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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. [2]
The International Code of Signals (INTERCO) is an international system of signals and codes for use by vessels to communicate important messages regarding safety of navigation and related matters. Signals can be sent by flaghoist , signal lamp ("blinker"), flag semaphore , radiotelegraphy, and radiotelephony.
The code numbers typically would have been hoisted on the mizzenmast, one after another, preceded by the "telegraphic flag" (a red over white diagonally-split flag) [10] to show that the subsequent signals would employ the Popham code. [11] As well as digit flags, the code used "repeat" flags so that only one set of digits was needed; thus the ...
Despite the NATO sharing the same alphabetic flags as the International Code of Signals, the meanings are not shared between the codes. Furthermore, the NATO code uses a number of special flags which alter the meaning of the hoist. All below signals have been taken from a 2003 unclassified NATO codebook. [5]
A designator flag is used to indicate if a flaghoist signal is meant to be interpreted as an ICS signal or as a naval signal. The U.S. Navy uses a set of 68 flags, including flags for each letter of the alphabet and each numeral to convey messages of tactical or administrative nature. [2] [better source needed]
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 ...
A diver getting ready to dive in front of an alpha flag. As a code signal the International maritime signal flag Alpha (or "Alfa", signifying the letter "A") has the meaning of "I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed", [1] used to indicate that the vessel has limited maneuverability, and the presence of a diver in the water around the boat.
The Z flag is a diagonally quartered square consisting of four isosceles triangles with their apexes meeting in the center of the square – a yellow triangle on the top, blue at the fly (right), red on the bottom, black at the hoist (left). It is the only flag in the international maritime flag set to use four colors.