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Code Signals

The Purpose of International Code of Signal Flags

The National Imagery and Mapping Agency states, "The purpose of the International Code of Signals is to provide ways and means of communication in situations related essentially to safety of navigation and persons, especially when language difficulties arise."

Before the International Code of Signals, there were a variety of naval signals and private signals prior to 1857. The International Code of Signals started out as the Commercial code, drafted in 1855 by the British Board of Trade and published in 1857. The code was put to the test during WWI and it was found that it failed more often than it succeeded. Between WWI and 1969, there were many efforts to update and improve the system. It was pared down to highlight navigation and safety needs, including medical necessities. 

These US Navy signal flags are used primarily to communicate while maintaining a degree of radio silence. When communicating with any vessels, besides naval, the International Code of Signals is used. The code/answer pennant precedes all signals in international code. The signaling flags can be purchased as a complete set, or bought separately. 

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If you have any questions regarding signal flags, call us at 1-800-858-8776 Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00 ET or contact us by email.

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  • Hotel Pilot on Board Flag

    Hotel: Pilot on Board Flag

    $53.50
    In case an assistance is needed, hoist Hotel: Pilot on Board Flag so fellow boaters know! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Charlie Yes Flag

    Charlie: Yes Flag

    $53.50
    Make sure you have a Charlie: Yes Flag in your nautical collection! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Kilo Desire to Communicate Flag

    Kilo: Desire to Communicate Flag

    $53.50
    Wave the flag of communication by flying this Kilo: Desire to Communicate Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • November No Flag

    November: No Flag

    $53.50
    Send a clear message with this November: No Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Oscar Man Overboard Flag

    Oscar: Man Overboard Flag

    $53.50
    Use the Oscar Flag to signify there is someone overboard! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Bravo Dangerous Cargo Flag

    Bravo: Dangerous Cargo Flag

    $53.50
    Inform fellow boaters by flying this Bravo: Dangerous Cargo Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Lima Stop Instantly Flag

    Lima: Stop Instantly Flag

    $53.50
    Signal Lima: Stop Instantly Flag if there is danger around! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Zulu Require a Tug Flag

    Zulu: Require a Tug Flag

    $53.50
    Grab the Zulu Flag so you don't have to worry about what to do if you break down! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Mike I am Stopped Flag

    Mike: I am Stopped Flag

    $53.50
    Add this Mike: I am Stopped Flag to your nautical collection. Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • A flag with four squares in a checkerboard pattern. The top left and bottom right squares are red and the top right and bottom left squares are white.

    Uniform: Standing into Danger Flag

    $53.50
    When you need to let others know there is danger ahead, this Uniform Flag is the only way to do it. Made in America with premium nylon material, these flags are both strong and durable. These flags are available in multiple size options to best suit your...
  • Golf Want a Pilot Flag

    Golf: Want a Pilot Flag

    $53.50
    In case of emergency, make sure you have this Golf: Want a Pilot on board! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Yankee Am Dragging Anchor Flag

    Yankee: Am Dragging Anchor Flag

    $53.50
    With the Yankee Flag, you can let other boaters know what is going on under the water! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • A illustration of a flag with a blue background and a wide horizontal white stripe.

    Juliet: On Fire; Keep Clear Flag

    $53.50
    Hopefully unneeded, but just in case, keep this Juliet: On Fire; Keep Clear Flag on hand! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • India Altering Course to Port Flag

    India: Altering Course to Port Flag

    $53.50
    If you're making a move to change course, you'll need this India: Altering Course to Port Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • 3rd Repeat Flag

    3rd Repeat Flag

    $43.50
    Add this 3rd Repeat Flag to your nautical collection! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Papa About to Sail Flag

    Papa: About to Sail Flag

    $53.50
    Let everyone know you're about to sail with the Papa Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • International Code Signal Set with 40 different code signal flags including First Repeater, Second Repeater, Third Repeater, and Code and Answering Pennant

    International Code Signal Set

    $745.50
    Prepare fully with this International Code Signal Set! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Included in set: 26 alphabet flags, 11 pennants and 3 substitutes Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)  
  • Three Flag code signal with colors red, white, and blue

    Three Flag

    $43.50
    Finish your code signals collection with this Three Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Two Flag

    Two Flag

    $43.50
    Add this Two Flag to your code signals and nautical flag collection! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Victor Require Assistance Flag

    Victor: Require Assistance Flag

    $53.50
    Raise the Victor Flag whenever trouble arrives that you cannot handle on your own. Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Foxtrot Disabled Flag

    Foxtrot: Disabled Flag

    $53.50
    Make sure you have this important Foxtrot: Disabled Flag in your nautical flag collection! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Eight Flag

    Eight Flag

    $43.50
    Complete your international code signal set with this Eight Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Zero Flag

    Zero Flag

    $43.50
    Use this Zero Flag when sailing on International waters! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Nine Flag

    Nine Flag

    $53.50
    Collect all the numerals by adding the Nine Flag to your nautical stash! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Seven Flag

    Seven Flag

    $43.50
    Purchase this Seven Flag to ensure clear communication with others! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • 2nd Repeat Flag

    2nd Repeat Flag

    $43.50
    This 2nd Repeat Flag can be used to stand in for the second flag in the hoist. Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Six Flag

    Six Flag

    $43.50
    Use this Six Flag to communicate with others. Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Five Flag

    Five Flag

    $43.50
    You'll need the Five Flag if you want your nautical numeral collection to complete! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • Four Flag

    Four Flag

    $43.50
    Collect them all--add this Four Flag into your numeral collection! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)
  • One Flag

    One Flag

    $43.50
    Purchase the first flag of the collection with this One Flag! Made in America Authentic design 100% printed nylon Double stitched seams Made to order (may take 2-3 weeks)