Busselton Historical Society > Records

Flag (maritime) - "In Distress"

(creator unknown)
Subcollections
Maritime
Overview

Two fabric flags:

(a) Blue and white checkered flag (H: 736mm W: 939mm)
(b) Blue, white and red striped flag (H: 711mm W: 939mm)

Historical information

An internationally recognized method is the International Code of Signals (ICS) combination of the N (November) and C (Charlie) flags, which explicitly communicates "I am in distress and require immediate assistance"

A distress flag is an internationally recognized visual signal used on boats or ships to indicate serious or imminent danger and request immediate help.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-124-2026.235
Item type
Flags
Themes
Defence > Navy
Material
Fabrics
Inscriptions and markings

(none)

Contextual information

Under the alphabetical combination of International Maritime Code:

When both Flags N & C are displayed, it means distress, request for assistance.

When they are displayed on their own, N means negative; C means affirmative.

Keywords
Maritime Flags Collection
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Scientific or research significance
Last modified
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Completeness
83
Busselton Historical Society

Busselton Historical Society

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In Distress - maritime flag

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