SIGNAL FLAGS

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SIGNAL FLAGS

• USNSCC Annapolis Division

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Why Learn Signal Flags?

• Traditional form of communication that is still
  used in the Navy today
• Necessary for certain operations
• Safety, Security and Mission Readiness
• Frequently displayed aboard Navy ships or
  stations

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Flags and Pennants

• Serve various Functions
• Convey Messages
• Used as Decorations
• Identify Nations
• Identify Embarked Officials

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Different Types of Flags

• International Alphabet Flags
• Numeral Flags
• Numeral Pennants
• Code/Answer Pennants
• Special Flags Pennants
• Four Substitutes or Repeaters

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International Code of Signals

• Used by ships to communicate at sea
• Shorter form of comms, rather than spelling whole
  words
• 1,2, 3 letter codes
• ICS and U.S. Navy codes have differences
• Navy Codes covered by ATP 1
• Navy Coast Guard ships may use ICS to
  communicate with merchant ships
• Use Code pennant to indicate ICS

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Alphabet Flags
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
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Substitute Pennants
First Substitute (1st SUB)Substituted for first
letter in code
Second Substitute (2nd SUB)Substituted for
second letter in code
Fourth Substitute (4th SUB)Substituted for
fourth letter in code
Third Substitute (3rd SUB)Substituted for third
letter in code
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Numeral Flags
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 0
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Numeral Pennants(Used only in call signs)
P1 P2 P3 P4
P5
P6 P7 P8 P9
P0
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Important One-Flag ICS Codes

• A - I have a diver down Keep well clear at slow
  speed
• B - I am taking in/discharging/carrying dangerous
  materials
• H I have a pilot on board

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Important Single-Flag ICS Codes

• K - I wish to communicate with you
• O Man Overboard
• Y I am dragging my anchor

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ICS Two-Flag Codes(Emergencies)

• NC - I am in distress
• JL You are in danger of running aground

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USN/USCG Single-Flag Codes

• G Indicates Guide in formation
• K Man Aloft
• P - General Recall All personnel return to the
  ship
• R Signal during underway replenishment (UNREP)
• At dip I am making preps to receive you
  alongside/I am preparing to come alongside
• Close up I am ready to receive you/I am making
  my approach

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USN/USCG Use of ICS

• Preceded by Code, to identify that ICS is being
  used
• Code H I have a pilotonboard

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Special Flags and Pennants

• Used to indicate tactical maneuvers
• To direct changes in speed
• To direct changes in position
• To direct changes in formation
• To direct changes in course
• Indicate the identity of the unit
• Specialized purposes

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Special Pennants Flags
Code or AnswerSignal to merchant ships that
warship is using ICS
Interrogative
Negative
Preparative (PREP)Also indicates 1st
call to colors
StarboardAlso indicates Senior
Officer Present Afloat (SOPA)
Port
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• Screen

Corpen (Course)
Speed
Emergency
Station
Turn
Designation
Formation
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Division
Squadron
Subdivision
Flotilla
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Sample Tactical Maneuvering Codes

• Corpen 135 Change course to 135
• Speed 20 Change speed to 20 knots

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Substitute Pennants
First Substitute (1st SUB)Absence of embarked
Flag Officer
Second Substitute (2nd SUB)Absence of Chief of
Staff
Fourth Substitute (4th SUB)Absence of
Civil/Military Officer
Third Substitute (3rd SUB)Absence of Captain
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Embarked Flag Officers (USN)
Secretary of the Navy
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Vice CNO
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Embarked Flag Officers (USN)
Admiral
Vice Admiral
Rear Admiral (Upper Half)
Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
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Embarked Flag Officers (USCG)
Commandant
Vice Commandant
Vice Admiral
Rear Admiral (UH)
Rear Admiral (LH)
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Additional Flags

• USN Commissioning Pennant
• Flown continuously
• Usually presented to CO upon relief
• USCG Commissioning Pennant
• Same as above
• Homeward Bound Pennant
• Flown on trip home after gt 9 months at sea
• One foot for each crew member
• Divided upon arrival home

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Additional Flags (contd)

• Union Jack
• Flown from jackstaff
• Raised/lowered with ensign at colors
• Flown at STBD halyard during courtsmartial
• First Navy Jack
• Once assigned to longest active ship in fleet
• Now flown by all USN ships during GWOT

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More flags

• Battle Ensign
• Huge U.S. flag flown during battle
• Coast Guard Ensign
• Signifies USCG law enforcement authority
• SCUBA Diver Down Flag

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More Flags

• Church Pennant
• Flown during underway church services
• Only flag flown aboveNational Ensign
• Jewish Service Pennant
• Same as above

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Flags Inport
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Flags Underway
Navy and Coast Guard ships Shift Colors upon
getting underway or mooring at a pier
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Signal Commands

• Haul Up Raise signal to top of halyard
• At the Dip Raise signal to ¾ of halyard
• Close up Raise signal from dip to top
• Execute Haul down signal

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Haul Up
B - Dangerous materials (refueling or ammunition)
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At the Dip
Guide Making preps to receive you Receiving
ship I am preparing to come alongside
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Close Up
Guide I am ready to receive you Receiving
ship I am commencing my approach
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Execute
Guide orders course change to 330
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O - Man Overboard
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A - Diver Down
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The End