International maritime signal flags - Numbers

OK, here is the deal - numbers can be shown on flags or on pennants. The 'allied' flags are square like the letter flags but there are also number pennants which are closer to triangular and have more than a passing similarity to bunting when used.

Anyway, here are the numbers zero to nine in flags, the pennants will follow.

Zero

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

International maritime signal flags - Z

I require a tug.

When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: "I am shooting nets".

With one or more numerals, time (UTC). (The first two denote hours and the rest minutes.)

(Origin of the phrase 'Zulu Time'.)

International maritime signal flags - Y

I am dragging my anchor.

International maritime signal flags - X

Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.

Maybe it is me - but this one seems a little bossy.

International maritime signal flags - W

I require medical assistance.

International maritime signal flags - V

I require assistance.

With one or more numerals, speed in kilometres per hour.

International maritime signal flags - U

You are running into danger.

International maritime signal flags - T

Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling. With four numerals, local time. (The first two denote hours and the rest minutes.)

International maritime signal flags - S

I am operating astern propulsion. With one or more numerals, speed in knots.

International maritime signal flags - R

The way is off my ship. With one or more numerals, distance in nautical miles.

I am not sure I understand what this one really means, I can't quite make sence of it. YET.

International maritime signal flags - Q

My vessel is "healthy" and I request free pratique.

Yes, I did have to go and check up what pratique is. "Pratique is the license given to a ship to enter port on assurance from the captain to convince the authorities that he/she is free from contageous disease."

International maritime signal flags - P

The Blue Peter.


In harbor: 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".

International maritime signal flags - O

Man overboard (often attached to the man overboard pole on boats).

Also the flag used for semophore.

International maritime signal flags - N

Negative.

Hmmmm, now isnt that description short and sweet.

International maritime signal flags - M

My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.

International maritime signal flags - L

In harbor: The ship is under quarantine.

At sea: You should stop your vessel instantly. With four numerals, latitude. (The first two denote degrees and the rest minutes.)

International maritime signal flags - K

I wish to communicate with you.

With one numeral, I wish to communicate with you by; 1) Morse signalling by hand-flags or arms; 2) Loud hailer (megaphone); 3) Morse signalling lamp; 4) Sound signals.

International maritime signal flags - J

I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me, or I am leaking dangerous cargo.

International maritime signal flags - I

I am altering my course to port.

International maritime signal flags - H

I have a pilot on board.