INTERNATION CODE OF SIGNALS USED IN DEFENCE

The International Code of Signal Flags is a system used by ships to communicate important messages regarding navigation and safety. It consists of a set of flags, each representing a letter of the alphabet, a numeral, or a specific message. These flags can be flown individually or in combinations to convey complex information. Developed in the 19th century, the code enables vessels from different countries and with different languages to understand each other, thereby enhancing maritime safety and coordination. The use of signal flags is crucial for scenarios such as distress signals, maneuvering instructions, and other vital communications at sea.
The International Code of Signal Flags, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is integral to maritime communication. Each flag has a distinct design and color scheme, enabling easy identification from a distance. When multiple flags are used together, they can spell out words or convey predefined messages, covering a wide range of situations such as emergency alerts, navigational warnings, and routine operational signals. For example, the "Bravo" flag signifies that the ship is carrying dangerous cargo, while the "Alpha" flag indicates that a diver is down and other vessels should keep clear.In addition to individual flags, there are also combinations that convey specific phrases. For instance, "NC" together means "I am in distress and require immediate assistance." The simplicity and universality of the system make it a reliable means of communication, even in poor weather conditions or when radio silence is required. The International Code of Signal Flags remains a vital tool for maritime operations, ensuring that ships can effectively communicate regardless of language barriers, thereby promoting safety and efficiency at sea.
Beyond its primary function in maritime navigation and safety, the International Code of Signal Flags plays a role in ceremonial and protocol contexts. Ships use these flags during events such as fleet reviews, national celebrations, and to signal honors to visiting dignitaries or other vessels. Each flag's design, consisting of bright colors and distinct patterns, ensures visibility over long distances and in varying weather conditions, which is critical for maintaining clear communication.The code's origins date back to the early 19th century when international trade and naval operations necessitated a standardized method of communication. Over time, the system has evolved, incorporating flags to represent numerals and special signals, which extend its versatility. Training in the use of these flags is part of the standard curriculum for maritime professionals, ensuring that all personnel can interpret and deploy them correctly.Furthermore, technological advancements have not diminished the relevance of signal flags. While modern ships are equipped with advanced communication systems such as radios and satellite links, signal flags provide a fail-safe

1. SINGLE FLAG MEANINGS FROM
INTERNATIONAL
CODE OF SIGNALS

2. FLAG ALFA
MEANING :
I HAVE A DIVER DOWN. KEEP WELL CLEAR AT SLOW
SPEED

3. MEANING: I AM TAKING IN, OR CARRYING
DANGEROUS GOODS
FLAG BRAVO

4. FLAG CHARLIE
MEANING YES (AFFIRMATIVE OR “THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PREVIOUS GROUP
SHOULD BE READ IN THE AFFIRMATIVE”)

5. FLAG DELTA
MEANING: KEEP CLEAR OF ME. I AM
MANOEUVRING WITH DIFFICULTY.

6. FLAG ECHO
MEANING: I AM ALTERING MY COURSE
TO STARBOARD

7. FLAG FOXTROT
MEANING: I AM DISABLED. COMMUNICATE
WITH ME

8. FLAG GOLF
MEANING: I REQUIRE A PILOT.
WHEN MADE BY FISHING VESSELS OPERATING IN
CLOSE PROXIMITY ON THE FISHING GROUNDS IT
MEANS : “ I AM HAULING NETS ”

9. MEANING:I HAVE A PILOT ONBOARD
FLAG HOTEL

10. MEANING :I AM ALTERING MY COURSE TO
PORT
FLAG INDIA

11. FLAG JULIET
MEANING: I AM ON FIRE AND HAVE DANGEROUS
CARGO ON BOARD. KEEP WELL CLEAR OF ME.

12. MEANING :I WISH TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU
FLAG KILO

13. MEANING:YOU SHOULD STOP VESSEL INSTANTLY
FLAG LIMA

14. FLAG MIKE
MEANING:
MY VESSEL IS STOPPED AND MAKING NO WAY
THROUGH THE WATER.

15. FLAG NOVEMBER
MEANING : NO (NEGATIVE OR “THE SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE PREVIOUS GROUP SHUOLD BE READ IN THE
NEGATIVE”) THIS SIGNAL MAY BE GIVEN ONLY
VISUALLY OR BY SOUND. FOR VOICE OR RADIO
TRANSMISSION THE SIGNAL SHOULD BE “NO”

16. MEANING: MAN OVERBOARD
FLAG OSCAR

17. FLAG PAPA
MEANING: IN HARBOURALL PERSONNEL 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

18. MEANING: MY VESSEL IS HEALTHY, AND I
REQUEST FREE PRETIQUE
FLAG QUEBEC

19. FLAG ROMEO
MEANING: ROGER

20. FLAG SIERRA
MEANING: MY ENGINES ARE GOING ASTERN

21. FLAG TANGO
MEANING: KEEP CLEAR OF ME. I AM
ENGAGED IN PAIR TRAWLING

22. MEANING:YOU ARE RUNNING INTO DANGER
FLAG UNIFORM

23. FLAG VICTOR
MEANING: I REQUIRE ASSISTANCE

24. FLAG WHISKY
MEANING: I REQUIRE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

25. FLAG X-RAY
MEANING :STOP CARRYING OUT YOUR
INTENTIONS AND WATCH FOR MY SIGNALS.

26. FLAG YANKEE
MEANING: I AM DRAGGING MY ANCHOR

27. MEANING:I REQUIRE A TUG
FLAG ZULU

28. NUMERAL FLAGS

30. FLAG FOUR

31. FLAG FIVE

32. FLAG SEVEN

33. FLAG EIGHT

34. FLAG NINE

35. FLAG SIX

36. FLAG ZERO

47. PENNANT ONE

48. PENNANT TWO

51. PENNANT THREE

52. PENNANT ZERO

54. PENNANT NINE

55. PENNANT SEVEN

56. PENNANT SIX

57. PENNANT FOUR

59. PENNANT EIGHT

62. CODE AND ANSWERING PENNANT

68. FLAG ZULU

69. FLAG ONE

70. FLAG TWO

71. FLAG THREE

73. Flag ‘U’
Horizontally
“Cable Up
and Down”
Flag ‘U’
Vertically
“Anchor
Aweigh”
Flag ‘A’
Vertically
“Clear
Anchor ”
Flag ‘N’
Vertically
“Foul
Anchor ”
Flag ‘C’
Horizontally
“Anchor
clear of
water”
Flag ‘C’
Vertically
“Anchor
Secured”