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INTERNATIONAL CODES OF SIGNAL FLAGS

This is a method of communication over a short range being limited for transmitting and

receiving stations to be in sight of each other. All british ships are obliged to carry full set of 

interrnation code of signals. The flags cover the alphabet from a to z, plus three substitutes,

and the numeral from 0 to 9; and there is a code and answering pendant. The system isextremely useful for communication if radio silence has to be maintained as when country in

engaged in hostilities. The method proved ideal for signal transmission between ships in convoy

and has shown itself to be a speedy communications system when employing single or double

flag hoist. Where code groups are used, it is time consuming in transmission and in decoding

the message received. During peaceful trading, single letter hoists tend to play a major part in

harbor, or port control when regards to the pilot service, port health clearance, fishing boats,

emergency, signals and the like. It is requirement of all deck cadet officers to be alert for the

use of a single letter and important double letter flag hoists.

The following are the international signal flags, its name as well as its meaning.

FLAG NAME MEANING

ALPHAI have a driver down; keep

well clear at low speed

BRAVOI am taking in, or discharging,

or carrying Dangerous goods.

CHARLIE

Yes (affirmative or the

significance of the previous

group shoul be read

affirmative)

DELTAKeeps clear of me; I am

maneuvering with difficulty.

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ECHOI am altering my course to

starboard.

FOXTROTI am disabled; communicate

with me.

GOLF

I require a pilot. When made

bu fishing vessels operating in

close proximity on fishing

grounds it means I am

hauling the nets.

HOTEL I have a pilot on board.

INDIAI am altering my course to

port.

JULIET

I am on fire and have

dangerous cargo on board:

keep well clear or me.

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KILOI wish to communicate with

you.

LIMAYou should stop your vessel

instantly.

MIKE

My vessel is stoped and

making no way through the

water.

NOVEMBER

No(negative or thesignifacance of the previous

group should be read

negative) This signal may not

be given only visually or by

sound. For voice or radio

transmission the sound signal

be NO

OSCAR Man over board.

PAPA

In harbour. All persons should

report on board as the vessel

is about to proceed to sea. Atsea. It may be used for fishing

vessels to mean: have come

fast upon obstruction.

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QUEBECMy vessel is healthy and I

request free pratique.

SIERRAI am operati9ng astern

propulsion.

TANGOKeep clear of me, I am

angaged in pair trawling.

UNIFORM You are running into danger.

VICTOR I require assistance.

WHISKY I require medical assiatance.

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X RAY

Stop carrying out your

intentions and watch for my

signals.

YANKEE I am dragging my anchor.

ZULU

I require a tug. When made by

fishing cessels operating. In

close proxiity on the fishing

grounds it means I am

shooting nets.