International marine signal flags
These flags can be used for signalling at sea either individually or,
when used in combination, to create special messages.
The relevant International Morse Code characters are also shown.
Single letter signs
I have a diver down;
keep well clear at slow
speed.
A
Double letter signs
Alpha
B
Bravo
C
No.
N
November
I am taking in, or
discharging, or
carrying dangerous
goods.
O
Yes.
P
KP
Alpha-Echo
Man overboard.
I do not intend to
abandon my vessel.
NA
You should leave your
vessel as soon as
possible.
AG
NC
Keep clear of me: I am
maneouvring with
difficulty.
Ship meets health regs;
request clearance into
port.
Q
November-Charlie
You should not leave
your vessel.
AH
PM
Alpha-Hotel
I am altering course to
starboard.
R
Echo
OK.
Papa-Mike
I have a doctor on
board.
AL
QQ
Quebec-Quebec
Alpha-Lima
My engines are going
astern.
S
Foxtrot
ED
SM
Your distress signals are
understood.
I require a pilot. When
made by fishing boats:
I am hauling in nets.
Keep clear; engaged in
trawling
T
Golf
Sierra-Mike
FO
UY
I will stay near you.
I have a pilot on
board.
You are running into
danger.
U
Hotel
Uniform-Yankee
I am aground. I am in a
dangerous situation.
JG
VF
I am altering my
course to portboard.
I require assistance.
V
India
Victor-Foxtrot
KN
YG
I cannot tow you.
Juliet
K
I am on fire and have
(or loose) dangerous
cargo; keep well clear
of me.
W
Yankee-Golf
I wish to communicate
with you.
X
Yankee
My vessel is stopped
and making no way
through the water.
Substitute Pennants
1st Substitute
2nd Substitute
3rd Substitute
Numeric Pennants
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I am dragging my
anchor.
Y
Lima
Mike
Stop carrying out your
intentions and watch
for my signals.
X-Ray
You should stop your
vessel instantly.
M
I require medical
assistance.
Whisky
Kilo
L
You appear not to be
complying with the traffic
separation scheme.
Victor
Kilo-November
J
You should hoist your
identity signal.
Uniform
Juliet-Golf
I
I am training: keep
clear of me.
Tango
Foxtrot-Oscar
H
I am testing speed.
Sierra
Echo-Delta
G
I require health
clearance.
Romeo
I am disabled;
communicate with me.
F
Follow my wake.
Quebec
Delta
E
I am in distress and
require immediate
assistance.
Papa
Alpha-Golf
D
Navigation is forbidden.
November-Alpha
Alpha-Foxtrot
Vessel about to put to
sea. By fishing vessels:
my nets are caught fast.
Tow me to the nearest
harbour or anchorage.
Kilo-Papa
AF
Oscar
Charlie
I have to leave my
vessel.
AE
Z
I require a tug.
Zulu
www.allianz-yachts.com
B-C-D-E-G-H-I-R-S and T signals can be transmitted by sound only
in accordance with the IRPCS. K-L-R and S signals have a particular
significances when they are employed as discharging signals to
guide the vessels with crews or people in distress.
www.ma.allianz.com
Understand /
End of emission