Phonetic Alphabet, Morse Code & Code Flags
Sadly this is becoming a dying art but knowledge of flag meanings and Morse could help keep you out of danger or save your life. The phonetic alphabet is included as well.
Single-letter signals may be made by any method of signalling. Those marked * when made by sound must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, Rules 34 and 35. Signals K and S have special meaning as landing signals for small boats with persons in distress. In the phonetic alphabet, the syllables to be emphasised are in italics.
| Phonetic Alphabet | Morse Code | Code Flag | Single-letter Signal | |
| A | ALPHA pronounced AL FAH |
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I have a diver down. Keep clear |
| B | *BRAVO pronounced BRA VOH |
|
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I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous goods |
| C | *CHARLIE pronounced CHAR LEE |
|
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Yes (affirmative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative') |
| D | *DELTA pronounced DELL TAH |
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Keep clear of me; I am manoeuvring with difficulty |
| E | *ECHO pronounced ECK OH |
|
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I am altering my course to starboard |
| F | FOXTROT pronounced FOKS TROT |
|
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I am disabled. Communicate with me |
| G | *GOLF pronounced GOLF |
|
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I require a pilot. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: I am hauling nets |
| H | *HOTEL pronounced HOH TELL |
|
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I have a pilot on board |
| I | *INDIA pronounced IN DEE AH |
|
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I am altering my course to port |
| J | JULIET pronounced JEW LEE ET |
|
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I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me |
| K | KILO pronounced KEE LOH |
|
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I wish to communicate with you |
| L | LIMA pronounced LEE MAH |
|
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You should stop your vessel instantly. |
| M | *MIKE pronounced MIKE |
|
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My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water |
| N | NOVEMBER pronounced NO VEM BER |
|
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No (negative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative'). This signal may only be given visually or by sound |
| O | OSCAR pronounced OSS CAH |
|
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Man overboard |
| P | PAPA pronounced PAH PAH |
|
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In harbour: all persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea. At sea: it may be used by fishing vessels to mean 'My nets have come fast upon an obstruction' |
| Q | QUEBEC pronounced KEH BECK |
|
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My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique |
| R | ROMEO pronounced ROW ME OH |
|
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(no single letter meaning) |
| S | *SIERRA pronounced SEE AIR RAH |
|
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I am operating astern propulsion. The significance of this signal is as likely to be "I am slowing down" as it is to be "I am about to gather sternway". |
| T | *TANGO pronounced TANG GO |
|
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Keep clear - I am engaged in pair trawling |
| U | UNIFORM pronounced YOU NEE FORM |
|
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You are running into danger |
| V | VICTOR pronounced VIK TAH |
|
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I require assistance |
| W | WHISKEY pronounced WISS KEY |
|
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I require medical assistance |
| X | X-RAY pronounced ECKS RAY |
|
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Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals |
| Y | YANKEE pronounced YANG KEY |
|
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I am dragging my anchor |
| Z | *ZULU pronounced ZOO LOO |
|
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I require a tug. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: 'I am shooting nets' |
| 1 | pronounced WUN | |
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| 2 | pronounced TOO | |
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| 3 | pronounced TREE | |
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| 4 | pronounced FOWER | |
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| 5 | pronounced FIVE | |
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| 6 | pronounced SIX | |
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| 7 | pronounced SEVEN | |
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| 8 | pronounced AIT | |
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| 9 | pronounced NINER | |
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| 0 | pronounced ZERO | |
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| First Subsitute |  |
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| Third Subsitute |  |