Quick answer
Quebec (Q) is the plain yellow International Code of Signals flag. Its single-letter message is: “My vessel is ‘healthy’ and I request free pratique.” This expresses a declaration and a request, rather than confirmation that clearance has been granted. Signal meaning: Publication 102; appearance: Q Flag.
| Feature | Description | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|
| Letter and spoken name | Q — Quebec | International Code of Signals identification. |
| Design | Plain yellow field | Described by the cited nautical reference; no emblem or lettering forms part of that description. |
| Single-letter meaning | The vessel declares itself healthy and requests free pratique. | Official code meaning, Publication 102. |
| Hoist-to-fly ratio | Not specified numerically in this record. | No mandatory ratio verified; artwork dimensions are not treated as a specification. |
| Exact yellow | No Pantone, RGB, HEX or textile colour value assigned. | No authoritative colourimetric specification verified. |
Construction and reproduction
The identifying design is a plain yellow field, as described by the nautical reference. Exact dimensions, fabric, seams and attachment details are not established by the evidence consulted. No common manufacturing ratio is asserted. Any digital yellow would be a screen approximation unless tied to a documented standard; any newly drawn geometry would be an editorial reconstruction.
Code history
IMCO adopted the revised International Code of Signals on 27 September 1965 through Resolution A.80(IV). This is a date for the revised Code, not a verified first-adoption date for the yellow Q flag. Resolution A.80(IV).
The preface to the United States 1969 edition, revised in 2003, records that the edition became effective on 1 April 1969. Its single-letter table includes Q and the free-pratique request. Earlier meanings and the original introduction of this flag are not established here. Publication 102, preface and single-letter signals.