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A US Navy crewman signals the letter 'U' using flag semaphore during an underway replenishment exercise (2005). Flag semaphore (from the Ancient Greek σῆμα (sêma) 'sign' and - φέρω (-phero) '-bearer' [1]) is a semaphore system conveying information at a distance by means of visual signals with hand-held flags, rods, disks, paddles, or occasionally bare or gloved hands.
Several of the most common single-letter signals are shown at the right. Two-letter signals cover a broad gamut of situations. Repeated characters can be a problem in flaghoist. To avoid having to carry multiple sets of signal flags, the Code uses three "substitute" (or "repeater") flags. These repeat the flag at the indicated position.
International maritime signal flags are various flags used to communicate with ships. The principal system of flags and associated codes is the International Code of Signals . [ 1 ] Various navies have flag systems with additional flags and codes, and other flags are used in special uses, or have historical significance.
Flag semaphore signalling uses two flags, held in specific positions to signify letters. This method requires simple equipment but can be obscured by bad weather. This method requires simple equipment but can be obscured by bad weather.
Naval flag signalling undoubtedly developed in antiquity in order to coordinate naval action of multiple vessels. In the Peloponnesian War (431 – 401 BCE) squadrons of Athenian galleys were described by Thucydides as engaging in coordinated maneuvers which would have required some kind of communication; [1] there is no record of how such communication was done but flags would have been the ...
As well as digit flags, the code used "repeat" flags so that only one set of digits was needed; thus the word do, coded as "220", used a "2" flag, a "first repeat" flag here serving as a second 2, and a "0" flag. [12] The end of the message would be indicated by an "end of code" flag (blue over yellow diagonally split). [10] [12]
Semaphore (lit. ' apparatus for signalling '; from Ancient Greek σῆμα (sêma) 'mark, sign, token' and Greek -φόρος (-phóros) 'bearer, carrier') [1] is the use of an apparatus to create a visual signal transmitted over distance. [2] [3] A semaphore can be performed with devices including: fire, lights, flags, sunlight, and moving arms.
LSOs used flag semaphore prior to adopting paddles for better visibility at greater distance. The basic semaphore signal letters F for fast, N for low, U for high, and R for roger (or "right on") were retained with a few more specialized signals; but the original S for slow was replaced as shown in this illustration of the thirteen standardized ...