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International maritime signal flags are various flags used to communicate with ships. The principal system of flags and associated codes is the International Code of Signals . [ 1 ] Various navies have flag systems with additional flags and codes, and other flags are used in special uses, or have historical significance.
Flag Meaning As single flag With numeric complements A Alfa [ˈal.fa] "I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed." Azimuth or bearing B Bravo [ˈbrɑː.voʊ] "I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods." (Originally used by the Royal Navy specifically for military explosives.) C Charlie [ˈtʃɑː.li] "Affirmative." [a] [b]
Maritime flag signalling, generally flaghoist signalling, is the principal means other than radio by which ships communicate to each other or to shore (distinguished from flags showing nationality, ownership, or (for naval vessels) organizational status).
The rank flag or distinguishing flag is the flag worn by a superior officer on their flagship or headquarters (hence the term flagship). The origins of this are from the era before radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony, when orders were given by flag signals. The flag denotes the ship which must be watched for signals designating orders. Such ...
The meanings of the shapes are defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (ColRegs). Day shapes from ColRegs Day shapes are black in color and their sizes are determined by the ColRegs; for example, the size of the ball is not less than 0.6 metres (2.0 ft).
But they retain additional flags for naval usage (such as related to maneuvering or status), and use their own codes. E.g., in the ICS the single flag Mike means the vessel is stopped; in the U. S. Navy it means the duty medical officer is on board. Flaghoist was the only way ships could signal prior to the advent of radio and blinking light ...
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Flags may have individual significance as signals, or two or more flags may be manipulated so that their relative positions convey symbols. Flag signals allowed communication at a distance before the invention of radio and are still used especially in connection with ships.