Maritime Signal Flag Reference
ICS single-flag meanings A–Z (Alfa…Zulu).
Single-letter meanings from the International Code of Signals (ICS). When flown alone each flag has a specific operational meaning.
| Flag | Name | Single-flag meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A | Alfa | Diver below; keep clear |
| B | Bravo | Carrying dangerous cargo |
| C | Charlie | Yes / affirmative |
| D | Delta | Keep clear; manoeuvring with difficulty |
| E | Echo | Altering course to starboard |
| F | Foxtrot | Disabled; communicate with me |
| G | Golf | I require a pilot |
| H | Hotel | Pilot on board |
| I | India | Altering course to port |
| J | Juliet | Have a fire / dangerous cargo |
| K | Kilo | I wish to communicate |
| L | Lima | Stop your vessel instantly |
| M | Mike | My vessel is stopped |
| N | November | Negative |
| O | Oscar | Man overboard |
| P | Papa | Vessel about to sail (in port) / nets fast (at sea) |
| Q | Quebec | Request free pratique |
| R | Romeo | (no single-flag meaning) |
| S | Sierra | Engines going astern |
| T | Tango | Keep clear; pair trawling |
| U | Uniform | You are running into danger |
| V | Victor | I require assistance |
| W | Whiskey | I require medical assistance |
| X | X-ray | Stop carrying out your intentions |
| Y | Yankee | Dragging anchor |
| Z | Zulu | I require a tug |