NATO Phonetic Alphabet

A standard set of code words used to transmit letters clearly when speech may be misunderstood.

In marine radiotelephony, letters are spoken as words such as Alfa, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. The system reduces confusion between similar-sounding letters when spelling vessel names, call signs, coordinates and other important information over a noisy or weak radio link.

The internationally used spelling alphabet is specified for aeronautical and maritime communications. Its prescribed pronunciations and spellings should be used rather than improvised alternatives, particularly during distress, urgency and safety traffic.