Zulu (Z)
maritime signalsmaritimesignal flagnavigation
The Zulu flag is divided into four triangles of black, yellow, red, and blue, all meeting at the center point. It means 'I require a tug,' indicating the vessel needs a tugboat for assistance in maneuvering, docking, or towing. Large vessels in tight harbors almost always require tug assistance.
The term 'Zulu time' used in aviation and military contexts for UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) comes from this NATO phonetic letter. However, the Zulu flag itself has no connection to timekeeping and is purely a request for tugboat assistance.
Adopted: 1857
