Naval Signals

These flags form an internationally recognised set of signals (intended for use by ships at sea). There are the usual flags for alphanumeric characters (26 letters, 10 numbers) but there are others.

There is an answering pennant for acknowledging a received signal, and three 'subsitute' flags which are used to represent flags already used.

The substitute flags are used when you wish to show a flag that has already been used. The type of flag indicates which flag in the list you should repeat. For example if you wanted to send the message

A B C D E B

you would place the flags for A, B, C, D and E normally, and for the last flag you would use the blue/white second subsitute flag. This instructs the observer to 'repeat' the second flag in the list, namely the B.

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Naval Signals (Flags)
Important: Please note that all the flags here have a cyan background. This is NOT representing the true flag. The background was chosen to clearly outline the flag against any background images or similar colours.

Naval Flag

A
I have a diver down, keep well clear and at a slow speed

 

Naval Flag

B
I am taking on, carrying or discharging dangerous goods

 

Naval Flag

C
Yes, affirmative.

 

Naval Flag

D
Keep clear of me, I am manoeuvring with difficulty

Naval Flag

E
I am directing my course to starboard

 

Naval Flag

F
I am disabled, communicate with me

 

Naval Flag

G
I require a pilot; I am hauling nets

 

Naval Flag

H
I have a pilot on board

Naval Flag

I
I am directing my course to port

 

Naval Flag

J
I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board. Keep well clear

 

Naval Flag

K
I wish to communicate with you

 

Naval Flag

L
You should stop. I have something important to communicate

Naval Flag

M
My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water

 

Naval Flag

N
No, negative

 

Naval Flag

O
Man overboard

 

Naval Flag

P
The ship is about to leave port; Your lights are out or burning badly

Naval Flag

Q
My ship is healthy and I request free pratique.

 

Naval Flag

R
No signal

 

Naval Flag

S
My engines are going full astern

 

Naval Flag

T
Keep clear, I am engaged in pair trawling

Naval Flag

U
You are standing into danger

 

Naval Flag

V
I require assistance

 

Naval Flag

W
I require medical assistance

 

Naval Flag

X
Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals

Naval Flag

Y
I am dragging my anchor

 

Naval Flag

Z
I require a tug; I am shooting nets

       

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Naval Signals (Numeric)
Important: Please note that all the flags here have a cyan background. This is NOT representing the true flag. The background was chosen to clearly outline the flag against any background images or similar colours.

Naval Flag

1

 

Naval Flag

2

 

Naval Flag

3.

 

Naval Flag

4

Naval Flag

5

 

Naval Flag

6

 

Naval Flag

7

 

Naval Flag

8

Naval Flag

9

 

Naval Flag

0

       

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Naval Signals (Special)
Important: Please note that all the flags here have a cyan background. This is NOT representing the true flag. The background was chosen to clearly outline the flag against any background images or similar colours.

Naval Flag

Answering Pennant

 

Naval Flag

First Substitute

Naval Flag

Second Substitute

 

Naval Flag

Third Substitute

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