International signal book

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The International Code of Signals (INTERCO) is used for communication at sea. It defines the meaning of letter abbreviations for safety and navigation purposes. All ships that are subject to the SOLAS Convention have to carry the International Signal Book.

Historical

The oldest collection of signals for sailing fleets was the Black Book of the Admirality at the beginning of the 14th century. The first signal book for the merchant navy was created in 1817 by Captain Frederick Marryat .

A key to giving was designed by a committee of the Board of Trade in 1855 and published in 1857. It contained about 70,000 signals and was gradually adopted by most of the seafaring nations. Germany adopted the International Signal Book in 1870. However, it was not until the version of 1901 with almost half a million signals that was generally accepted internationally. The current version is from 1969, revised in 2003.

Transmission types

The transmission can take place in different ways depending on the situation.

Visual contact

Sound signals

Wireless

Signal types

Signals are given as one, two or three letter signals. With signals of more than three flags z. B. bearing , date , time , positions given. However, only flag signals from up to four different (!) Flags at the same time are common.

The identification signals of the ships consist of four letters. They are listed in special lists.

The use of the signal book is announced by the answer pennant (AP) or by the word INTERCO over the radio.

One-letter signals

One-letter signals are either urgent or frequently used, for example:

  • A I have divers in the water
  • B I invite, delete or carrying dangerous goods
  • C yes
  • D keep you free from me; I maneuver with difficulty
  • E I am changing course to starboard
  • Q I am unable to maneuver; contact me
  • G I need a pilot - or in the case of fishing vessels: I haul nets
  • H I have a pilot on board
  • I am changing course to port
  • J I have a fire in the ship and dangerous cargo on board; keep clear of me - or: dangerous cargo escapes
  • K I want to get in touch with you
  • L Bring your vehicle to a stop immediately
  • M My machine has stopped and I am not driving through the water
  • N no
  • O man overboard
  • P In the port: everyone on board, as the vehicle wants to leave. At sea (fishing ships): my net got caught in an obstacle. Or as a sound signal: I need a pilot
  • Q Everything is healthy on board; and I ask for free traffic permission; I haven't cleared in yet
  • R as a single flag has no meaning
  • S My machine is reversing
  • T Keep clear of me; I'm at team fishing
  • U You are putting yourself in danger
  • V I need help
  • W I need medical help
  • X Interrupt your current project (maneuver) and pay attention to my signals
  • Y I'm drifting at anchor
  • Z I need a tractor

Two letter signals

A selection of two-letter signals

  • AG You should get off your ship as soon as possible!
  • AM Do you have a doctor?
  • AN I need a doctor
  • AQ I have an injured person who must be taken over immediately
  • CB I need help immediately
  • CV I am unable to help you
  • DX I'm sinking
  • EL Repeat the emergency position
  • FO I will stay close to you
  • GN Take over the people
  • GQ Cannot help because of the weather.
  • GV Try to put me on a leash
  • GW Man overboard , do something to pick him up.
  • GZ All people saved
  • GZ 1 All people perished
  • HX Were you damaged in the collision?
  • JB There is a risk of explosion
  • JP Emergency dropping of cargo to get afloat again
  • JW I have a leak get
  • NC I am in need and I need immediate help
  • QN Come alongside to starboard
  • SC I'm driving
  • SN Stop immediately. Do not sink your vehicle. Fieren you no boats to water. Do not use the radio. If you do not do so, I will open fire on you.
  • SO bring your vehicle to a stop immediately.
  • SO 1 stop. Bow seaward.
  • SO 2 Stay where you are.
  • UW have a good trip!
  • YM Who am I being called by?
  • ZA 1 I would like to communicate with you in English
  • ZA 3 ... in German

Three letter signals

  • MAA I urgently ask for medical advice.
  • MAJ33 I have a male patient of 33 years.
  • MAK28 I have a female patient of 28 years.
  • MHV The patient has severe toothache
  • MVQ The patient has to see a doctor in the next port

See also

Web links