Flag V (Victor)
ICS · V code word: Victor pronounced: VIK-TAH Morse: ···−
In short: I require assistance.
Single-letter meaning (Pub 102)
I require assistance.
Morse sign
···−
Dot = short sound, dash = long (three times longer). Hear it in the Morse translator.
In plain English
A request for help: the ship has a problem and needs the support of other vessels.
Where you will really see it
Situations where a ship needs assistance but is not yet in distress (for that there are the GMDSS procedures and Mayday).
Common mix-up
V (I require assistance) and W (I require medical assistance) are two different signals.
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).