Are signal flags still relevant?

[CatNewBee]

Originally Posted by chris in SG

I'm attaching a screenshot of a sailing club's advice to sailors arriving and departing Singapore. I'm only sharing it as an indication of continued use of signal flags in some places, not as a warning to visitors to Singapore (visitors will do their own research). Perhaps I should add that this system was only introduced about 10 years ago when the authorities introduced mandatory immigration processing at sea, in designated areas, so its not historical baggage. Perhaps this is a one-off situation, I'm not sure..

Thanks for posting, never heard about it. Normally Q-flag is sufficient for clearing in. Who has additional green lights on board? Maybe it is for cruise ships only? BTW, do you have additional red and white lights on board for signalling disabled / run aground conditions during the night and various black balls and rhombes besides the anchor ball and motoring cone too for this pupose?

[barcoo]

Originally Posted by Seymore

Good posting.

The Code of Signals is the same for ships of all nationalities, no matter what language they speak, so they communicate with the flag signals. Accordingly, if you ever head to a foreign country, you might consider carrying a Code of Signals and signal flags.

They're useful in other situations too, for example by the warship taking on munitions who has to tell other ships to keep clear. That would be impractical by radio.

Every cruising sailor should know that the Code of Signals publication exists.

Hey its only 157 pages should make for a quick read. Remember there will be a test afterwards

[Fiveslide]

https://www.amazon.com/Tervis-112491...06539438&psc=1

I drink from one of those so I know the signals. Seriously, I really have one.

[CatNewBee]

Originally Posted by Fiveslide

https://www.amazon.com/Tervis-112491...06539438&psc=1

I drink from one of those so I know the signals. Seriously, I really have one.

Love the Whiskey one: Require medical assistance afterwards

[Fiveslide]

Originally Posted by CatNewBee

Love the Whiskey one: Require medical assistance afterwards [emoji3]

Hey, I didn't make up the code, but seems the right people did. [emoji6]

[Montanan]

What signal flags and day shapes would you use for communicating this situation, where an orca is pulling an anchored sailboat about?

I'm thinking Yankee: "I am dragging anchor".

But one may also desire to indicate navigation status:

Not Under Command.
Restricted in ability to maneuver, [since the vessel is technically underway].
Fishing commercial.
Vessel towing.

Killer Whale Grabs A Boat's Anchor Chain, Drags The Boat Around Like A Toy - Digg

[StuM]

Originally Posted by barcoo

Hey its only 157 pages should make for a quick read. Remember there will be a test afterwards

But it will be an open book test and the flag signals are arranged in alphabetical order. Everyone should be able to get 100%, even if they only skimmed the book headings before the test.

[Kerryf]

http://www.boogie-nights.org/2014/10/the-f-word.html?m=1

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Kerryf

http://www.boogie-nights.org/2014/10/the-f-word.html?m=1

[Ian on Leila]

I love my signal flags, even if it for just dressing overall !!