Nautical signal flags A–Z

The 26 letter flags of the International Code of Signals, used by ships worldwide. Each letter has a flag and a phonetic name, from Alfa to Zulu, and most also carry an urgent message when flown on their own.

• A Alfa
• B Bravo
• C Charlie
• D Delta
• E Echo
• F Foxtrot
• G Golf
• H Hotel
• I India
• J Juliett
• K Kilo
• L Lima
• M Mike
• N November
• O Oscar
• P Papa
• Q Quebec
• R Romeo
• S Sierra
• T Tango
• U Uniform
• V Victor
• W Whiskey
• X X-ray
• Y Yankee
• Z Zulu

What each signal flag means

Flag	Letter	Meaning when flown alone
	A Alfa	I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
	B Bravo	I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
	C Charlie	Yes (affirmative).
	D Delta	Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.
	E Echo	I am altering my course to starboard.
	F Foxtrot	I am disabled; communicate with me.
	G Golf	I require a pilot.
	H Hotel	I have a pilot on board.
	I India	I am altering my course to port.
	J Juliett	I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me, or I am leaking dangerous cargo.
	K Kilo	I wish to communicate with you.
	L Lima	You should stop your vessel instantly.
	M Mike	My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
	N November	No (negative).
	O Oscar	Man overboard.
	P Papa	In harbor: all persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.
	Q Quebec	My vessel is "healthy" and I request free pratique.
	R Romeo	No single-flag meaning
	S Sierra	I am operating astern propulsion.
	T Tango	Keep clear of me; I am engaged in 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 and watch for my signals.
	Y Yankee	I am dragging my anchor.
	Z Zulu	I require a tug.

Meanings from the International Code of Signals (IMO). Flags are often combined into two- and three-letter signals with different meanings.