Nautical Flags AAlfa “I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.” BBravo “I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.” (Originally used by the Royal Navy specifically for military explosives.) CCharlie “Affirmative” D Delta “Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.” EEcho “I am altering my course to starboard.” FFoxtrot “I am disabled; communicate with me.” G Golf “I require a pilot.” By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: “I am hauling nets.” HHotel “I have a pilot on board.” IIndia “I am altering my course to port.” J Juliet “I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me.” or “I am leaking dangerous cargo.” K Kilo “I wish to communicate with you.” LLima In harbour: “The ship is quarantined.” At sea: “You should stop your vessel instantly.” MMike “My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.” NNovember “Negative.” OOscar “Man overboard.”(often attached to the man overboard pole on boats). With a sinister hoist, the semaphore flag. PPapa 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.” QQuebec “My vessel is ‘healthy’ and I request free pratique.” RRomeo No ICS meaning as single flag. SSierra “I am operating astern propulsion.” TTango “Keep clear of me.” Fishing boats: “Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.” UUniform “You are running into danger.” VVictor “I require assistance.” WWhiskey “I require medical assistance.” XXray “Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.” YYankee “I am dragging my anchor.” ZZulu “I require a tug.” By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: “I am shooting nets.”