What does the ship on medical guard duty fly?

The ship on medical guard duty flies the Mike flag. This flag specifically indicates that the vessel is engaged in medical or hospital duties, making it important during operations where medical services are required. The Mike flag is part of the International Code of Signals, which provides a standardized communication system for maritime operations, helping to signify various situations or statuses of ships.

Choosing to fly the Mike flag serves to alert other vessels and personnel that the ship is involved in medical activities, ensuring that it is treated with the appropriate level of caution and priority. This is especially critical during search and rescue operations or when providing critical medical assistance at sea. The other flags mentioned have different meanings within the code, highlighting the significance of understanding the specific actions or statuses represented by each flag.