Sailing Signal Flag Echo (E) – Altering Course or Adding a Mark
Echo (E) is a square flag divided horizontally: blue over red.
Context matters with the E Flag.
- Under International Code of Signals (ICS): It means “I am altering my course to starboard.”
- Under Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS): It indicates an additional mark has been placed on the course (as defined by the Regatta’s Sailing Instructions).
Echo communicates intent within the rule system governing the situation.
1) Physical Description
Shape:
Square signal flag.
Pattern:
Horizontally divided into two equal bands.
Orientation:
- Top half: Blue
- Bottom half: Red
There are no symbols, letters, or emblems. The division is a clean horizontal line across the center.
When hoisted correctly:
- Blue must be on top.
- Red must be on bottom.
- The flag must fly clear and not be inverted.
Visibility Considerations:
The strong contrast between blue and red provides good daylight visibility. Proper size selection relative to vessel size and viewing distance is necessary for recognition.
Similar Flags – No Confusion Confirmed:
Echo is not swallow-tailed.
Echo is not vertically divided.
No other International Code of Signals (ICS) flag shares this exact horizontal blue-over-red configuration.
2) Color Specification
ICS publications specify color names (e.g., “blue,” “red”) but do not publish official digital hex codes. The following are widely accepted maritime approximations for digital and print consistency:
| Color | Maritime Name | Approximate Hex Code |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Signal Blue | #003F87 |
| Red | Signal Red | #C8102E |
Hex values are approximations for digital media only. Fabric flags may vary slightly depending on manufacturer and dye standards.
3) Official International Code of Signals (ICS) Meaning
ICS Meaning (Single-letter signal):
“I am altering my course to starboard.”
Plain-Language Explanation:
A vessel displaying Echo is communicating that it is turning to the right (starboard).
Operational Context:
Echo is a maneuvering signal used to indicate navigational intent to nearby vessels. It supplements, but does not replace, required sound signals under COLREG Rule 34 when applicable.
Echo communicates intent. It does not assign right-of-way.
4) Boundary Statements
What Echo Does NOT Mean
Echo does not:
- Indicate distress.
- Signal a request for assistance.
- Grant right-of-way.
- Override traffic separation schemes.
- Replace required navigation lights or sound signals.
- Automatically signal a race course change.
What Echo Does NOT Authorize
Echo does not authorize:
- Violation of COLREGs.
- Failure to maintain proper lookout.
- Unsafe maneuvering.
- Deviation from published Sailing Instructions in a regatta.
Rule System Separation
- ICS Meaning: “I am altering my course to starboard.”
- COLREGs: Govern right-of-way and maneuvering obligations. Echo does not supersede COLREG rules.
- Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS): May assign a different meaning when displayed by a race committee vessel.
These systems are independent. Meaning depends on context and governing authority.
5) Commercial Sailing Use
In commercial navigation, Echo may be used to visually indicate a starboard alteration in:
- Harbor approaches
- Inland waterways
- Traffic separation zones
- Restricted visibility (in combination with sound signals)
Liability and Rule Hierarchy
Displaying Echo:
- Does not shift collision liability.
- Does not relieve the vessel from complying with COLREG Rules 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, or 17.
- Does not replace required whistle signals under Rule 34.
Echo is informational only. Safe navigation responsibility remains with the vessel operator.
6) Racing and Regatta Management Use
Does Echo Have an RRS Meaning?
Yes.
Under the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), when displayed by the race committee, Echo commonly means:
An additional mark has been placed on the course.
This meaning is separate from the ICS maneuvering signal.
Clear Distinction
- ICS (Navigation): Altering course to starboard.
- RRS (Race Management): An additional mark has been added to the course.
The Sailing Instructions (SI) govern how Echo is used in a specific event. Competitors must follow the SI and RRS.
Echo displayed by a race committee vessel during a regatta is interpreted under RRS, not ICS.
7) Informal or Local Uses (Non-Standard)
Some local fleets may:
- Refer to Echo as the “extra mark flag.”
- Use it in training scenarios to simulate race management adjustments.
These uses are non-standard and derive authority only from the organizing authority’s Sailing Instructions.
No widely recognized non-standard commercial meanings exist.
8) Real-World Commercial Scenario
A commercial vessel is navigating a congested harbor channel. A crossing vessel is approaching from port. The master intends to alter course to starboard to align with the channel and increase passing distance.
Echo is hoisted as the vessel begins the maneuver, supplementing the required whistle signal.
The display communicates intent but does not alter right-of-way obligations under COLREG Rule 15.
9) Real-World Regatta Scenario
During a windward-leeward race, the race committee determines that an additional offset mark is required to improve fleet flow at the weather mark.
The committee boat displays Echo in accordance with the Sailing Instructions.
Competitors understand that an extra mark has been added to the course and round it as required.
In this context, Echo has no ICS maneuvering meaning. It functions solely as a race management signal under RRS and the event’s Sailing Instructions.
10) Concise Summary
Echo (E) is a square flag divided horizontally: blue over red.
- Under ICS: It means “I am altering my course to starboard.”
- Under RRS: It indicates that an additional mark has been placed on the course (as defined by Sailing Instructions).
Echo communicates intent within the rule system governing the situation.
Authority comes from context and rule hierarchy, not assumption.
About This Project
This series, The Sailing Flags, is designed to explore the full range of maritime flags used in commercial operations and racing, from Alpha to Zulu. Each article focuses on one flag, its official meaning, real-world usage, and practical examples, providing a clear resource for sailors, race committees, and maritime professionals.
I am also using this project as a personal learning journey. Each day, I explore different presentation and storytelling techniques with the help of AI tools, from writing and research to visuals and video production, programing, sound generation, along with data collection & assembly.
My goal is to learn how to communicate complex maritime information effectively while experimenting with new creative tools.
About Keith
Keith Harper is a recreational sailor primarily sailing out of Privateer Yacht Club near Chattanooga, Tennessee. His love of sailing began in 2011 with sailing lessons through Privateer’s Adult Learn-To-Sail program using Flying Scots as a training boat. He quickly advanced to club racing, Regattas, and eventually open ocean sailing as delivery crew on vessels as large as 137′ traveling between Newport R.I., Bermuda, and Tortola BVI.
Keith has served on countless race committees in positions ranging from Safety Boat through PRO.
This Sailing Flag Project is his way of giving back to the sailing community.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, sailors should always consult the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), the International Code of Signals, the Racing Rules of Sailing, and the applicable Sailing Instructions issued by the organizing authority or race committee.
In the event of any discrepancy, the official rules and instructions in force at the time shall take precedence.
Code Flag Delta (D): “Keep Clear of Me” or “Do Not Leave Harbor”
Concise Summary
Delta (D) is a swallow-tailed flag with horizontal yellow–blue–yellow stripes.
- Under ICS: “Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.”
- Under RRS: A harbor control signal governing when boats may leave.
Delta communicates differently depending on rule system and context.
Authority derives from rule hierarchy, not assumption.
1) Physical Description
Shape:
Swallow-tailed (triangular forked fly). Delta is one of the ICS flags that is not square.
Pattern:
Three horizontal stripes of equal height.
Orientation:
From top to bottom:
- Top stripe: Yellow
- Middle stripe: Blue
- Bottom stripe: Yellow
The fly end is split (swallow-tailed). The horizontal stripes run parallel to the top edge of the flag.
When properly hoisted:
- Yellow must be on top.
- Blue must be centered.
- Yellow must be on bottom.
- The swallowtail must be at the fly end, not at the hoist.
Visibility Considerations:
The alternating yellow–blue–yellow pattern provides strong daylight contrast. The swallowtail shape aids recognition at distance. Proper halyard tension is required to prevent wrapping, which could obscure stripe order.
Similar Flags – No Confusion Confirmed:
- Not square.
- Not vertically striped.
- No other ICS flag combines horizontal yellow–blue–yellow stripes with a swallowtail profile.
2) Color Specification
ICS specifies color names but does not publish digital color codes. The following are standard maritime approximations for digital use:
| Color | Maritime Name | Approximate Hex Code |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Signal Yellow | #FFD100 |
| Blue | Signal Blue | #003F87 |
Hex values are approximations for digital and print consistency only. Fabric flags may vary by manufacturer.
3) Official International Code of Signals (ICS) Meaning
ICS Meaning (Single-letter signal):
“Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.”
Plain-Language Explanation:
A vessel displaying Delta is informing other vessels that it requires sea room because it is constrained in its ability to maneuver normally.
Operational Context:
Delta may be used in situations such as:
- Replenishment at sea
- Towing operations
- Dredging
- Cable laying
- Complex maneuvering evolutions
Delta communicates a request for other vessels to maintain distance.
4) Boundary Statements
What Delta Does NOT Mean
Delta does not:
- Declare distress.
- Automatically establish a “vessel restricted in ability to maneuver” status under COLREG Rule 3(g).
- Replace required day shapes or lights prescribed by COLREGs.
- Grant automatic right-of-way.
What Delta Does NOT Authorize
Delta does not authorize:
- Ignoring COLREGs.
- Disregarding traffic separation schemes.
- Failing to display required shapes or lights.
- Unsafe operation.
Rule System Separation
- ICS Meaning: “Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.”
- COLREGs: Define legal status (e.g., “restricted in ability to maneuver”) and corresponding light/day-shape requirements.
- Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS): Govern competitive sailing events and may assign separate race-related meanings.
ICS signaling does not replace statutory navigation requirements under COLREGs.
5) Commercial Sailing Use
Practical Applications
Delta may be displayed during:
- Towing operations where the tow restricts maneuverability.
- Underway replenishment between naval vessels.
- Dredging or survey work.
- Subsea cable operations.
- Vessel transfers or pilot embarkation in constrained areas (use depends on operator practice; not mandated in all cases).
Liability and Rule Hierarchy Considerations
Displaying Delta:
- Does not legally redefine vessel status under COLREGs.
- Does not substitute required shapes (e.g., ball–diamond–ball for RAM vessels).
- Does not eliminate collision avoidance responsibilities.
The master remains responsible for compliance with:
- COLREG Rules 5–19
- Applicable local navigation laws
- Safe seamanship standards
Delta is advisory. It is not self-executing authority.
6) Racing and Regatta Management Use
Does Delta Have an RRS Meaning?
Yes.
Under the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), Flag D has a race-specific meaning when displayed by the race committee.
Common RRS meaning:
Boats shall not leave the harbor until this signal is made.
The warning signal will be made not less than a specified time after Flag D is displayed.
Exact wording and timing are governed by the Notice of Race (NOR) and Sailing Instructions (SI).
Clear Distinction
- ICS (Navigation): “Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.”
- RRS (Race Management): Harbor departure control signal.
These meanings are entirely separate and context-dependent.
A race committee vessel displaying Delta during pre-race harbor control is operating under RRS authority, not ICS.
7) Informal or Local Uses (Non-Standard)
Some clubs may:
- Use Delta informally to signal “mark boat at work.”
- Use it during training events to signal restricted maneuvering.
Such uses are non-standard and derive authority only from event-specific Sailing Instructions.
There is no widely recognized alternative commercial meaning beyond ICS.
8) Real-World Commercial Scenario
A dredging vessel is operating in a narrow channel while deploying suction equipment.
The vessel displays Delta to signal to approaching traffic that it is maneuvering with difficulty and requires clearance.
The vessel also displays the required day shapes and lights under COLREG Rule 27.
Delta supplements — it does not replace — statutory signals.
9) Real-World Regatta Scenario
Before the start of racing, the race committee displays Flag D at the harbor exit.
The Sailing Instructions state:
Boats shall not leave the harbor until Flag D is displayed. The warning signal will be made no earlier than 45 minutes after Flag D is displayed.
Competitors wait for Delta before departing the harbor.
In this context, Delta has no ICS maneuvering meaning. It functions solely as a race management signal under RRS.
About This Project
This series, The Sailing Flags, is designed to explore the full range of maritime flags used in commercial operations and racing, from Alpha to Zulu. Each article focuses on one flag, its official meaning, real-world usage, and practical examples, providing a clear resource for sailors, race committees, and maritime professionals.
I am also using this project as a personal learning journey. Each day, I explore different presentation and storytelling techniques with the help of AI tools, from writing and research to visuals and video production, programing, sound generation, along with data collection & assembly.
My goal is to learn how to communicate complex maritime information effectively while experimenting with new creative tools.
About Keith
Keith Harper is a recreational sailor primarily sailing out of Privateer Yacht Club near Chattanooga, Tennessee. His love of sailing began in 2011 with sailing lessons through Privateer’s Adult Learn-To-Sail program using Flying Scots as a training boat. He quickly advanced to club racing, Regattas, and eventually open ocean sailing as delivery crew on vessels as large as 137′ traveling between Newport R.I., Bermuda, and Tortola BVI.
Keith has served on countless race committees in positions ranging from Safety Boat through PRO.
This Sailing Flag Project is his way of giving back to the sailing community.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, sailors should always consult the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), the International Code of Signals, the Racing Rules of Sailing, and the applicable Sailing Instructions issued by the organizing authority or race committee.
In the event of any discrepancy, the official rules and instructions in force at the time shall take precedence.