Signal flags
Twenty-six flags, each with one published meaning, readable across water at a distance where no word survives. A single flag hoisted alone says a complete sentence — I have a diver down, you are running into danger, man overboard.
They belong here for a second reason. The reference descriptions are written in blazon, the heraldic description language the Systems department catalogues — so this page is also a demonstration of that entry’s central claim. Every flag below was drawn from its blazon alone: the text under each one is the whole specification, and the picture is what falls out of reading it.
A Alfa
Swallowtailed, per pale argent and azure
I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
B Bravo
Swallowtailed, gules
I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods." (Originally used by the Royal Navy specifically for military explosives.)
C Charlie
Azure, a fess gules fimbriated argent
Affirmative.
D Delta
Or, a Spanish fess azure
Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.
E Echo
Per fess azure and gules
I am altering my course to starboard.
F Foxtrot
Argent, a lozenge throughout gules
I am disabled; communicate with me.
G Golf
Paly of six or and azure
I require a pilot."By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: "I am hauling nets.
H Hotel
Per pale argent and gules
I have a pilot on board.
I India
Or, a pellet
I am altering my course to port.
J Juliett
Azure, a fess argent
I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me."or"I am leaking dangerous cargo.
K Kilo
Per pale or and azure
I wish to communicate with you.
L Lima
Quarterly or and sable
Stop immediately.
M Mike
Azure, a saltire argent
My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
N November
Chequy of sixteen azure and argent
Negative.
O Oscar
Per bend gules and or
Man overboard." (often attached to the man overboard pole on boats).With a sinister hoist, the semaphore flag.
P Papa
Azure, an inescutcheon argent
The blue Peter.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
Or
My vessel is 'healthy' and I request free pratique.
R Romeo
Gules, a cross or
Prior to 1969: "The way is off my ship; you may feel your way past me.
S Sierra
Argent, an inescutcheon azure
I am operating astern propulsion.
T Tango
Tierced in pale gules, argent and azure
Keep clear of me."Fishing boats: "Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.
U Uniform
Quarterly gules and argent
You are running into danger.
V Victor
Argent, a saltire gules
I require assistance.
W Whiskey
Azure, an inescutcheon gules fimbriated argent
I require medical assistance.
X Xray
Argent, a cross azure
Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
Y Yankee
Bendy sinister of ten or and gules
I am dragging my anchor.
Z Zulu
Per saltire or, sable, gules and azure
I require a tug."By fishing vessels near fishing grounds: "I am shooting nets.