Somethin-Fishey:
Dude, you need to read your OWN link. It clearly states 'A' is the diver down flag. Page 22 of the first chapter.
I have read it and, unlike you, I understand it.
Alfa indicates a vessel has a diver down.
That is as opposed to a flag hanging from a buoy which would indicate a diver is down.
Alfa flying off a buoy means the buoy has been designated buoy alfa by someone. In the ICOS it has no meaning beyond that.
Alfa flying off a pier indicates someone put the flag up. In the ICOS it has no meaning beyond that.
The only widely recognized "diver down" flag is the red with a white diagonal stripe, and that is not widely recognized outside North America.
CHAPTER 1.SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS
SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS
May be made by any method of signaling.
See Note 1 for those marked by an asterisk (*)
A I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
*B I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
*C Yes (affirmative or The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative).
*D Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.
*E I am altering my course to starboard.
F I am disabled; communicate with me.
*G I require a pilot. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: I
am hauling nets.
*H I have a pilot on board.
*I I am altering my course to port.
J I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me, or I am leaking dangerous cargo.
K I wish to communicate with you.
L You should stop your vessel instantly.
M My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
N No (negative or The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative). This signal may be given
only visually or by sound. For voice or radio transmission the signal should be NO.
O Man overboard.
P In harbor.All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.
At sea.It may be used by fishing vessels to mean: My nets have come fast upon an obstruction. It may also
be used as a sound to mean: I require a pilot.
Q My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique.
*S I am operating astern propulsion.
*T Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.
U You are running into danger.
V I require assistance.
W I require medical assistance.
X Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
Y I am dragging my anchor.
*Z I require a tug. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: I am
shooting nets.
Notes: 1. Signals of letters marked by an asterisk (*) when made by sound may only be made in compliance with the
requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.
2. Signals K and S have special meanings as landing signals for small boats with crews or persons in distress.
(International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, Chapter V, Regulation 16.)
