The aim of this post is to make you aware, the meaning of International Maritime Signal Flags and Pennants. These flags and pennants are hoisted in the mast of the ship depending on the requirement of the ship. The flags and pennants (indicating alphabets and numbers) and the meaning they convey are given below:
A - Diver below (when stationary); I am undergoing a speed trial
B - I am taking on or discharging explosives
C - (affirmative)
D - keep clear of me, I am manoevering with difficulty
E - I am altering my course to starboard
F - I am disabled, communicate with me
G - I require a pilot
H - I have a pilot on board
I - I am altering my course to port
J - I am going to send a message by semaphore
K - you should stop your vessel instantly
L - you should stop, I have something important to communicate
M - I have a doctor on board
N - no (negative)
O - man overboard
P - the Blue Peter - all aboard, vessel is about to proceed sea. (At sea) your lights are out or burning badly
Q - my vessel is healthy and I request free practique
R - the way is off my ship. You may feel you way past me
S - my engines are going full speed astern
T - do not pass ahead of me
U - you are standing into danger
V - I require assistance (not distress)
W - I require medical assistance
X - stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals
Y - I am carrying mails
Z - to be used to address or call shore stations
Answering Pennant
Code and answering pennant.
Numeric Pennants
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Substitute Pennants
substitute 1;
substitute 2;
substitute 3;
Distress
![clip_image014[1]](http://www.marinebuzz.com/marinebuzzuploads/MeaningsofInternationalMaritimeSignalFla_FE00/clip_image0141.gif)
![clip_image003[1]](http://www.marinebuzz.com/marinebuzzuploads/MeaningsofInternationalMaritimeSignalFla_FE00/clip_image0031.gif)
N + C - I am in distress
Image Source: http://www.anbg.gov.au/flags/signal-meaning.html
Update: September 16, 2008
A chart that explains signal flags with relevant morse code is available here at Military Alphabet.
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