Rules of the Road · Distress Signals

The International Code Signal of distress consists of which flag combination?

Explanation

Annex IV paragraph 1(f) lists 'the International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.' (the SOS Morse-code group ...---... is a separate signal, paragraph 1(d)). The 'N' (November) flag flown over the 'C' (Charlie) flag is the NC distress combination.

Authority: 72 COLREGS Annex IV, paragraph 1(f)

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