Nautical Flags, number flags, alphabet flags and signal flags

Small Craft Warning

Small Craft Warnings are issued when local authorities decide that conditions are dangerous for small craft. Small Craft, however, are not defined. Small Craft Warnings usually mean winds of 20kn to 30kn or other dangerous conditions like ice.

Gale Force Warning

Gale warning are issued for forcast winds of 34 to 47 knots.

Storm Warning

A storm warning indicates winds above 47 knots. If it is associated with a hurricane then the storm warning means winds of 48 to 63 knots.

Hurricane Warning

Hurricane warnings are only issued when there is a tropical cyclone (hurricane) and indicates winds greater than 63 knots.

#0 Pennant

#1 Pennant

#2 Pennant

#3 Pennant

#4 Pennant

#5 Pennant

#6 Pennant

#7 Pennant

#8 Pennant

#9 Pennant

#0 flag

#1 flag

#2 flag

#3 flag

#4 flag

#5 flag

#6 flag

#7 flag

#8 flag

#9 flag

'A' flag

Diver down, keep clear.

'B' flag

Vessel is handling dangerous cargo.

'C' flag

Yes or affirmative. In a regatta it means change of course.

'D' flag

Vessel is having difficulty maneuvering.

'E' flag

Passing to starboard.

'F' flag

Vessel is disabled. On aircraft carrier it means flight operations.

'G' flag

Vessel requests a pilot.

'H' flag

Pilot onboard.

'I' flag

Passing to port. In a regatta it means, "Round the Ends Starting Rule."

'J' flag

Vessel is on fire and has dangerous cargo.

'K' flag

Vessel requests communications.

'L' flag

Stop your vessel. In a regatta, "Come withing hail or follow me."

'M' flag

Vessel is stopped. In a regatta it means, "Mark Missing."

'N' flag

No or negative. In a regatta, "Abandonment."

'O' flag

Man overboard.

'P' flag

Return to vessel, proceeding to sea.

'Q' flag

Vessel requests customs clearance into port.

'R' flag

Navy, ready duty ship or at sea, preparing to replenish.

'S' flag

Operating astern. In a regatta, "shorten course."

'T' flag

Keep clear, vessel is trawling.

'U' flag

You are running into danger.

'V' flag

Vessel requires assistance.

'W' flag

Vessel requires medical assistance.

'X' flag

Stop you vessel and watch for my signal. In a regatta it means, "individual recall."

'Y' flag

Vessel is dragging anchor. In a regatta, "wear life jackets."

'Z' flag

Vessel requires a tug. In a regatta, "20% scoring penalty."