Flag alphabet facts for kids

Two ships with signalling flags

Ships use the flag alphabet to exchange messages. They do this optically, using signal flags. There are different ways in which this can be done:

• Each flag can represent a letter, all the flags spell out the message
• A flag used alone usually has a special meaning. A boat supporting a diver will show the "A flag"
• Several flags used together can form a code, which can be looked up in a code book both ships have.
• In ship races, flags have different meanings:

Related pages

• Flag semaphore

Images for kids

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  Sailor prepares signal flags for at sea operations