What does the India Flag indicate during ship operations?

The India Flag, signal flag code 'I', is used to indicate that a vessel is preparing to receive another vessel alongside. This flag signifies that the ship is ready for mooring operations or is ready to take on supplies, passengers, or any other type of assistance from another vessel. When the India Flag is hoisted, it’s critical for other vessels to understand that the ship will be at a standstill or maneuvering slowly, allowing for safe transfer operations to take place.

Understanding this signal is essential for maintaining safe navigation and communication within maritime operations, as it helps facilitate docking and related activities with other ships or craft. By using designated signal flags such as the India Flag, vessels can convey operational statuses to one another without the need for verbal communication, which can be particularly important in noisy environments or when visibility is poor.