Meanings of International Maritime Signal Flags. The First International Code was drafted in 1855 by a Committee set up by the British Board of Trade. The four NATO substitute flags are as follows: The International Code of Signals includes only the first three of these substitute flags. AD: I am abandoning my vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident and is a possible source of radiation danger. It contained 70,000 signals using eighteen flags and was published by the British Board of Trade in 1857 in two parts; the first containing universal and international signals and the second British signals only. Brush up on your boating knowledge with our handy Boating Flag Traditions and Etiquette guide. International code of signal flags are used to communicate between ships or between a ship and the shore. Substitute or repeater flags allow messages with duplicate characters to be signaled without the need for multiple sets of flags. Nautical signal flags can be used in various methods: Click here for the gallery on Maritime Flags. I am operating astern propulsion. Sample International Code of Signals Messages: Flag Hoist Code Meaning Flag Hoist Code Meaning Flag Hoist Code Meaning; AC: I am abandoning my vessel. With four numerals, latitude. The two alphabets, for example, were quite different, although many of the same flags were used. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: "I am shooting nets". The flags of the International Nautical Code, buy the flags with international code of maritime signals. Nautical Flags and Their Meanings The purpose of the International Code of Signals is to provide ways and means of communication in situations related essentially to safety of navigation and persons, especially when language difficulties arise, or because radio silence is required. The flags have independent meanings; however when used together they can spell out words and communicate complex messages. International code of flag signalsis a method of communication over short range, being limited by the need for transmitting and receiving stations to be in sight of each other. * N and C together (No and Yes) is used as a distress signal. Moreover, as well as code signal flags to identify themselves and to communicate with other ships. 2. individual flags have specific and standard meanings; for example, diving support vesselsraise the "A flag" indicating their inability to move from their current location because they have a diver underwater. Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals. Signal Code Flags. There are various methods by which the flags can be used as signals: NATO uses the same flags, with a few unique to warships, alone or in short sets to communicate various unclassified messages. ", Longitude (The first 2 or 3 digits denote degrees; the last 2 denote minutes. The International Code of Signals achieved this by firstly creating a standardised alphabet and number scheme through the use of flags and phonetics.. Below are the Images and meanings of the Flags. I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed. A: Alpha: I have a diver down, keep clear at slow speed: B: Bravo: Taking in, discharging or carrying dangerous goods Four-flags are used for geographical signals, names of ships, bearings, etc. ©J. The … The NATO usage generally differs from the international meanings, and therefore warships will fly the Code/answer flag above the signal to indicate it should be read using the international meaning. The International Code of Signals is an international system of codes and signals that can be sent by flag, lamp, blinkers, or radio. The International Code of Signals is descended from a long line of naval signals including semaphore, heliographs, lighthouses, and more. • Use the view show button under Slide Show to enable the animation or the shortcut button, bottom left on the screen. Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty. In harbor: The ship is under Quarantine. My vessel is "healthy" and I request free pratique. To illustrate their use, here are some messages and the way they would be encoded: Flag used to communicate something about the ship flying it from a distance, N and C together ("no" and "yes") is used as a, Also signallable on a ship's whistle using, The Z flag was also famously hoisted by Admiral.