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International Code of Signals (A-M)

Maritime Signal Flags

See also:

International Code of Signals (Overview)
International Code of Signals (N-Z)
International Code of Signals (Numeric)
International Code of Signals (Miscellaneous)

Unless otherwise noted, all imaged drawn by Antonio Martins

Individually, each flag has a specific meaning. Below are the meanings from the 1951 Admiralty Manual of Seamanship and the newer meanings from the 1969 RYA Flags and Signals complied by David Prothero

ICS Letter A (Alpha)

Alpha; I am undergoing a speed trial, became: I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.

ICS Letter B (Bravo)

Bravo; I am taking in or discharging explosives: became, I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.

ICS Letter C (Charlie)

Charlie; Yes (Affirmative): became, Yes (Affirmative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative').

ICS Letter D (Delta)

ICS Letter E (Echo)

Echo; I am directing my course to starboard: became, I am altering my course to starboard.

ICS Letter F (Foxtrot}

ICS Letter G (Golf)

Golf; New additional meaning; (When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means 'I am hauling nets')

ICS Letter H (Hotel)

ICS Letter I (India)

India; I am directing my course to port: became, I am altering my course to port

ICS Letter J (Juliet)

Juliet; I am going to send a message by semaphore: became, I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me.

ICS Letter K (Kilo)

Kilo; You should stop your vessel instantly became, I wish to communicate with you.

ICS Letter L (Lima)

Lima; You should stop - I have something important to communicate: became, You should stop your vessel instantly.

ICS Letter M (Mike)

Mike; I have a doctor on board: became My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.