Did you know that? The Navy has a flag alphabet. Each letter or number has a meaning. Flags form a language. Alone or in combination, they indicate a situation.
The best known are the A which means, "I have divers in diving" but the Q is also known because you have to hoist it when you arrive in a new country, to ask for customs operations
Today, in the wanderings of easy communications, the pavilion is totally obsolete. But it retains the charm of traditional navigation. And a little nautical culture never hurts.
A (Alpha)
I've got a scuba diver, stand clear and move slowly.
B (Bravo)
I load, or unload, or transport dangerous goods.
C (Charlie)
Yes (affirmative answer), or the above group should be understood as an affirmation
D (Delta)
Don't get in my way, I'm a difficult maneuver..
E (Echoing)
I'm coming to starboard
F (Foxtrot)
I'm distraught, contact me.
G (Golf)
I need a pilot; By a fishing boat: "I'm hauling my nets"
H (Hotel)
I have a pilot on board
I (India)
I'm coming around to port
J (Juliet)
Keep away I have a fire on board and I am carrying dangerous goods, or I have a leak of dangerous substances.
K (Kilo)
I would like to contact you or I invite you to pass on.
L (Lima)
Stop your ship immediately.
M (Mike)
My ship is stopped and has no more wanderings..
N (November)
No (negative response), or the above signal must be understood in negative form.
O (Oscar)
P (Dad)
In port: All persons must report on board, the ship is about to set sail.
Q (Quebec)
My ship is unharmed, I demand free practice.
R (Romeo)
Procedure signal
S (Sierra)
I'm beating back.
T (Tango)
Don't mind me, I'm twin trawling.
U (Uniform)
You're running into danger
V (Victor)
I request assistance
W (Whiskey)
Request for medical assistance
X (X-ray)
Stop your maneuvers and watch for my signals..
Y (Yankee)
My anchor is hunting
Z (Zulu)
I need a tugboat. "By a fishing boat": I'm putting my nets in the water.
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Overview
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