Visual Communications By LT Fullan

Three Methods Flashing Light Semaphore Flaghoist

Flashing Light Employs International Morse Code Used during day or night Lights –12” directional –Hand held light –Yardarm Blinkers, 360 degree

Flashing Light Advantage –Relative long range day and night –Directional and omnidirectional Disadvantage –Lose security at night since light scatters –Morse code is known by everyone therfore can be read by everyone

Semaphore A signalman places flags, cones, or lights in various positions to represent various letters or numbers OSCAR Flag commonly used but PAPA may normally be used sunrise to sunset

Semaphore Advantage –Most secure since the signalman can position himself to avoid others seeing him Disadvantage –Short range

Flag Hoists Colored flags and pennants displayed from the halyards Used to transmit tactical signals for ships in formation Signals come from –Navy-Navy – ATP1 –Navy – Merchant – International code of signals

Flaghoist Advantage –Rapid transmission to many ships in formation –Uniform method of execution Disadvantage –Only used during daylight –Due to sun and wind, it may be difficult to see the flags

Flag Positions Closed up – position of the flag fully raised At the dip – ¾ raised Hauled down – returned to the deck and or removed from the halyard

Flaghoist Procedures Originator will place the flags closed up Ships outboard of the originator will place the signal at the dip until the outer most ship gets the signal When the outermost ship understands the signal they will close it up To execute, the originator hauls down the signal To cancel, originator closes up NEGAT

Flag Positions Superior to inferior –Port to STBD –Top to bottom –Outboard to inboard

Flag Signals Alfa – diving Bravo – oil or ammo transfer Foxtrot – fixed-wing flight ops Gulf – Guide Hotel – helo ops Oscar – Man overboard Papa – Personnel recall Romeo – UNREPinp

Pennant Signals Negat – negate or cancel Prep – preparing Int – interrogative or what is

Call signs OTC – A2W OTHERS –C3F –OT9 –2KQ –D4G –C3E –2JU –Y1Z –S2I –EP6