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UK Sailing, Sail Cruising
and Yachting Guide
International Maritime Signal Flags and their Meanings
AA
I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.

 B B
I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.

 C C
Yes (Affirmative,or The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative.)
D D
Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.

 E E
I am altering my course to starboard

 F F
I am disabled; communicate with me
G G
I require a pilot. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: I am hauling nets. 		H H
I have a pilot on board

 I I
I am altering my course to port
J J
I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me, or I am leaking dangerous cargo.

K K
I wish to communicate with you.

 L L
You should stop your vessel instantly.
M M
My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.

 N N
No (Negative, or The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative.)

O O
Man overboard
P P
The Blue Peter - all aboard, vessel is about to proceed sea. (At sea used by fishing vessels): 'My nets have come fast upon an obstruction'.

Q Q
My vessel is healthy and I request free practique

 R R
No current single flag meaning
S S
My engines are going astern

 T T
Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling

 U U
You are running into danger.
V V
I require assistance (not distress)

 W W
I require medical assistance

 X X
Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals
Y Y
I am dragging my anchor.

 Z Z
I require a tug.

 Answering Pennant Answering
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NC N + C
I am in distress