FLAGS & SIGNALS

The use of flags for signalling other ships goes way back to the days of sail , so why is of importance today ? Well even the most advanced technology breaks down now and again . In times of hostilities sometimes communication by flags is more adviseable than by electronic means which could be detected or intercepted . The flags also have an international standing and meaning allowing people from different nations to communicate easily . Different countries place different levels of importance to flags , some demand and enforce a strict flag etiquette while others are more lax . Below are the international maritime signal flags and their meaning . It should be noted that some nations have another localised meaning for a particular flag which is not stated here .

Numerical Flags

These flags are all in the shape of pennants

1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	0

Alphabetic Single Hoist Flags

These flags come in 2 shapes ;

the Burgee - flags A & B
and normal

A I have a diver down please pass at slow speed	B I am carrying , loading or discharging dangerous goods	C Yes or affirmative
D I am manoeuvring with difficulty , please keep clear	E I am altering course to starboard	F I am disabled , communicate with me
G I require a pilot or when made by fishing vessels I am hauling my nets	H I have a pilot onboard	I I am altering my course to port
J I am on fire Keep clear	K Communictae with me	L You should stop immediately
M I am stopped and making no way through the water	N No or Negative	O Man Overboard
P The Blue Peter All aboard the vessel is about to set sail	Q My ship is healthy and I require free pratique	R This flag has no set meaning
S I am operating stern propulsion	T Keep clear of me or when made by fishing boats I am engaged in pair trawling	U You are sailing into danger
V I require assistance	W I require medical assistance	X Stop what you are doing and watch for my signals
Y I am dragging my anchor		Z I require a tug or when made by fishing boats I am shooting my nets

Substitutes

	1st Substitute
	2nd Substitute
	3rd Substitute

Others

Code and Answering Pennant

Flags can also be hoisted in combination withothers to give new meanings . I have listed some below ;

AE = I must abandon my vessel
BF = Aircraft is ditched in position indicated and requires immediate assistance
CB = I require immediate assistance
CB6 = I require immediate assistance , I am on fire
CP = I am proceeding to your assistance
DX = I am sinking
ED = Your distress signals are understood
EL = Repeat the distress position
NE2 = Submarines in vicinity - keep clear
NG = In Distress
RU8 = Submarine about to surface within next 30 minutes within 2 miles of me

Distress and Life Saving Signals

If you go to sea you SHOULD know the following signals ;