1. Visual Signals

2. Introduction
Communication is the link that allows the Navy, and the entire armed forces, to maneuver as a cohesive fighting force.
Even though modern technology has increased the range and ease of communication the basics must be learned in the event technology fails .

3. Class Objectives
Identify three main visual communication methods used by the Navy.
Understand the method of flashing light and Morse Code.
Identify the dual meaning of maritime flaghoist flags.
Learn to send and receive messages using semaphore.

4. Visual Communication Methods
Flashing Light
Semaphore
Flaghoist

5. Directional (day or night use) Omni Directional (night use only)
Flashing Light
Directional (day or night use)
Searchlight, Multipurpose Light
Omni Directional (night use only)
Yardarm Blinkers
Directional is used during day or night
Omni Directional is for night use only
International Morse Code is used to send signals

6. International Morse Code
Flashing Light
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  --.
H  I  J  K  L  M  N  -.
O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  ..-
V  W  X  Y  Z  --..
International Morse Code

7. Flaghoist Rapid transmission of message Very accurate
Daytime use ONLY!

8. Flaghoist 68 flags in an Allied Flag Bag 26 Letter Flags
10 Numeral Flags
10 Numeral Pennants
18 Special Flags and Pennants
4 Substitutes

9. Each of the 26 Letter Flags has a stand alone meaning
Flaghoist
26 Letter Flags
Each of the 26 Letter Flags has a stand alone meaning

10. Flaghoist A – Diver Below (when stationary) or undergoing a speed
trial
B – Taking on or discharging explosives
C – Affirmative (yes)
D – Keep Clear, I am maneuvering with difficulty

11. Flaghoist E – Altering course to starboard
F – Disabled, communicate with me
G – I require a pilot
H – I have a pilot on board

12. Flaghoist I – Altering course to port
J – Am going to send a message by semaphore
K – Stop instantly
L – Stop, I have something important to communicate

13. Flaghoist M – I have a doctor on board N – Negative (no)
O – Man overboard
P – All aboard, vessel about to put to sea or
lights are out (at sea)

14. Flaghoist Q – My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique
(permission to land vessel at a foreign port)
R – The way is off my ship, you may feel your
way past me
S – My engines are going full speed astern
T – Do not pass ahead of me

15. Flaghoist U – You are standing into danger
V – I require assistance (not distress)
W – I require medical assistance
X – Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for
my signals

16. Flaghoist Y – I am carrying mail or I am dragging anchor
Z – Used to address or call shore stations or I require a tug
N & C – I am in distress

17. Flaghoist 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 Numeral Flags

18. Flaghoist Practical Exercise1) 2)

19. Flaghoist Practical Exercise (con’t)3)

20. Semaphore Quickest method to send a message Most difficult to read
Signalmen use flags or lighted wands
Used in day or night
Very short range
Position of flags or wands indicates
letter or symbol of message

21. Semaphore

22. Semaphore A B C D E F

23. Semaphore J K L G H I

24. Semaphore P Q R M N O

25. Semaphore S T U V W X

26. Semaphore Y Z

27. Semaphore Practical Exercise

28. Summary
Identify three main visual communication methods used by the Navy.
Understand the method of flashing light and Morse Code.
Identify the dual meaning of maritime flaghoist flags.
Learn to send and receive messages using semaphore.