International maritime signal flags - Number pennants

Zero and One








Two and Three








Four and Five








Six and Seven








Eight and Nine

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 - 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 - 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.

International maritime signal flags - G

I require a pilot.


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


With four or five numerals, longitude. (The last two numerals denote minutes and the rest degrees.)

International maritime signal flags - F

I am disabled; communicate with me.

International maritime signal flags - E

I am altering my course to starboard.

International maritime signal flags - D

Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.

With two, four, or six numerals, date.

I guess this make it D for Date

International maritime signal flags - C

Affirmative.

With three numerals, course.

I guess this make it C for Confirmed

International maritime signal flags - B

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

Originally used by Royal Navy specifically for military explosives.

I guess this makes it B for Bomb