Naval/Maritime Signal Flag Codes

This thread is for Naval/Maritime Signal Flag Reference only. Only credible, verifiable links, or lists of important Naval/Maritime Signal Flag Reference Data should be posted here and discussed.

Any that is not, will be deleted.

So, here is the critical information. These are links to PDF files for each chapter of the:

Manual for International Maritime Signal Codes:









To come up with, or decipher flag codes, use the following International Signal Flag Code chart:


Most manuevering codes can be found in Chapter 2 of the manual.

Here is a link to the official US Navy Signal Codes:

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Alfa AL-fah I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
Bravo BRAH-voh I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous cargo.
Charlie CHAR-lee "Yes" or "affirmative".
Delta DELL-tah I am maneuvering with difficulty; keep clear.
Echo ECK-oh I am directing my course to starboard.

Foxtrot FOKS-trot I am disabled; communicate with me.
On aircraft carriers: Flight Operations underway
Golf GOLF I require a pilot.
Hotel hoh-TELL I have a pilot on board.
India IN-dee-ah Coming alongside. I am directing my course to port.
Juliet JEW-lee-ett I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear.

Kilo KEY-loh I wish to communicate with you.
Lima LEE-mah You should stop your vessel immediately.
Mike MIKE My vessel is stopped; making no way.
November no-VEM-bur No or negative.
Oscar OSS-kur Man overboard.

Papa pah-PAH All personnel return to ship; proceeding to sea (Inport).
Quebec kay-BECK Boat recall; all boats return to ship. Ship meets health regs; request clearance into port.
Romeo ROH-me-oh Preparing to replenish (At sea). Ready duty ship (Inport). None.
Sierra see-AIR-ah Conducting flag hoist drill. Moving astern.
Tango TANG-go Do not pass ahead of me. Keep clear; engaged in trawling.

Uniform YOU-nee-form You are running into danger.
Victor VIK-tah I require assistance.
Whiskey WISS-kee I require medical assistance.
Xray ECKS-ray Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
Yankee YANG-kee Ship has visual communications duty. I am dragging anchor.

Zulu ZOO-loo I require a tug.
Code/Answer Code or Answer Flag that follows is from the International Code of Signals. Message is understood. Also, numeric decimal point.
First substitute First sub Absence of flag officer or unit commander (Inport). Substitute for the first flag in this hoist.
Second substitute Second sub Absence of chief of staff (Inport). Substitute for the second flag in this hoist.
Third substitute Third sub Absence of commanding officer (Inport). Substitute for the third flag in this hoist.

Fourth substitute Fourth sub Absence of civil or military official whose flag is flying on this ship. Substitute for the fourth flag in this hoist.
One WUN Numeral one. None.
Two TOO Numeral two. None.
Three TREE Numeral three. None.
Four FOW-er Numeral four. None.

Five FIFE Numeral five. None.
Six SICKS Numeral six. None.
Seven SEV-en Numeral seven. None.
Eight AIT Numeral eight. None.
Nine NIN-er Numeral nine. None.