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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.
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. For instance, to signal MAA ("I request urgent medical advice" the Mike, Alfa, and 2nd substitute flags would be flown, the substitute indicating a repeat of the second character.
But they retain additional flags for naval usage (such as related to maneuvering or status), and use their own codes. E.g., in the ICS the single flag Mike means the vessel is stopped; in the U. S. Navy it means the duty medical officer is on board. Flaghoist was the only way ships could signal prior to the advent of radio and blinking light ...
By 1653, the Royal Navy had issued instructions by which an admiral could signal various orders by hoisting flags in various locations on his ship. Modern naval code signalling began with the invention of maritime signal flags in the mid-17th century by the then-Duke of York (subsequently James II of England ) [ 2 ] who was created Lord High ...
The lull between World War I and World War II reduced center operations to mostly reconditioning and sale of the stockpiles which had been needed earlier to ensure the nations defense. During World War II the center became the largest military supply installation in the world. In December 1942, an additional 295 acres (1.19 km 2) were purchased ...
Signal lamp training during World War II. A signal lamp (also called an Signal Searchlight) is a visual signaling device for optical communication. In the U.S. Navy, "signalman" (nicknamed "Sigs", "Flags", or "Skivvy Waver") was a job field combining both visual communications, and advanced lookout skills.
A designator flag is used to indicate if a flaghoist signal is meant to be interpreted as an ICS signal or as a naval signal. The U.S. Navy uses a set of 68 flags, including flags for each letter of the alphabet and each numeral to convey messages of tactical or administrative nature. [2] [better source needed]
A basic problem with this article is that there is no definition or criteria of "International maritime signal flags". 1 There is the ICS, of course, various commercial systems precedent to that, naval flag systems, and merchant "house" flags. But this article is essentially a rather hacked list of the ICS flags and their single-flag meanings ...