Did you know? The navy has a flag alphabet. Each letter or number has a meaning. Flags form a language. Alone or in combination, they indicate a situation.
The best-known are the A, which means "I've got scuba divers", but the Q is also well known because you have to hoist it when you arrive in a new country, to apply for customs clearance...
In today's age of easy communications, flag-making is totally obsolete. But it still retains the charm of traditional sailing. And a little nautical culture never hurts.
A (Alpha)
I've got a scuba diver, so keep your distance and move slowly.
B (Bravo)
I load, unload or transport dangerous goods.
C (Charlie)
Yes (affirmative answer), or the preceding group must be understood as an affirmation
D (Delta)
Don't bother me, I'm maneuvering with difficulty
E (Echo)
I'm coming to starboard
F (Foxtrot)
I'm at a loss, please contact me.
G (Golf)
I need a pilot; From a fishing vessel: "I raise my nets"
H (Hotel)
I've got a pilot on board
I (India)
I'm coming to port
J (Juliet)
I've got a fire on board and I'm transporting dangerous goods, or I've got a leak of dangerous substances.
K (Kilo)
I wish to communicate with you or I invite you to transmit.
L (Lima)
Stop your ship immediately.
M (Mike)
My ship is stopped and has no way to go
N (November)
No (negative response), or the preceding signal must be understood in negative form.
O (Oscar)
P (Dad)
In port: All persons must report on board, as the ship is about to set sail.
Q (Quebec)
My ship is unharmed, I ask for free practice.
R (Romeo)
Procedure signal
S (Sierra)
I beat back.
T (Tango)
Don't mind me, I'm a twin trawler.
U (Uniform)
You're running into danger
V (Victor)
I need assistance
W (Whiskey)
Request for medical assistance
X (X-ray)
Stop your maneuvers and watch for my signals
Y (Yankee)
My hunting anchor
Z (Zulu)
I need a tugboat. "By a fishing vessel": I put my nets in the water.
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Overview
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