Flag B (Bravo)
ICS · B code word: Bravo pronounced: BRAH-VOH Morse: −···
In short: I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
Single-letter meaning (Pub 102)
I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
Morse sign
−···
Dot = short sound, dash = long (three times longer). Hear it in the Morse translator.
In plain English
An all-red swallow-tailed flag. It warns that the ship is handling dangerous cargo or has it on board.
Where you will really see it
Most often seen during bunkering and on tankers and ships carrying explosives, in port and at anchor. In many ports flying flag B during bunkering is a local requirement.
Common mix-up
Bravo does not mean fire. Fire together with dangerous cargo is signal J.
Careful with sound
Signal B belongs to the group marked with an asterisk in the code: when made by SOUND it may only be made in compliance with the collision regulations (COLREGs). By flag or light there is no such restriction.
Related flags
Keep going
- All signal flags: the search box and the full grid.
- Interactive mast: build your own hoist.
- Single-letter signals cheat sheet A to Z on one page.
The single-letter meanings are quoted 1:1 from Pub 102 International Code of Signals (NGA, public domain); the plain-English explanations are our own. Flag graphics: signal-flag-images (Unlicense).