Flags, the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, and Morse Code.

Every Sea Cadet should have a working knowledge of signal flags and codes - the knowledge of flag meanings and Morse could help keep you out of danger or save your life. In the phonetic alphabet, the syllables to be emphasised are in italics.

	Phonetic Alphabet	Morse Code	Code Flag	Semaphore	Single-letter Signal
A	ALPHA pronounced AL FAH				I have a diver down. Keep clear
B	BRAVO pronounced BRA VOH				I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous goods
C	CHARLIE pronounced CHAR LEE				Yes (affirmative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative')
D	DELTA pronounced DELL TAH				Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty
E	ECHO pronounced ECK OH				I am altering my course to starboard
F	FOXTROT pronounced FOKS TROT				I am disabled. Communicate with me
G	GOLF pronounced GOLF				I require a pilot. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: I am hauling nets
H	HOTEL pronounced HOH TELL				I have a pilot on board
I	INDIA pronounced IN DEE AH				I am altering my course to port
J	JULIET pronounced JEW LEE ET				I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me
K	KILO pronounced KEE LOH				I wish to communicate with you
L	LIMA pronounced LEE MAH				You should stop your vessel instantly.
M	MIKE pronounced MIKE				My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water
N	NOVEMBER pronounced NO VEM BER				No (negative or 'The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative'). This signal may only be given visually or by sound
O	OSCAR pronounced OSS CAH				Man overboard
P	PAPA pronounced PAH PAH				In harbor: all persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea. At sea: it may be used by fishing vessels to mean 'My nets have come fast upon an obstruction'
Q	QUEBEC pronounced KEH BECK				My vessel is healthy and I request free passage
R	ROMEO pronounced ROW ME OH				(no single letter meaning)
S	SIERRA pronounced SEE AIR RAH				I am operating astern propulsion. The significance of this signal is as likely to be "I am slowing down" as it is to be "I am about to gather sternway".
T	TANGO pronounced TANG GO				Keep clear - I am engaged in pair trawling
U	UNIFORM pronounced YOU NEE FORM				You are running into danger
V	VICTOR pronounced VIK TAH				I require assistance
W	WHISKEY pronounced WISS KEY				I require medical assistance
X	X-RAY pronounced ECKS RAY				Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals
Y	YANKEE pronounced YANG KEY				I am dragging my anchor
Z	ZULU pronounced ZOO LOO				I require a tug. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: 'I am shooting nets'
1	pronounced WUN
2	pronounced TOO
3	pronounced TREE
4	pronounced FOW-er
5	pronounced FIFE
6	pronounced SICKS
7	pronounced SEV-en
8	pronounced AIT
9	pronounced NIN-er
0	pronounced ZEE-roh
1	pronounced PEN-ant WUN
2	pronounced PEN-ant TOO
3	pronounced PEN-ant TREE
4	pronounced PEN-ant FOW-er
5	pronounced PEN-ant FIFE
6	pronounced PEN-ant SICKS
7	pronounced PEN-ant SEV-en
8	pronounced PEN-ant AIT
9	pronounced PEN-ant NIN-er
0	pronounced PEN-ant ZEE-roh