Nautical Flags
![nautical flag A](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/297.png)
A
Alfa
“I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.”
![nautical flag B](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/298.png)
B
Bravo
“I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.” (Originally used by the Royal Navy specifically for military explosives.)
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/299.png)
C
Charlie
“Affirmative”
![nautical flag D](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/300.png)
D
Delta
“Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.”
![nautical flag E](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/301.png)
E
Echo
“I am altering my course to starboard.”
![nautical flag F](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/302.png)
F
Foxtrot
“I am disabled; communicate with me.”
![nautical flag G](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/303.png)
G
Golf
“I require a pilot.”
By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: “I am hauling nets.”
![nautical flag H](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/304.png)
H
Hotel
“I have a pilot on board.”
![nautical flag I](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/305.png)
I
India
“I am altering my course to port.”
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/306.png)
J
Juliet
“I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me.”
or
“I am leaking dangerous cargo.”
![nautical flag K](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/307.png)
K
Kilo
“I wish to communicate with you.”
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/308.png)
L
Lima
In harbour: “The ship is quarantined.”
At sea: “You should stop your vessel instantly.”
![nautical flag M](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/309.png)
M
Mike
“My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.”
![nautical flag N](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/310.png)
N
November
“Negative.”
![nautical flag O](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/311.png)
O
Oscar
“Man overboard.”(often attached to the man overboard pole on boats).
With a sinister hoist, the semaphore flag.
![nautical flag P](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/312.png)
P
Papa
The blue Peter.
In harbour: All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.
At sea: It may be used by fishing vessels to mean: “My nets have come fast upon an obstruction.”
![nautical flag Q](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/313.png)
Q
Quebec
“My vessel is ‘healthy’ and I request free pratique.”
![nautical flag R](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/314.png)
R
Romeo
No ICS meaning as single flag.
![nautical flag S](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/315.png)
S
Sierra
“I am operating astern propulsion.”
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/316.png)
T
Tango
“Keep clear of me.”
Fishing boats: “Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.”
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/317.png)
U
Uniform
“You are running into danger.”
![nautical flag V](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/318.png)
V
Victor
“I require assistance.”
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/319.png)
W
Whiskey
“I require medical assistance.”
![nautical flag X](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/320.png)
X
Xray
“Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.”
![nautical flag Y](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/321.png)
Y
Yankee
“I am dragging my anchor.”
![nautical flag Z](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/322.png)