Communicating in the Open Sea

Using the International Code of Signals, ships can communicate despite language differences. Learn what these flags and pennants represent

Naval Flags

Alpha

Alpha

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

Bravo

Bravo

“I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.” (Originally used by the Royal Navy specifically for military explosives.)

Charlie

Charlie

“Affirmative”

Delta

Delta

“Keep clear of me; I am manoeuvring with difficulty.”

Echo

Echo

“I am altering my course to starboard.”

Foxtrot

Foxtrot

“I am disabled; communicate with me.”

Golf

Golf

“I require a pilot.”

Hotel

Hotel

“I have a pilot on board.”

India

India

"I am altering my course to port."

Alpha

Juliet

"I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep clear." Or, "I am leaking dangerous cargo."

Kilo

Kilo

"I wish to communicate with you."

Lima

Lima

In harbour: "The ship is quarantined." At sea: "You should stop your vessel instantly."

Mike

Mike

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

November

November

"Negative."

Oscar

Oscar

“Man overboard.”

Papa

Papa

In harbour: “All personnel should report on board; proceeding to sea.”

Quebec

Quebec

“My vessel is ‘healthy’; request clearance into port.”

Romeo

Romeo

In harbour: “Ready duty ship." At sea: “Preparing to replenish.”

Sierra

Sierra

"I am operating astern propulsion."

Tango

Tango

“Do not pass ahead of me.”

Uniform

Uniform

"You are running into danger."

Victor

Victor

"I require assistance."

Whiskey

Whiskey

"I require medical assistance."

X-ray

X-ray

"Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals."

Yankee

Yankee

“Ship has visual communications duty.” Or, “I am dragging my anchor.”

Alpha

Zulu

"I require a tug."