey) - "I require medical assistance."

signal flags : x
X (X-Ray) - "Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals."

signal flags : y
Y (Yankee) - "I am dragging anchor." OR "I am carrying mails."

signal flags : z
Z (Zulu) - "I require a tug." or can be used to address or call shore stations

signal flags : answer flag
Code & Answering Flag

signal flags : substitute flag 1
First substitute flag

Second substitute flag

Third substitute flag

Numeric Signal Flags

2 3

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ABOUT NAVY SIGNAL FLAGS

The United States Navy also uses signal flags to communicate, although their code is a bit different from the International Code of Signals. The Navy uses signal flags to communicate while maintaining radio silence. Signals unique to the Navy are used when communicating with other U.S. Navy or allied forces; when communicating with all other vessels, the International Code of Signals is used.

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REED'S NAUTICAL ALMANACS

Reed's Nautical Almanacs make a great on-board reference for marine navigation. Each almanac features a quick reference for nautical signal flags on the back cover, as well as other valuable information such as tide charts, information about ocean currents, port information and more. Our nautical almanacs are available in 3 editions: North American East Coast, North American West Coast, and Caribbean.

North American East Coast Edition

North American West Coast Edition

Caribbean Edition

ORDER REED'S NAUTICAL ALMANAC ONLINE

If you would like more information about nautical signal flags and marine navigation and communications, consider purchasing one of our publications. Reed's Nautical Almanac East Coast, West Coast and Caribbean editions are available for online purchase and make great gifts.

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PUBLICATIONS

We offer a number of publications containing tide tables for North America:

2004 Nautical Almanac
East Coast Edition

2004 Nautical Almanac
West Coast Edition

2004 Nautical Almanac Caribbean Edition

Nautical Companion

2004 Nautical Ephemeris

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