Secret cruise codes explained as NCL staff call 'Code Oscar' as man falls overboard

If you've ever been on a cruise ship, you'll know there are periodically messages announced over the vessel's tannoy to alert staff to various different situations.

In some cases, where there is some kind of emergency on the ship or staff need to be discreet, secret code words will be used to get the message to crew as fast and efficiently as possible.

It comes after passengers onboard the Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star reported hearing the 'Code Oscar' alert announced over the ship, shortly before search and rescue teams were deployed to recover the body of a 79-year-old man, who tragically died after going overboard.

While the coded announcement could still cause some alarm, especially to those who know what it actually means, hearing the words 'man overboard' would undoubtedly stir up a lot of panic among passengers.

Cruises use code words in emergency situations. (Getty Stock Images)

Emergency codes and what they mean

Code Alpha: This will usually be followed by a location to alert the medical team they need to head to a medical emergency

Code Bravo: This code often be followed by a deck or zone number to alert staff to a fire somewhere on the ship

Code Delta: This refers to damage to the ship, including flooding, a full breach or structural problems

Code Oscar: One of the most urgent calls, this is the emergency call for man overboard to alert the captain and search and rescue teams

Code Echo: This means the vessel is drifting towards danger, usually when there has been a loss of propulsion

Code Bravo means there is a fire onboard. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

Code Charlie: This call means there is a security threat, most commonly referring to a physical altercation or a dangerous passenger

Code Papa: This refers to a pollution spill, usually meaning fuel or waste is leaking into the surrounding sea

Other codes and what they mean

Code Red: This means there has been an outbreak of illness that's likely to spread, such as norovirus

Code Yellow: This is an illness that isn't contagious but is serious for the impacted passengers

Code Black: This means there has been a death onboard the ship

Code White: This refers to a violent person where security personnel are needed

Meanwhile, a few cruise lines have their own individual codes, for example Carnival Cruises uses the code 'Operation Bright Star' to refer to medical emergencies, presumably in a bid to be more discreet.

Next time you're a cruise, listen out to see if you hear any of them.