^{This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website}

International Code of Signals (A-M)

Maritime Signal Flags

See also:

Signal Flags
Maritime Signal Flag History
International Code of Signals (Overview)
International Code of Signals (N-Z)
International Code of Signals (Numeric)
International Code of Signals (Miscellaneous)
Extensions to the International Code of Signals
FOTW Vexillological Reference
FOTW Topical Index

Individually, each flag has a specific meaning. Below are the meanings from the 1951 Admiralty Manual of Seamanship and the newer meanings from the 1969 RYA Flags and Signals complied by David Prothero

ICS Letter A (Alpha)

image by Antonio Martins

Alpha; I am undergoing a speed trial, became: I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.

ICS Letter B (Bravo)

image by Antonio Martins

Bravo; I am taking in or discharging explosives: became, I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.

ICS Letter C (Charlie)

image by Antonio Martins

Charlie; Yes (Affirmative): became, Yes (Affirmative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative').

ICS Letter D (Delta)

image by Antonio Martins

ICS Letter E (Echo)

image by Antonio Martins

Echo; I am directing my course to starboard: became, I am altering my course to starboard.

ICS Letter F (Foxtrot}

image by Peter Hans van den Muijzenberg, 25 October 2005

ICS Letter G (Golf)

image by Antonio Martins

Golf; New additional meaning; (When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means 'I am hauling nets')

ICS Letter H (Hotel)

image by Antonio Martins

ICS Letter I (India)

image by Phil Nelson

India; I am directing my course to port: became, I am altering my course to port

ICS Letter J (Juliet)

image by Antonio Martins

Juliet; I am going to send a message by semaphore: became, I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me.

ICS Letter K (Kilo)

image by Antonio Martins

Kilo; You should stop your vessel instantly became, I wish to communicate with you.

ICS Letter L (Lima)

image by Antonio Martins

Lima; You should stop - I have something important to communicate: became, You should stop your vessel instantly.

ICS Letter M (Mike)

image by Antonio Martins

Mike; I have a doctor on board: became My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.

Flags of the World is produced and maintained by an Editorial Staff of unpaid volunteers and the contents of these pages are offered freely to the Internet community.
This Fotw.net mirror is sponsored by MrFlag.com (for flag and bunting ). Web design and eCommerce for MrFlag.com by Wired Media .