Code Flag Charlie (C): “Yes / Affirmative”
Physical Description
The Charlie flag is a rectangular flag with five horizontal stripes, arranged:
Blue – White – Red – White – Blue
All stripes are of equal height and run the full width of the flag. Charlie is not swallow-tailed. Orientation matters only in keeping the stripes horizontal; flown vertically, the color order must remain correct from top to bottom.
The strong color contrast makes Charlie highly legible at distance and in poor visibility, especially when flown alone.
Color Specification (Maritime & Digital Reference)
| Stripe | Color | Common Hex Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Blue | #003A8F | Deep signal blue |
| 2nd | White | #FFFFFF | Pure white |
| Middle | Red | #C8102E | Signal red |
| 4th | White | #FFFFFF | Pure white |
| Bottom | Blue | #003A8F | Matches top stripe |
Visual guidance
- Use flat, saturated colors
- Avoid gradients or shading
- Maintain equal stripe proportions
- Charlie Flag consists of five equal horizontal stripes
Official Meaning (International Code of Signals)
Under the International Code of Signals, Charlie means:
“Yes”
or
“Affirmative.”
This is a reply signal. Charlie does not initiate action, give permission, or convey instruction on its own. It confirms a message that has already been sent.
Boundary Statement
Charlie has no standalone meaning. It only responds to a prior signal or question.
Commercial Sailing Use
In commercial operations, Charlie is used primarily for acknowledgment:
- Confirming receipt of a maneuver request
- Affirming readiness after a procedural signal
- Responding to a question posed via flags, lights, or radio
Charlie does not:
- Authorize passage
- Grant clearance
- Replace radio or written instructions
Those functions remain governed by COLREGs, port rules, and vessel traffic services.
Racing & Regatta Management Use
In racing, Flag C has a specific procedural meaning, distinct from its International Code usage.
When displayed by the race committee, Charlie means:
“The course has been changed.”
The new direction is indicated by:
- The compass bearing on the flag
- Or the orientation of a mark
This signal is typically accompanied by repetitive sound signals.
Boundary Statement
In racing, Charlie only has this meaning when displayed by the race committee and defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing.
Competitors should not interpret Charlie flown by other vessels as a course signal.
Informal or Local Use
Charlie is sometimes used informally to mean:
- “Acknowledged”
- “Understood”
- “Confirmed”
These uses are acceptable only in non-regulated, clearly defined contexts and should never replace official procedures in commercial or competitive environments.
Real-World Examples
Commercial Example
A pilot boat signals a vessel requesting confirmation of readiness to receive a pilot. The vessel hoists Charlie, affirming readiness without further instruction.
Regatta Example
During a race, the committee displays Charlie with repeated sound signals and a directional indicator, notifying the fleet of a change in course at the next mark.
Summary
The Charlie flag is simple, powerful, and often misunderstood. Officially, it means “Yes”, nothing more. In racing, it takes on a tightly defined procedural role when displayed by the race committee. Its authority comes not from the flag itself, but from context, origin, and prior communication.
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.