Marine Signal Flags
These flags are international signals used by ships at sea to spell out short messages, or more commonly, used individually or in combination they have special meanings.
 |
Diver below (when stationary); Keep clear see note... |
|
 |
I am taking on, discharging, or carrying dangerous cargo | |
 |
"Yes" or "affirmative" | |
 |
I am maneuvering with difficulty; keep clear | |
 |
I am altering my course to starboard | |
 |
I am disabled, communicate with me | |
 |
I require a pilot | |
 |
I have a pilot on board | |
 |
I am altering my course to port | |
 |
I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear | |
 |
I wish to communicate with you | |
 |
You should stop your vessel immediately | |
 |
My vessel is stopped (Not international but commonly used: Doctor on board) | |
 |
"No" or "negative" | |
 |
Man overboard | |
 |
All personnel return to ship; about to sail - the Blue Peter | |
 |
Ship meets health regulations; request clearance into port | |
 |
None (previous meaning: The way is off my ship. You may feel your way past me) | |
 |
I am moving astern | |
 |
Keep clear (Not international but commonly used: Request for club launch) | |
 |
You are standing into danger | |
 |
I require assistance (not distress) | |
 |
I require medical assistance | |
 |
Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals | |
 |
I am dragging anchor | |
 |
I require a tug | |
| Combination Example | ||
  |
There are many flag combinations with
additional meanings. Here's one that we hope you won't have
to use: N + C I am in distress |
|
| Diver Down | ||
 |
The red flag with white diagonal stripe, while not international, is commonly used to indicate a diver in the water. Many states now require this flag. It is usually exhibited on a float to mark the diver's approximate location whereas the "A" flag should be used on the vessel. | |
Any questions not addressed in the above pages or in this website, should be
forwarded by email to Technical Support.
- http://www.ecophotoexplorers.com/contacts.asp?subject=Technical Support#form
