Nautical flags are used internationally to signal between two ships or between ship and shore. Sailors and boaters should learn about these flags and their meanings which help communicate with other ships even when they speak a different language to you.
Below is an alphabetical and numerical list of all the International Code of Signals Flags (ICS or INTERCO). Each letter of the alphabet has a different message associated. Flags can also spell out words individually. The Morse code and NATO phonetic alphabet equivalent is also included. For more detailed information see our guide book: Nautical Flag Alphabet
| Flag | Name / Phonetic Alphabet | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 | A Alfa Morse: . – | “I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.” |
 | B Bravo Morse: – . . . | “I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.” |
 | C Charlie Morse: – . – . | “Affirmative” or “Yes” |
 | D Delta Morse: – . . | “Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.” |
 | E Echo Morse: . | “I am altering my course to starboard.” |
 | F Foxtrot Morse: . . – . | “I am disabled; communicate with me.” |
 | G Golf Morse: – – . | “I require a pilot.” or by fishing vessels near fishing grounds: “I am hauling nets.” |
 | H Hotel Morse: . . . . | “I have a pilot on board.” |
 | I India Morse: . . | “I am altering my course to port.” |
 | J Juliett Morse: . – – – | “I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me.” or “I am leaking dangerous cargo.” |
 | K Kilo Morse: – . – | “I wish to communicate with you.” |
 | L Lima Morse: . – . . | “You should stop your vessel instantly.” |
 | M Mike Morse: – – | “My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.” |
 | N November Morse: – . | “Negative.” or “No” |
 | O Oscar Morse: – – – | “Man overboard.” (often attached to the man overboard pole on boats). |
 | P Papa Morse: . – – . | The Blue Peter. In harbour: All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea. At sea: “My nets have come fast upon an obstruction.” |
 | Q Quebec Morse: – – . – | “My vessel is ‘healthy’ and I request free pratique.” (Clearance that ship is free from infectious disease) |
 | R Romeo Morse: . – . | No international meaning. Prior to 1969: “The way is off my ship; you may feel your way past me.” |
 | S Sierra Morse: . . . | “I am operating astern propulsion.” |
 | T Tango Morse: – | “Keep clear of me.” Fishing boats: “Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.” |
 | U Uniform Morse: . . – | “You are running into danger.” |
 | V Victor Morse: . . . – | “I require assistance.” |
 | W Whiskey Morse: . – – | “I require medical assistance.” |
 | X X-Ray Morse: – . . – | “Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.” |
 | Y Yankee Morse: – . – – | “I am dragging my anchor.” |
 | Z Zulu Morse: – – . . | “I require a tug.” When made by fishing vessels close to fishing grounds: “I am shooting nets.” |
 | 0 Zero Morse: – – – – – | Numeral zero |
 | 1 One Morse: . – – – – | Numeral one |
 | 2 Two Morse: . . – – – | Numeral two |
 | 3 Three Morse: . . . – – | Numeral three |
 | 4 Four Morse: . . . . – | Numeral four |
 | 5 Five Morse: . . . . . | Numeral five |
 | 6 Six Morse: – . . . . | Numeral six |
 | 7 Seven Morse: – – . . . | Numeral seven |
 | 8 Eight Morse: – – – . . | Numeral eight |
 | 9 Nine Morse: – – – – . | Numeral nine |
 | Code Answer | “Message is understood.” Also, numeric decimal point. |
 | First Substitute | Substitute for the 1st flag in this hoist |
 | Second Substitute | Substitute for the 2nd flag in this hoist |
 | Third Substitute | Substitute for the 3rd flag in this hoist |