1. Zulu
   Hotel
2. Kilo
   Quebec

The signal flag for hotel means that the ship flying it already has a pilot on board. That way command does't waste time sending a redundant pilot their way.

1. Lion
   Zulu
2. Golf
   Juliet

Golf, on the other hand, is a way for a ship to communicate that it lacks a pilot. A more important signal than the above, simply because it is an issue that must be remedied ASAP!

1. Pennant Three
   Pennant Seven
2. Pennant Two
   Pennant One

Flags can also be used in place of numerals, which can be useful both in of itself and as a component in sending coded information. In this case, this means seven.

1. Charlie
   Tango
2. Iono
   Echo

The flag Echo simply communicates that the ship is turning to starboard. When electronic communication is unavailable, this information is very important for neighboring vessels!

1. Kilo
   Walter
2. Foxtrot
   Lima

Foxtrot normally means that the ship is disabled, but for carriers it means that flight operations are ongoing. This is a very important distinction to keep in mind!

1. Mike
   Papa
2. India
   Three

The flag for Papa acts as a means to summon personnel back to the ship, and a warning that it is soon going to leave port!

1. Victor
   Zulu
2. Oscar
   Mike

This flag stands for Victor, and its purpose is simple: It is a cry for help. Technically speaking it translates to: "I require assistance".

1. Romeo
   Juliet
2. Three
   Pennant One

This is the flag for Juliet, and it has a particularly important albeit narrow use. It says "I am on fire, and I have dangerous cargo. Stay away!" It is understandable why a country's navy would have a need for such a flag!

1. Bravo
   Two
2. Fourth Substitute
   Zulu

The flag for Fourth Substitute could mean that it is a substitute for a number four flag, but it also can mean that the officer whose flag flies on this vessel is not currently aboard.

1. Alpha
   Substitute 3
2. Romeo
   Eight

The flag called Romeo simply means that they are "Preparing to replenish (At sea). Ready duty ship (in port)." It is a simple request for supplies.

1. Omega
   Pennant Two
2. Pennant Zero
   Kilo

This flag simply means "Pennant Zero," which in this case is used in combination for various naval codes. These might vary based on the week or even the day, depending on the Navy's state of alert.

1. Oscar
   Mike
2. Pennant Four
   Eight

The Signal Flag "Mike" refers to the carrying vessel being stopped. It means literally "My vessel is stopped, making no way." That could be due to external environmental factors, but could also be a choice of the captain's.

1. Pennant Six
   Alpha
2. Bravo
   November

The flag for November translates to a simple "No, or negative". Consequently, it is used only in answer to the flags of another vessel.

1. Kilo
   Mike
2. Alfredo
   Nine

The flag for Kilo means, quite simply "I want to communicate with you". So if you're browsing your online dating profile and this flag pops up, consider it an attempt at an introduction from one of our navy's finest vessels.

1. Delta
   Omega
2. Beta
   Pennant Six

This flag, which is a simple "Delta", means that the boat flying it is having trouble maneuvering, and spotting vessels should steer clear. A quite sensible precaution to take, given the dangers of collision when out on the ocean.

1. One
   Zero
2. Pennant Two
   Beta

The flag for Zero's purpose is literally the numeral zero. It is used as a component in codes, and has no meaning on its own.

1. Xray
   Three
2. Pennant Two
   Pennant Five

This flag simply indicates "Pennant Five", which is a component in an overall coded message.

1. One
   Third Substitute
2. Tango
   Quebec

The flag called "Third Substitute" can indeed be a substitute flag, but its more important message is "Absence of commanding officer, in port." Knowing such info at a glance can be very helpful.

1. Oscar
   Kilo
2. Charlie
   Pennant Eight

The flag above stands for "Charlie," which in this instance is a simple reply in the affirmative. Obviously, not much use unless a conversation is going on!

1. Two
   Tango
2. Oscar
   Number Five

Oscar's message indicates the classic seaborne emergency: "Man Overboard!" If you see this, start scanning the waves, as every moment counts!

1. Pennant Nine
   Pennant Six
2. Delta
   Alfa

The signal flag that stands for Alfa means "I have a diver down, keep well clear and at a slow speed." This has obvious importance- given the limitations of human maneuvering under water, those boats better stay very slow indeed!

1. Orion
   Four Pennant
2. Nine
   Zulu

The flag for the number "Nine" is only unusual in its pronunciation: it is spoken NINE-ER. You may have seen this on television or in movies!

1. Eight
   Three
2. Pennant Two
   Pennant Four

This signal flag simply translates to "Pennant Four."

1. Zulu
   Xray
2. Uniform
   Fourteen

This signal flag translates as "Uniform," and it is very important that one recognize it, as it means "You are heading into danger!" Whether combat, a storm, or Scylla and Charybdis, it's time to turn around!

1. Four
   Six
2. Pennant One
   Orion

This signal flag translates to "Four", and as such is used in tandem with other flags to send information and codes. The more you know!

1. Alfa
   Three
2. Code/Answer
   Beta

This flag, meaning Code or Answer, either refers to the following flags representing a code from the international code of signals, or alternately that an answer to the requested query is forthcoming.

1. Bravo
   Sigma
2. Tango
   Charlie Pennant

The above signal flag, Bravo, is a flag with an important purpose: It communicates to the onlooker that the vessel is carrying, taking in or discharging dangerous cargo. Beware!

1. Eight
   Zulu
2. Foxtrot
   Lima

The above flag stands for Lima, a flag with a serious purpose: It is requesting (or ordering!) the ship viewing it to stop immediately. It includes no mention of purpose, so it could be for many potential reasons.

1. Tango
   Mike
2. Whiskey
   Zulu

The flag shown here translates to "Whiskey," and it is a very important tool to have in a ship's arsenal, as it is an immediate request for medical assistance. Is there a doctor on board?

1. Seven
   Second Substitute
2. First Substitute
   Ten

This flag translates as "First Substitute," which either means that the vessel lacks a flag officer or unit commander while in port, or that the flag is simply acting as a substitute for the first flag in that particular hoist.

1. Two
   Xray
2. Pennant Five
   Kilo

The flag flown here translates as "Xray," and it is an immediate order to another vessel to cease its current action. After this flag is flown, another one will follow with new instructions.

1. Zulu
   Gamma
2. Pennant Seven
   Nine

The flag shown flying here, "Zulu" has a short and sweet meaning: "I need a tug." It does not give a reason why, which makes sense- restore mobility now, explain later!

1. Pennant One
   Pennant Six
2. Uniform
   Third Substitute

This signal flag simply means "Pennant Six," and is used to mean the numeral of the same name.

1. Pennant Eight
   Zero
2. Six
   Substitute Three

Pennant Eight is just what it sounds- a pennant simply meaning the number eight. Useful in communicating a number of things, as well as speaking in code.

1. Five
   Substitute Eight
2. Ion
   Three

This flag means the number three. Not exciting in itself, but somewhat more than two. Less than four, however.

1. Sierra
   Hope
2. Six
   Substitute Three

The Sierra flag shown here can either mean that you are conducting a flag hoist drill, or that you are proceeding astern, depending on the context, and you better be sure which is which!

1. Minnie
   Substitute Four
2. India
   One

This signal flag stands for "India," which can have two significantly different meanings: either that the flag-bearing vessel is coming alongside, or that they are directing their course to port.

1. Quebec
   Golf
2. Tango
   Hotel

This signal flag, which means "Tango," is surprisingly narrow in purpose: it only means "Do Not Pass Ahead of Me." No, that is not an invitation to play chicken!

1. Quebec
   Norway
2. Bravo
   Yankee

The above flag stands for "Quebec" and befitting a province with a complex history, it is a complex flag. On the one hand it can mean "Boat recall; all boats return to ship," but it can also mean "Ship meets health regs; request clearance into port."

1. Victor
   Substitute Five
2. Yankee
   Delta

This flag has the meaning "Yankee," and like most of the alphabet flags it has dual meanings: either "Ship has visual communications duty" or "I am dragging anchor." If the latter, watch out!