These signal flags are used to communicate while maintaining radio silence. Navy Signalmen transmit messages by hoisting a flag or a series of flags on a halyard. Each side of the ship has halyards and a "flag bag", containing a full set of signal flags.   In addition they can use the flags to spell out words as we have done and will do throughout this site.

Use the flags below to determine the coded messages throughout this site.
 

Flag Name Meaning
Alfa I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
Bravo I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous cargo.
Charlie "Yes" or "affirmative".
Delta I am maneuvering with difficulty; keep clear.
Echo I am directing my course to starboard.
Foxtrot I am disabled; communicate with me.
On aircraft carriers: Flight Operations underway
Golf I require a pilot.
Hotel I have a pilot on board.
India Coming alongside.
Juliet I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear.
Kilo I wish to communicate with you.
Lima You should stop your vessel immediately.
Mike My vessel is stopped; making no way.
November No or negative.
Oscar Man overboard.
Papa All personnel return to ship; proceeding to sea (Inport).
Quebec Boat recall; all boats return to ship.
Romeo Preparing to replenish (At sea). Ready duty ship (Inport).
Sierra Conducting flag hoist drill.
Tango Do not pass ahead of me.
Uniform You are running into danger.
Victor I require assistance.
Whiskey I require medical assistance.
Xray Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
Yankee Ship has visual communications duty.
Zulu I require a tug.
Code/Answer Flag that follows is from the International Code of Signals.
First substitute Absence of flag officer or unit commander (Inport).
Second substitute Absence of chief of staff (Inport).
Third substitute Absence of commanding officer (Inport).
Fourth substitute Absence of civil or military official whose flag is flying on this ship.
One Numeral one.
Two Numeral two.
Three Numeral three.
Four Numeral four.
Five Numeral five.
Six Numeral six.
Seven Numeral seven.
Eight Numeral eight.
Nine Numeral nine.
Zero Numeral zero.
Pennant one Pennant one.
Pennant two Pennant two.
Pennant three Pennant three.
Pennant four Pennant four.
Pennant five Pennant five.
Pennant six Pennant six.
Pennant seven Pennant seven.
Pennant eight Pennant eight.
Pennant Nine Pennant nine.
Pennant zero Pennant zero.