Flags. Semaphore, Radio Speak, and Morse Code Brief GuideA Seadolby Reference PageA one page quick guide to maritime semaphore, morse code, radio speak and the flags as found and used today and yesterday within the merchant navy and shipping industry. There is so much more to each system/code but I present here only the bare bones, as a quick reference or introduction only. Use and enjoy but for greater accuracy I suggest that other sources are found. |
| FLAG | SYMBOL |
RADIO LINGO |
MORSE CODE |
SEMAPHORE | SIGNAL FLAG | |
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LH down RH low |
Diver below/I am undergoing speed trials |
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LH down; RH out |
I am loading/discharging explosives |
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LH down; RH high |
Affirmative |
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LH down; RH up or LH up; RH down |
Keep Clear/I am manouvering with difficulty |
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LH high; RH down |
I am altering course to Starboard |
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LH out; RH down |
I am disabled, communicate with me |
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LH low; RH down |
I require a Pilot |
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LH across low; RH out |
I have a Pilot onboard |
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LH across low; RH up |
I am altering course to Port |
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LH out ; RH up |
I am going to send a message by Semaphore |
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LH up; RH low |
Stop your vessel immediately |
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LH high; RH low |
Stop immediately, I need to communicate |
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LH out; RH low |
I have a Doctor nnboard |
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LH low; RH low |
Negative |
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LH across high; RH out |
Man Overboard |
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LH up; RH out |
Vessel about to depart/your lights are out |
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LH high; RH out |
My vessel is healthy |
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LH out; RH out |
My way is off, You may pass me slowly |
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LH low; RH out |
My engines are full astern |
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LH up; RH high |
Do not pass ahead of me |
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LH high; RH high |
You are standing into danger |
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LH low; RH up |
I require assistance |
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LH out; RH across high |
I require medical assistance |
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LH low; RH across high |
Stop your movements and watch for my signals |
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LH out; RH high |
I carry mail |
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LH out; RH across low |
To call or address shore stations |
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LH up; RH low |
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LH down RH low |
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LH down; RH out |
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LH down; RH hig |
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LH down; RH up - or LH up; RH down |
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LH high; RH down |
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LH out; RH down |
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LH low; RH down |
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LH across low; RH out |
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LH across low; RH up |
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Full Stop |
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Comma |
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Query |
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Numerical Sign |
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LH high; RH up |
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Annul Sign |
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LH low; RH high |
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Error |
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LH and RH raised and lowered together |
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Alphabet |
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LH out ; RH up |
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| Answer | |||||
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Substitute 1 | |||||
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Substitute 2 | |||||
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Substitute 3 |