Scribd
Upload
71 views

International Code of Signals

The International Code of Signals uses a system of maritime signal flags to communicate messages between ships through letters, standard meanings, or code words that can be looked up in a shared code book. Individual flags can spell out messages, have specific meanings like the "A flag" used by diving vessels, or form code words. Racing yachts also use flags for meanings like the "P flag" for an imminent start or "S flag" for a shortened course.

Uploaded by

John Brylle Guangco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
71 views

International Code of Signals

The International Code of Signals uses a system of maritime signal flags to communicate messages between ships through letters, standard meanings, or code words that can be looked up in a shared code book. Individual flags can spell out messages, have specific meanings like the "A flag" used by diving vessels, or form code words. Racing yachts also use flags for meanings like the "P flag" for an imminent start or "S flag" for a shortened course.

Uploaded by

John Brylle Guangco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

International

Code of Signals
The system of international maritime signal flags is a way of
representing individual letters of the alphabet in signals to or from
ships. It is a component of the International Code of Signals. Nautical
signal flags can be used in various methods:

• Each flag spells out a letter of an alphabetic message.

• Individual signal flags have specific and standard meanings; for


example, diving support vessels raise the "A flag" indicating their
inability to move from their current location because they have a
diver underwater.
• One or more flags form a code word whose meaning can be looked up
in a code book held by both parties. An example is the Popham
numeric code used at the Battle of Trafalgar.

• In yacht racing and dinghy racing, nautical signal flags have other
meanings; for example, the P flag is used as the "preparatory" flag to
indicate an imminent start, and the S flag means "shortened course".

• Note: NATO uses an extra set of flags to communicate specific types


of messages.

You might also like