Glossary
Ah, the phonetic alphabet, where “Bravo” doesn’t mean applause, and “Foxtrot” isn’t a dance. Used by sailors and aviators alike, it’s the secret code that turns 'B as in Bob' into 'Bravo' because, apparently, Bob was too confusing. Need to spell “Boat”? That’s Bravo, Oscar, Alpha, Tango—or, as it’s known among sailors, a conversation starter at the dock.
But don’t worry if you confuse your Whiskey with your Whiskey Tango Foxtrot—we’re here to help you decode it all. From navigating tricky radio transmissions to impressing your landlubber friends, we’ve got you covered. After all, Uniform November Delta Echo Romeo Sierra Tango Alpha November Delta is just 'understand' … right?
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TermDefinition
- Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Alpha
Alpha represents the letter "A" in the phonetic alphabet system. The NATO phonetic alphabet is used for clear communication of letters and...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Bravo
In marine terminology, "Bravo" is the phonetic term for the letter "B" in the International Code of Signals. It is used to communicate messages...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Charlie
"Charlie" is a term used in military and law enforcement contexts to represent the letter "C" in the NATO phonetic alphabet. This phonetic...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Delta
Phonetic alphabet letter D or a type of anchor. A delta refers to a landform created at the mouth of a river where it flows into an ocean, sea,...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Echo
Phonetic alphabet letter E. In marine terminology, "echo" typically refers to the reflection of sound waves off of a surface or object...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Foxtrot
Phonetic alphabet letter F. In marine terminology, "Foxtrot" refers to the letter "F" in the NATO phonetic alphabet. This alphabet is used to...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Golf
Phonetic alphabet letter G. In marine terminology, "Golf" refers to the letter "G" in the International Code of Signals.
Pilotage: When a...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Hotel
Phonetic alphabet letter H.
In marine terminology, the "Hotel" flag from the International Code of Signals has specific meanings:
"I have a...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet India
Phonetic alphabet letter I.
Course Change: When a vessel displays the India flag, it communicates to nearby vessels that it is changing its...
More Details - Did you know?, Phonetic Alphabet Juliett
Phonetic alphabet letter J.
Emergency Situations: A vessel displaying the Juliet flag indicates a serious emergency involving hazardous...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Kilo
Phonetic alphabet letter K.
Communication Request: A vessel displaying the Kilo flag indicates a desire to establish communication with...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Letter A (Alpha)
Alpha represents the letter "A" in the phonetic alphabet system. The NATO phonetic alphabet is used for clear communication of letters and...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Lima
Phonetic alphabet letter L.
In Harbor: "The ship is under quarantine." This indicates that the vessel is not allowed to engage in normal...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Mike
Phonetic alphabet letter M.
Stationary Vessel: When a vessel displays the Mike flag, it indicates that it is not moving under its own...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet November
Phonetic alphabet letter N.
Negative Response: When a vessel displays the November flag, it indicates a negative response to a question or a...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Oscar
Phonetic alphabet letter O.
Meaning: The Oscar flag signals "Man overboard." Often seen on the top of a Danbouy MOB recovery...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Papa
Phonetic alphabet letter P.
Departure Signal: When a vessel displays the Papa flag, it signals to all personnel ashore that they should return...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Phonetic Alphabet
The Phonetic Alphabet, also known as the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet or NATO phonetic alphabet, is a standardised set of words...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Quebec
Phonetic alphabet letter Q.
Health Status: When a vessel displays the Quebec flag, it communicates that the vessel is reporting its health...
More Details - Phonetic Alphabet Romeo
Phonetic alphabet letter R.
Navigational Clearance: When a vessel displays the Romeo flag, it indicates that it is stationary or anchored but...
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