MEANINGS OF INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SIGNAL FLAGS

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International maritime signal flags are various flags used to communicate with ships. The principal system of flags and associated codes is the International Code of Signals.
Various navies have flag systems with additional flags and codes, and other flags are used in special uses, or have historical significance


A Alfa - Diver below (when stationary); I am undergoing a speed trial


B Bravo - I am taking on or discharging explosives


C Charlie - (affirmative)


D Delta - keep clear of me, I am manoevering with difficulty


E Echo - I am altering my course to starboard


F Foxtrot - I am disabled, communicate with me


G Golf - I require a pilot


H Hotel - I have a pilot on board


I India - I am altering my course to port


J Juliett - I am going to send a message by semaphore


K Kilo - you should stop your vessel instantly


L Lima - you should stop, I have something important to communicate


M Mike - I have a doctor on board


N November - no (negative)


O Oscar - man overboard


P Papa - the Blue Peter - all aboard, vessel is about to proceed sea. (At sea) your lights are out or burning badly


Q Quebec - my vessel is healthy and I request free practique


R Romeo - the way is off my ship. You may feel you way past me


S Sierra - my engines are going full speed astern


T Tango - do not pass ahead of me


U Uniform - you are standing into danger


V Victor - I require assistance (not distress)


W Whiskey - I require medical assistance


X Xray - stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals


Y Yankee - I am carrying mails


Z Zulu - to be used to address or call shore stations


Numeric Pennants

Numeral Pennants are used on ships to communicate numbers ranging from 1-10. These flags are used as part of the communication system known as the ICS (International Code of Signals) which is how ships communicate with each other at sea.


0 Zero


  1. This flag is used to denote the numeral "10"
  2. Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  3. Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  4. Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  5. Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

1 One


  1. This flag is used to denote the numeral "1"
  2. Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  3. Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  4. Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  5. Available in 6 Sizes:

    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

2 Two


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "2"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

3 Three


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "3"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

4 Four


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "4"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

5 Five


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "5"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

6 Six


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "6"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

7 Seven


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "7"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

8 Eight


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "8"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

9 Nine


  • This flag is used to denote the numeral "9"
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 24"
    • 16" x 36"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 54"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 108"

Substitute Pennants

Substitute & Answering Pennants are used to communicate various messages when used in conjunction with alphabet flags and numeral pennants as part of the ICS (International Code of Signals) communication system which is how ships communicate with each other at sea.


substitute 1; First substitute



  • This flag is used to denote a substitute for the first flag in this hoist. The flag also has the following other meanings:

    • Absence of flag officer or unit commander
    • General Recall
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 16"
    • 16" x 32"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 48"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 64"

substitute 2; Second substitute



  • This flag is used to denote a substitute for the second flag in this hoist. The flag also has the following other meanings:

    • Absence of chief of staff
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 16"
    • 16" x 32"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 48"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 64"

substitute 3; Third substitute



  • This flag is used to denote a substitute for the third flag in this hoist. The flag also has the following other meanings:

    • Absence of commanding officer
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 16"
    • 16" x 32"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 48"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 64"

Answering Pennant


 Code and answering pennant.


  • This flag denotes the following meanings:
    • Message is understood
    • Used to denote a decimal point with numerical pennants.
    • Flag that follows is from the International Code of Signals
    • Postponement
  • Flag is constructed of durable marine-grade nylon.
  • Finished with canvas heading and all brass grommets.
  • Fully sewn flag for maximum durability.
  • Available in 6 Sizes:
    • 8" x 16"
    • 16" x 32"
    • 24" x 36"
    • 24" x 48"
    • 36" x 60"
    • 32" x 64"

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