Visual signals

Visual flag hoists displayed by delivery ship or receiving ship. The flags of a hoist are always read from the top down. When two or more are flying, they are read from outboard to inboard or from forward to aft. During UNREP, the hoists are displayed on the yardarm toward the rigged ship.

Romeo at dip. Romeo flag is located 3/4 way up toward the point of the hoist. On the control ship, it means, "I am steady on course and speed and am prepared to receive you alongside on side indicated." On the approaching ship, it means, "I am ready to come alongside.”
Romeo close up. Romeo flag is at the top of the hoist, touching the point of the hoist or as high as it will go. On the control ship, it means, "I am ready for your approach.” On the approach ship, it means, "I am commencing my approach.”
Romeo hauled down. This means the first messenger is in hand for controlling and receiving ship.
Prep at dip. Prep flag is located 3/4 way up toward the point of the hoist. On the receiving ship, it means, “I expect to disengage in 15 minutes.”
Prep close up. Prep flag is at the top of the hoist, touching the point of the hoist or as high as it will go. On the receiving ship, it means, “Replenishment completed and I am disengaging at final station.”
Prep hauled down. On the receiving ship, it means all lines are clear.
Bravo at dip. Bravo flag is located 3/4 way up toward the point of the hoist. On the delivery ship, it means, "I have temporarily stopped supplying.” On the receiving ship, it means, "I have temporarily stopped receiving.”
Bravo close up. Bravo flag is at the top of the hoist, touching the point of the hoist or as high as it will go. On both ships, it means fuel or explosives are being transferred.
Bravo hauled down. On both ships, it means delivery is complete.

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