Last modified: 2005-12-03 by phil nelson
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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
Alpha; I am undergoing a speed trial, became: I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
Bravo; I am taking in or discharging explosives: became, I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
Charlie; Yes (Affirmative): became, Yes (Affirmative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative').
Echo; I am directing my course to starboard: became, I am altering my course to starboard.
image by Peter Hans van den Muijzenberg, 25 October 2005
Golf; New additional meaning; (When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means 'I am hauling nets')
India; I am directing my course to port: became, I am altering my course to port
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.
Kilo; You should stop your vessel instantly became, I wish to communicate with you.
Lima; You should stop - I have something important to communicate: became, You should stop your vessel instantly.
Mike; I have a doctor on board: became My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.