Nautical Flags-Charleston Embroidery Patch

Nautical Flags-Charleston Embroidery Patch measures 3-1/2" x 1-1/2" inches. 

International maritime signal flags refers to various flags used to communicate with ships. The principal system of flags and associated codes is the International Code of Signals.^[1] Various navies have flag systems with additional flags and codes, and other flags are used in special uses, or have historical significance.^[2]

There are various methods by which the flags can be used as signals:

• A series of flags can spell out a message, each flag representing a letter.
• Individual flags have specific and standard meanings;^[3] for example, diving support vessels raise the "A" flag indicating their inability to move from their current location because they have a diver underwater and to warn other vessels to keep clear to avoid endangering the diver(s) with their propellers.
• One or more flags form a code word whose meaning can be looked up in a code book held by both parties. An example is the Popham numeric code used at the Battle of Trafalgar.
• In yacht racing and dinghy racing, flags have other meanings; for example, the P flag is used as the "preparatory" flag to indicate an imminent start, and the S flag means "shortened course"