For centuries, flags have been used at sea to identify ships and to pass messages from one vessel to another ... either friend or foe. Each signal flag or combination of flags has a different meaning, which can be changed by hoisting them on different masts.
The first numerical flag code was devised by a Frenchman named de la Bourdonnaise in 1738. It was the foundation on which all later development of flag hoist signaling was based. The current alphabet was adopted in 1957. The words chosen to represent the letters of the alphabet have changed since this system of communication was first introduced. When changes occur they are made by international agreement. 
Some signal flags are meant for specialized jobs. For example, signalers still occasionally use semaphore flags to pass messages over short distances. The signalman sends messages letter by letter by holding two flags in various positions simolar to the hands of a clock. Semaphore signals can be sent and received much more quickly than flag hoists or even flashing light using Morse Code. They also have the advantage of being visible at greater distances.
Alphabet flags and numeric pennants are used by ships at sea to spell out short messages. Used individually or in combination, they have special meanings. Strung end to end and hung bow to stern from the rigging, they are used to dress ships for ceremonial and festive occasions.
One-letter hoists are for urgent, important or common transmissions, such as "Disabled" (F); "Man Overboard" (O); "Require Assistance" (V); and so on. Two-letter hoists are messages in the general code of signals. They have to do with emergency situations or navigational matters, such as "Are you aground?" (JI). Three-letter hoists, all starting with the letter "M", are from the medical code of signals and provide a surprisingly detailed system of communicating symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of medical emergencies, such as "You should give by mouth seasick tablets" (MT138).
The sending vessel makes up the signal and hoists it close up (fully hoisted). The receiving vessel hoists the answering pennant at the dip (hoisted halfway) to indicate the signal has been seen; once the receiving vessel has deciphered the message, it brings the answering pennant close up.
Weather indicator pennants appear either individually or as doubles. When displayed as a pair, they indicate a more severe warning:
Small Craft Warning:
Up to 38 mph winds
Gale Warning:
39-54 mph winds
Storm Warning:
55-73 mph winds
Hurricane Warning:
74+ mph winds
National flags or ensigns identify a ship's country of origin. The flag of a country into whose waters a ship is entering must be flown as a matter of courtesy.
Yacht club burgees are triangular, rectangular or swallowtailed flags denoting club or squadron membership. Many boaters get them by swapping their own burgees and other flags or nautical mementos.
DRESSING SHIP
Ships and boats are sometimes "dressed" for regattas, on national holidays and other special occasions. A property dressed yacht displays:
- The yacht ensign at the stern staff
- The union jack at the bow, or jack, staff
- The flags and pennants of the International Code on a line running from the stern or end of the bowsprit to the masthead and aft to the stern or taffrail
When dressing ship, the proper sequence is more or less standard: A B 2 U J 1 K E 3 G H 6 I V 5 F L 4 D M 7 P O 3rd substitute R N 1st substitute S T 0 (zero) C X 9 W Q 8 Z Y 2nd substitute. Using all the flags and pennants is known as rainbow dressing.
ONLINE REFERENCES
Visit these sites for more information about signal flags, marine history and boating safety:
- To translate a name or messages to signal or semaphore flags, go to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic at www.museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/signalflags.
- A great guide to boating, diving, fishing, gear, sailing, weather and everything else can be found at www.marinewaypoints.com.
- Test your boating safety knowledge at www.usps.org, site of the United States Power Squadron.
- Interested in some Naval History? Go to www.history.navy.mil and visit the Naval History Museum.
- If "Burgees" are your thing, you'll want to visit www.toolworks.com/burgee.
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