🔍 Key Concepts

• International Code of Signals (ICS) single-letter flags and their meanings • Difference between "I am maneuvering with difficulty / stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals" and "I have a pilot on board" • Commonly tested single-letter flags on licensing exams (e.g., distress/medical vs. pilotage)

💭 Think About

• Think about which single-letter flag is traditionally associated with pilotage services and pilot boats in harbors worldwide. • Recall what signal a vessel hoists when a pilot has actually embarked, versus the signal used when requesting or needing a pilot. • Eliminate any letters you associate with other very common meanings (such as distress, medical, or course alteration), so you’re left with the one that specifically indicates a pilot is on board.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in an International Code of Signals table which single-letter flag explicitly means "I have a pilot on board" (not "I require a pilot"). • Double‑check that you are not confusing the pilot on board flag with the flag used by pilot vessels themselves when on station. • Confirm the visual design and common usage of the remaining candidate letters to ensure it is indeed the standard pilot flag.