Letters with flags. Semaphore alphabet

At the beginning of the 19th century, a special method of transmitting information from a ship to land, the so-called semaphore alphabet, was invented in France. Several crossbars were raised on the mast and, by moving them, letters and then words were formed. "Semaphore" translated from Greek means "carrying sign." For almost two centuries, this sign system has been actively used throughout the world. Later it was replaced by radio communication and Morse code. Today, flag communications are practically not used in the navy.

Semaphore alphabet in Russia

In Russia, the appearance of the semaphore alphabet is associated with the name of Vice Admiral Stepan Osipovich Makarov. At the end of the 19th century, he developed a system for transmitting Russian letters using flags. The Russian semaphore alphabet consists of twenty-nine alphabetic symbols, to which, if necessary, three service symbols can be added. All numbers and punctuation marks are spelled out, since it does not have a separate designation for numbers or symbols.

Each letter or service sign is a set hand position with flags. Sometimes, if there are no flags, signals are transmitted using caps. It is believed that a sailor well trained in the alphabet of flags can clearly reproduce 60-80 letters or signs per minute. In the evening or at night, use flags of bright and light colors, such as yellow or white. During daylight hours - black or red. Currently, training in the semaphore alphabet is carried out only in special courses. After all, flags were replaced by spotlights with Morse code and radio communications.

Semaphore alphabet abroad

In the 17th century in England, pictures were used to transmit information over a distance. The semaphore alphabet in its modern form was created in France only two centuries later. The flag system that is used abroad is slightly similar to the Russian one. She also uses flags to represent the letters that make up words and sentences. But there are some differences between them. The first is that the flags used are not single-colored, as is usual in Russia, but colored, with different combinations of colors and symbols. Each such flag is a separate letter. That is, you can hang the flags in a certain order, making words and sentences from them. The Latin alphabet is used as a basis. Another difference is that the Western semaphore alphabet also has special symbols for numbers. In this case, it is possible to transmit information using two flags.

Systematization of the flag language

Due to the fact that the method of transmitting information using a semaphore was considered very successful, there was a need to streamline all signals. In the 19th century, the number of ships increased, many countries acquired their own fleet, so the need arose to create a single maritime language for communication at a distance. In 1857, the Code of Signals was developed, which outlined international flags, their colors and meaning. It included eighteen main flags constantly used in the navy. Initially, four maritime powers took part in the development of this code: the USA, Canada, France and Britain. In 1901, all states with a military and merchant fleet approved this document for use. It is believed that from that moment on, the maritime semaphore alphabet was accepted and officially registered as a unified communication system.

In 1931, the Code of Signals underwent minor changes. Due to the increasing use of radio communications and searchlights to transmit information using Morse code, some of the flags were removed, and the meaning for the rest was changed. In 1969, flag signals were translated not only into Latin, but also into Cyrillic. The system has become truly international and understandable to seafarers almost anywhere on the planet.

Flags and their meaning

At the moment, the International Code of Signals consists of three blocks. The first includes twenty-six flags that represent only letters. Naturally, the Latin alphabet is taken as a basis. The second contains ten flags to represent the numbers zero through nine. The last block contains three replacement flags. They are used in exceptional cases: if the ship has only one set of flags and there is no opportunity to hang, for example, repeating letters in a word. Substitutes come to the rescue.

After the collapse, the flag signal system in Russia and the CIS countries remained almost unchanged.

Use of the semaphore alphabet today

With the advent of radio communications and electricity, the flag signal system gradually lost its relevance and is currently practically not used. But in almost every country, in case of a critical situation, there is a sailor on board the ship who knows how to transmit information using flags. The semaphore alphabet is also actively used in parades and during demonstration performances. Now it is more of a tribute to tradition than a means of communication at a distance.

Flag semaphore (semaphore alphabet) is one of the methods of communication, where each letter and symbol corresponds to a certain position of hands with flags.

A flag semaphore is used for transmission over a distance equal to 1-1.5 miles when received with the naked eye and in good visibility, and 2.5 miles when received with optical instruments and in good visibility.

A semaphore message consists of words made up of letters, represented by the corresponding position of the flags.

The semaphore alphabet does not contain numbers or punctuation marks. Their transmission is carried out in letters, in words. For example, the number "7" will be conveyed by the word "seven", and the sign "," - by the word "comma".

The flags used to communicate by semaphore are made from a shaft 45 cm long and 2.0-2.6 cm in diameter; at one end of the shaft a piece of fabric (staple or flag) 30-35 cm in size is attached.

The color of the fabric is chosen to be the same for a pair of flags. The color of the fabric of the flags depends on the time of day: in the dark, flags with light-colored fabric (yellow, white) are used, and in the daytime, flags with dark-colored fabric (red, black) are used. If there are no flags, they semaphore with caps.

The speed of text transmission by a signalman trained in the semaphore alphabet is 60-80 characters per minute.

From December 1, 2011, “flag signal production” was excluded from the curriculum of junior communications specialists.

Russian semaphore alphabet

• the similarity of the image of semaphore signs A, G, K, T, U with the image of these letters accepted in the Russian alphabet
• establishment of the same sign for pairs of letters EiE, IiI, biB (therefore, in semaphore texts, the letter E is written in the same way as E, the letter Y as I, a soft sign as a hard sign)
• pairwise symmetry in the image of semaphore signs A and U, B and D, V and G, E and C, ZH and Z, K and X, L and M, N and O, P and R, F and S, C and Ch, Sh and Shch, Yu and Z. In addition, the signs V and G, Zh and Z, L and M, N and O, P and R, C and Ch, Sh and Shch, Yu and Z, which are symmetrical in image, stand side by side in the semaphore ABC
• semaphore signs E and C, Vi G, Ni O, IiY are depicted with one hand. In this case, the signs B, E, I (Y) and N are depicted with the right hand, and the signs C, G, O - with the left
• in semaphore signs B and D, V and G, E and S, ZH and 3, L and M, N and O, P and R, C and Ch, Sh and Shch, Yu and Z, which are pairwise symmetrical, the position of the flag on the right hands in the first sign corresponds to the position of the flag of the left hand of the adjacent sign.

• call sign (in Fig. 1) - to establish communication using a flag semaphore. It is given by waving semaphore flags raised above the head; in this case, the position of the hands does not exceed the boundaries established for the letter U;
• answer sign (in Fig. 2) - to confirm receipt of the call sign (the call has been noticed), as well as to confirm each correctly received word during negotiations. It is given by flapping the semaphore flags facing downwards. When swinging, the arms should not go beyond the limits established for the letter A;
• repetition (error) sign (in Fig. 3) - for a request to repeat an rejected word. It is given by raising the semaphore flags above the head twice, corresponding to the position of the hands for the sign b (b). Used when transmitting text and as a sign of an error, followed by transmission of the correct (corrected) word
• wait sign (in Fig. 4) - if necessary, temporarily interrupt the transmission or reception of a semaphore. The signalman interrupting the transmission (reception) describes horizontal circles above his head with semaphore flags raised upward
• end sign (in Fig. 5) - to show that the semaphore transmission or negotiations are completed. Indicated by alternately raising up and lowering semaphore flags with the left and right hands several times
• question mark (in Fig. 6) - in cases when the transmitted semaphore text requires an answer. Indicated by passing twice the sign corresponding to the letter T
• separating sign (in Fig. 7) - when transmitting a signal consisting of several signal combinations, to separate one signal combination from another. It is indicated by raising the semaphore flags to a position corresponding to the sign b (b), and lowering them to the feet. This service sign is similar to the repetition sign, the only difference is that with the repetition sign, the semaphore flags are raised up twice, with the separating sign - once
• sign of impossibility of reception (in Fig. 8) - to show the transmitting signalman that reception is impossible (the signs are poorly visible), it is depicted by writing off three circles in the vertical plane with one or two semaphore flags in one hand.

The choice of location for transmission by semaphore flags determines the quality of reception. Therefore, if necessary, the receiving signalman can indicate to the transmitter a place from which the transmission is better visible. Additional service signs are used for this purpose:

• “Move to the right side of me (the recipient)” (in Fig. a). The signal is made 4-5 times to the right side at 90° with a semaphore flag extended forward to a horizontal position, i.e. the sign corresponding to the letter B is repeated several times in a row
• “Move to the left of me (the recipient)” (in Fig. b). The signal is made 4-5 times to the left at 90° with a semaphore flag extended forward in a horizontal position, i.e. the sign corresponding to the letter G is repeated several times
• “Rise higher” (in Fig. c). It is done by giving the signal upward with a semaphore flag extended forward to a horizontal position
• “Go down below” (in Fig. d).. This is done with a downward signal with a semaphore flag extended forward to a horizontal position.

Learning the semaphore alphabet

When learning the signs of the letters A, T, U, b, b of the first conditional group, the student’s hands should occupy the same position relative to the body. For the A sign, both arms should be at a 45° downward angle, and for the T sign, both arms should be extended horizontally. For the U sign, the arms are raised up at an angle of 45°, and to depict the soft (hard) sign they are extended upward above the head. Then the signs that are formed with one hand are studied. These include the signs of the letters G, E, E, I, Y. The sign G is formed by the left outstretched hand horizontally, the right one is lowered down. The letter E sign is depicted with the right hand, which is at an angle of 45° upward. The same sign denotes the letter E. The sign of the letter I corresponds to the outstretched right arm upward, forming a continuation of the body. The other hand is down. The same sign corresponds to the letter Y, but in this case a slight circular movement is made with the arm extended upward.
The letter K sign is learned after all the signs of the first group have been learned. He is one of them, when passing, both hands are on the left side of the body. In this case, the left hand takes a position at an angle of 45 degrees upward, the right - at the same angle downward.

During one lesson you should learn no more than 5-8 signs. In this case, classes should not exceed 2 hours. It is recommended to begin each subsequent lesson by repeating previously learned letter signs. After studying letter signs in each lesson, you should practice a direct transition from transmitting single characters to two or more, as well as writing short words from them.
After studying the signs of the first conditional group, it is recommended to practice transmitting short words made up of these letter signs. For this purpose, it is recommended to use the text compiled in relation to the one given at the end.
When transmitting words, you must ensure that the transition from one sign to another is done without lowering your hands. In this case, the transmitted character of the letter must be clearly recorded, remaining in this position for some time, after which the subsequent character is reproduced. You should lower your hands only after finishing transmitting a single letter or a single word.

After achieving a clear transmission of signs or short words consisting of the studied letters, learning to read begins. The transmission of letter signs and short words is carried out alternately by one of the students. After mastering the signs of the letters of the first group, the study of the signs of the second conditional group begins. It begins with signs that are symmetrical to those previously learned. These include the letters B and C. Then subsequent characters are studied in the order of their location in the group. As they are memorized, combinations of two or three letters are transmitted, and then short words made up of the learned letters.

The signs of the letters of the third conditional group are studied in the same sequence. When conveying words, the main attention should be paid to the clarity of the image and the correct transition from one character to another. When double letters are found in the transmitted word, then after transmitting the first of them, the hands should be lowered. In this case, no pause is made, since the hands must immediately be raised to re-transmit the same letter. The speed of transmission should not come at the expense of the quality of reproduction of characters, but is increased gradually through classes and training. It is recommended to conduct one-hour training in the speed of transmission, as well as the reception of letters, during the entire training period.

As you master the transmission technique, easy and simple words should be replaced by more complex ones, including all the learned letter signs. The delivery of words must be alternated with pauses. The duration of pauses should be set such that it would be possible to record received words and transmit confirmation of their receipt. If errors are detected in accepted words, they must be repeated.
As they master the transmission and reception of words, they begin to study service signs. During this training period, attention is paid to increasing the speed of transmission and reception. However, this should be done gradually as one gains confidence in transferring skills. Semaphore texts should be used that contain words containing all the letters of the alphabet. Their transmission and reception must be accompanied by the use of service signs. In this case, the continuity of transmission by one trainee should not exceed 3-5 minutes. During classes or training, the transmission and reception time allotted to each student must be the same. This distribution will help students achieve equal reception and transmission speeds. This is especially important at this stage of training, when the exchange must be carried out over distances of at least 50-100 m. Semaphore texts can be transmitted either by dictation or from forms, and those received must be written down (in journals, notebooks) or memorized. All accepted texts are subject to verification. It can be carried out after each appointment or at the end of the lesson.

Reception of semaphores with memorization is an important type of training, since it develops and trains the memory of students, which will be of great importance in their future career activities.
In a paired exchange, the correctness of the received texts can be checked by reverse transmission, that is, by rehearsing them. But in this case, transmission is made only from the semaphore form on which these texts were recorded.
After students have mastered service signs, they begin to study the rules of communication.

Rules for communication with flag semaphore

Establishing a connection

Communication

End of connection

In the second half of the 19th century, a special position was introduced in the navy - signalman. And at the end of the 19th century, the signal alphabet was invented by Vice Admiral S.O. Makarov, which was needed to transmit messages at a distance between passing ships, as well as on land.

Russian semaphore alphabet

Each letter of the Russian alphabet is encoded with a special hand position with flags. The Russian semaphore alphabet includes 29 alphabetic and 3 service signs. The following characters are transmitted identically:
e, e, e;
i, th;
ъ, ь.

There are no numbers or punctuation marks in the alphabet. They are transmitted by letter, for example, the number “3” is “three”.

During daylight hours, flags with dark fabric are used, and during dark times, flags with light fabric are used. If there are no flags, then the message is transmitted by caps. The transmission range of such a message is about 3 km, and even longer when using binoculars.

A good signal specialist can transmit from 60 to 80 characters per minute, but in rare cases this figure can reach up to 110.

Cancellation of the semaphore alphabet in the Russian Navy

Nowadays, interest in the semaphore alphabet has begun to disappear, since new means of signals turned out to be better and not so time-consuming. Since December 1, 2011, “Flag Signal Production” has been excluded from the IMF Junior Communications Specialists curriculum, but it is taught in naval schools as an introduction. Instead of the semaphore alphabet, the fleet used light signaling using a searchlight and Morse code, as well as radio communication. They are more common today for communication between ships. But, according to experienced captains, it is necessary to know the semaphore alphabet, since there may be emergency cases when it is simply irreplaceable, so its return is possible.

International semaphore alphabet

This flag system is used abroad with some features.

Until recently, the training course for communications specialists included the semaphore alphabet, but few people today remember what it is. It seems to be somehow connected with the transmission of information over long distances, but exactly how this data was delivered, received and processed is unclear.

Most Valuable Resource

With the development of civilization, it became clear that the most important thing is information:

• Only those who have comprehensive information on their issue can hope for success;
• Timely news can change the course of history;
• Various speculations are possible only with a high level of understanding of the situation;
• An elementary connection between two people separated by distance is impossible without the latest inventions;
• For some information, people are willing to give everything they have.

Possession of information helps you “rise” above the crowd. Most people have to produce, create and sell something. Some manage to distribute information and direct the flow of resources.

But even without ambition you won’t be able to ignore the topic of communication. If previously a letter from one city to another took weeks, today the addressee may receive the message already a second after sending.

Real-time dialogue has become possible between people thousands of kilometers away from each other. A few centuries ago, this plot was almost the main theme of science fiction works; today it is a banal reality.

Semaphore telegraph

The idea of ​​transmitting data using optical signs first appeared in ancient times - the population of North and South America used bonfires and knot writing to inform neighbors.

Similar practices were used in Asia, the most famous example being the Great Wall of China. Given the length, it was not possible to report raids and other incidents using messengers.

But the real flourishing of the semaphore business began in Europe in the 18th century:

1. The first mechanisms used visible figures;
2. By the end of the century, a semaphore with movable bars had already been patented;
3. In the same century, its optical brother appeared;
4. Even today, on every road we can see their descendants - traffic lights.

There is nothing complicated in the very principle of operation:

• Along the busiest roads, on hills, semaphore towers are erected;
• All buildings are in line of sight so that workers can receive and send signals in any weather;
• Information is transmitted along a chain, from one tower to another;
• The operator must receive the message, record it and pass it on to the next operator who will perform the same amount of work;
• There was a special encoding (alphabet) for deciphering the received signals.

Cipher for data transmission

The semaphore alphabet gained the greatest popularity thanks to the navy:

1. Ships need to exchange information regularly;
2. Any change of route must be communicated to all allied ships;
3. During combat operations, the commander-in-chief must coordinate the actions of the entire squadron from one ship;
4. For centuries, this type of communication remained the only possible one.

Today, all ships are equipped with the latest technology, allowing you to contact anyone - both at sea and on land. But our ancestors could not afford such luxury and solved problems in a different way.

Was developed special alphabet, which consisted of 29 letters:

• The soft and hard signs corresponded to the same signal;
• "E", "E" and "E" were transmitted in the same way;
• No one made any distinction between “I” and “Y”;
• All words were spelled out, including punctuation marks and numbers;
• Two flags or caps were used for signals.

Speed ​​of information acquisition

Suddenly for the whole world and himself, a person “burst” into the wave range. From this moment on, the need for line of sight disappeared:

1. It was possible to send messages over as large a distance as desired;
2. A “live” dialogue between people located in different countries has become possible;
3. Each house has its own “window to a new world”;
4. Today, the ability to freely communicate and transmit data over vast distances is taken for granted.

If tomorrow we are left without the Internet, radio and telephony, the day after tomorrow the existing way of life will collapse. Exist at such a slow pace in which our ancestors lived for centuries, modern man I'm just not used to it. And we're not even talking about any emotional suffering.

Basic coordination of production, procurement and supply of essential goods will become impossible. Too large volumes and too few possibilities for data transfer. Hunger riots over a “broken phone”, who would have thought.

Semaphore message

The principle of data transmission “in the line of sight” has been known since antiquity, but the real need for this option arose only in the 18th century. Approximately since then, semaphore telegraphs and alphabet known in our time have existed:

• A chain of towers was built on the hills;
• Using light signals or changing the position of the slats, information was transmitted from one building to another;
• Having traveled all the way, the data found its final addressee, much faster than a letter or a messenger.

The semaphore alphabet was actively used in the navy:

1. Helped transmit information from one ship to another;
2. Before widespread use, radio was the only communication option;
3. Signals were given using flags;
4. Experienced signalers transmitted at least 10 words per minute;
5. A long flotilla campaign without such coordination was impossible.

Today all this may seem slightly comical or even ridiculous. Just think, technological progress means waving flags or building towers in a row. Even a caveman could have thought of this. But at that moment it was a serious step forward. And considering where this led - to modern technologies, the step was quite good.

For most, the phrase semaphore alphabet remains somewhat incomprehensible, and only people with a truly broad outlook can tell it.

Video: how did the semaphore alphabet work?

In this video, Vasily Timofeev will tell you how the semaphore alphabet appeared and how it was used in the navy in Russia and other countries:

Back in 1857, the “System of Code Signals for the Merchant Marine” was developed. Thus, 18 flags from this document were actively used by countries such as Britain, Canada, the USA and France. In 1887, the Merchant Marine Code Signal System was renamed the International Code of Signals (ICS), which remains to this day. It is used by many countries around the world, but recently in the Navy, flag signaling is increasingly being replaced by light signaling. For example, in the Russian Navy, flag signaling was completely replaced by light signaling in 2012.

The International Code of Signals (ICS) is a reference book divided into three independent blocks. The first and main block contains 26 letter flags, the second block represents ten numeric flags, and the third smallest block represents three replacement flags. The MSS is designed: firstly, to transmit a message, the required text is selected from a set of signals, and the signal combinations of flags opposite the text are written down; signals can be single-flag, double-flag and triple-flag, and there are also four-flag signals (as a rule, they inform about the nationality of the vessel ), then the final phase follows, the signalman selects the required set of signal flags and hangs them on special fasteners - halyards.

The signalman of the receiving ship writes down the observed combinations on paper and finds their meanings in the MSS, this collection is currently represented by the ten most common languages ​​in the world. With the help of MSS, emerging language communication difficulties are overcome. The flag signaling range with good visibility reaches 4-5 nautical miles. Currently, ship flags for such purposes are made in accordance with current standards - from nylon fabrics. In addition, the MSS provides instructions for using the code (explanations and general notes, definitions, and signaling methods, as well as rules for producing signals by means of flag signaling), the MSS contains Morse code and procedural signals, single-letter signals (tables of color images of the flags of the code, arranged in order Latin alphabet), general section (two-letter signals of the Latin alphabet) and medical section (addition tables contain designations of affected body parts, a list of common diseases, a list of medications). At the end of the MSS there is an alphabetical index of defining words for the general and medical sections. Distress and rescue signals are given separately in tabs for hanging in a visible place for each book.

The MSS serves mainly for communication with foreign ships and vessels in situations of increased danger and ensuring the safety of navigation and the protection of human life at sea. The MSS is ideally suited in cases where language difficulties arise in communication between representatives of different states. It is built on the principle that each signal has a complete semantic meaning. In some cases, digital additions are used to expand the meaning of the main signal. As a general rule, only one flag should be raised at a time.

A (Az) is the literal meaning of the first flag in the list of letter flags of the MCC; according to the Navy code, the definition of the signal is “No, I do not agree. I do not have. I don’t allow it.” Raised at the same time as but separately from a signal, it gives the signal a negative value. According to the international code of signals, flag “A” means: “I am conducting a speed test.”

This signal flag is a red flag with a white rectangle on top of it.

According to the current MCC, this letter meaning of the flag sounds like A-A (Alfa, Alpha), is a white and blue triangular flag with two braids and has the meaning “I lowered the diver, keep your distance and pass at low speed.”

B (Buki) - the literal meaning of the second flag related to the set of signals of the Navy and MSS. The meaning of the signal of this flag, translated from the naval code, means “High anchor”, “More speed” (if the ships are moving) or “Get moving” (if the vehicles are stopped). According to the MSS, flag “B” means: “I am loading or unloading explosives.”

Flag "B" was a white triangle with a red circle in the middle.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like B-B (Bravo, Bravo), is a red triangular flag with two braids and has the meaning “I am loading, or unloading, or carrying dangerous cargo.”

V (Vedi) is the literal meaning of the third flag in the alphabet of letter flags of the naval and international codes of signals. According to the Navy code, this flag signals danger - “The course leads to danger.” According to the MCC, flag “B” means: “Yes” (affirmative).

The "B" (Vedi) flag was a "triple triangle" blue triangle with two triangles inside it in white and red.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like V-B (Whiskey, Whiskey), it is a rectangular blue with a white rectangle in the center, on which a small red rectangle is superimposed and has the meaning “Medical attention required.”

G (Verb) - this flag belongs to the category of letter flags of the codes of signals of the Navy and MSS. The exact meaning of this flag as a signal, according to the Navy code, is fire watch. Maintained by ships (vessels) occupying a guard post. According to the MSS code, “G” means “Keep some distance from me, I have difficulty maneuvering.”

Flag "G" was a blue triangle.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like G - G (Golf, Golf), is a flag of yellow and blue vertical stripes (already available in the table of 1901); Apparently, this flag meant that the row of signal flags following it conveys the phrase “by telegraph”, i.e. one flag corresponds to one letter, and has the meaning “I need a pilot.”

D (Good) (Affirmative) - the literal meaning of this signal refers to the letter flags of the naval and international codes of signals. The meaning of this flag, according to the code of the Navy, is interpreted as - “Yes, I agree, I authorize.” According to the MSS, flag “D” means: “I am changing my course to the right.”

Flag “D” (good) is a yellow flag, rectangular in shape.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like D - D (Delta, Delta), is a flag of yellow, blue and yellow horizontal stripes and has the meaning “Keep your distance, I maneuver with difficulty.”

E (Yes) - the literal meaning of the flag of the Navy and MSS codes of signals, flag “E” according to the international code of signals means: “My ship has lost the ability to be steered. Connect with me."

In the USSR Navy, the “E” signal was a triangular yellow flag with a blue border, and earlier, in 1901-1911, this signal was indicated by a yellow flag with a longitudinal blue stripe and two braids.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like E-E (Echo, Eco), is a flag of blue and red horizontal stripes and has the meaning “I am turning right.”

Zh (Zhivete) - a letter value belonging to one of the 26 letter signal flags of the Navy and MSS codes. The flag “F” according to the MCC means: “Pilot needed.”

In the USSR Navy, the "Zh" signal was a square white flag with a red diamond. At the beginning of the twentieth century, 1901-1911, this flag was red triangular in shape with three longitudinal white stripes.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like V-Zh (Victor, Vikta), it is a white flag with a red oblique cross and has the meaning “I ask for help.”

Z (Earth) - the literal meaning of one of the signal flags of the Navy and MSS codes. The meaning of the signal given in the Navy Code: “Reverse.” Flag “Z” according to the MSS means: “I have a pilot on board.”

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like Z-Z (Zulu, Zulu), it is a white flag divided by an oblique cross into yellow, black, blue and red triangles and has the meaning “I need a tug.”

I (Izhe) - the literal meaning of the signal flag from the codes of the Navy and MSS. According to the international code of signals, the “I” flag means: “I am changing my course to the left.”

The "I" signal was in the form of a triangular flag of yellow and red halves; in 1901-1911, this signal was indicated by a triangular flag, red with a white circle in the center. Its meaning was "I see clearly."

According to the current MCC, this letter meaning of the flag sounds like I-I (India, India), it is a yellow rectangular flag with a black circle and has the meaning “I am changing course.”

K (Kako) - the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy and MSS code. Its meaning according to the Navy code is “I can’t control.” According to the MCC code, the “K” flag means: “I am going to make a message via semaphore.”

The "K" signal looked like a rectangle of blue and red horizontal stripes. In the code of signals of 1901-1911, this signal was indicated by a flag with a red field and a white vertical stripe. Its meaning was "I see clearly"

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like K-K (Kilo, Kilo), is a square white and red vertical flag, and has the meaning “I want to contact you.”

Y - The “Y” sign did not exist in the MSS. In the code of signals of the Navy, this flag meant “Mine detected.” It is a white flag with a black triangle in the middle and with braids on the edge, in the table of 1911. in the letter "Y" there is a red triangular pennant with a white cross.

According to the current MCC, this letter meaning of the flag sounds like J - Y (Juliett, Juliet), is a square flag of blue, white and blue horizontal stripes and has the meaning “I have dangerous cargo on board.”

L (People) - the letter value of the 12th signal flag from the list of letter flags of the Navy and MSS codes. The meaning of this flag is as a signal according to the naval code: “Keep to the left.” 2. “I’m turning left.” Flag “L” according to the MCC means: “Stop your ship immediately.”

Flag "L" is a white rectangular flag with a red cross in the middle.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like L-L (Lima, Lima), is a square flag of two black and two yellow rectangles and has the meaning “Stop immediately.”

M (Myslete) - the literal meaning of the signal flag from the codes of the Navy and MSS. The meaning of this flag according to the code of signals of the Navy as a signal is 1. “Reduce speed.” 2. “Gave a small move.” Flag “M” according to the MCC means: “Stop. I have an important message."

This flag is a rectangular panel with a “chessboard” type image with white and red squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

According to the current MCC, this letter meaning of the flag sounds like M - M (Mike, Mike), is a square blue flag with a white oblique cross and has the meaning “I stopped moving.”

N (Ours) is the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy and MSS. Its meaning as a signal according to the code of signals of the Navy is “Loading combat supplies” (explosives and flammable substances). According to the MSS, the “H” flag means: “I have a doctor on board.”

The letter signal “H” was a red flag.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like N-H (November, November), is a square flag with four white and four blue squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern and has the value “No”.

O (He) is the literal meaning of the signal flag, from the codes of the Navy and MSS. According to the code of the Navy, the meaning of this flag is “Follow me”, and according to the code of the MSS - “I ask permission...”.

The letter signal "O" was a yellow triangle with a red vertical stripe. In the code of signals of 1901-1911, this signal was indicated by a white triangular pennant with five vertical blue stripes.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like O-O (Oscar, Oska), is a flag divided diagonally into red and yellow triangles and has the meaning “Man Overboard”.

P (Rest) - the literal meaning of the signal flag, from the codes of the Navy and MSS. According to the Navy code, the meaning of this flag is as a signal “Keep to the right”, “Turn right”, and according to the MSS code it means: in the harbor: “Everyone must be on board , since the ship is about to be removed"; at sea: "My nets got caught on an obstacle."

The letter signal "P" was a rectangle with two vertical stripes of yellow and blue.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like P-P (Papa, Dad), is a square flag with a white square superimposed on it and has the meaning “The ship is going to sea, report to everyone on arrival.” In the 18th century, this flag was also known as the "Blue Repeater" and was used to ask for a poorly understood signal to be repeated.

R (Rtsy) - the literal meaning of the flag of the Navy and MSS. Its meaning according to the Navy code is: “Duty ship.” This flag (small in size) hoists on the left end of the yardarm of the duty ship from sunrise to sunset (at night, a blue light is carried on the same end of the yardarm). According to the MSS, the “P” flag means: “My ship is not moving; you can carefully pass me.”

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like R - P (Romeo, Roumio), it is a red square flag with a yellow Scandinavian cross, the flag does not have a specific meaning.

C (word) - - the literal meaning of this signal refers to the letter flags of the naval and international codes of signals. The Navy's code of signals interprets this signal as follows: “stop the cars, stopped the cars.” According to the MCC flag, flag “C” means: “My cars are running at full speed backwards.”

Signal flag “C” is a blue rectangle with a white oblique cross.

According to the current MCC, this letter meaning of the flag sounds like S - C (Sierra, Sierra), it is a white square flag with a blue square superimposed in the middle and has the meaning “The propellers are now starting to work behind the stern of my ship.”

T (Hard) - the literal meaning of one of the letter signal flags from the code of signals of the Navy and MSS. Flag "T" according to the MCC means: "Do not cross my course (do not pass under my nose)."

Signal flag "T" - a flag of two black and two yellow rectangles arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

According to the current MCC, this letter meaning of the flag sounds like T-T (Tango, Tangou), is a square flag of vertical red, white and blue stripes and has the meaning “Stay away from me, I’m carrying a trawl.”

U is the literal meaning of the signal flag from the codes of the Navy and MSS. The meaning of this flag in the codes of signals of the Navy and MSS is “I am in distress.” Rises on a gaff under the stern flag. The “U” flag according to the MCC means: “You are heading towards danger.”

The signal flag “U” is a trapezoidal pennant with three red and two white stripes arranged alternately.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like U-U (Uniform, Uniform), it is a square flag of two red and two white squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern and has the meaning “You are walking towards danger.”

F - Firth - the literal meaning of one of the flags of the navy and the international code of signals. According to the Navy code, the meaning of this flag as a signal is excellent. Raised without a signal, cancels the previous signal. Raised simultaneously with the signal, but separately from it, cancels the raised signal, and according to the MSS, the “F” flag means: “I am not in control. Keep in touch with me.”

The signal flag "F" was a yellow triangular flag with a black circle. In the code of signals of 1901-1911, this signal was indicated by a yellow rectangular flag with a blue rectangle in the center.

According to the current MCC, this letter value of the flag sounds like F-F (Foxtrot, Foxtrot), and is a square white flag with a red diamond. and means “I have lost control and communication.”

X (Ha) - the literal meaning of the flag of the Navy and MSS. The “X” flag according to the MCC means: “I have a pilot on board.”

In the Soviet Navy, "X" designated a white flag with a red cross. In earlier times of the existence of the Russian Empire, this flag had an additional function and, in addition to the letter meaning “X,” it was also called “Prayer” and meant “Divine service on a ship.”

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like H-X (Hotel, Hotel), it is a square flag divided vertically into white and red halves and has the meaning “I have a pilot on board.”

Ts (Tse) - the literal meaning of one of the flags of the naval and international codes of signals. The meaning of this flag according to the naval code is as a signal to “Return”. Flag "C" according to the international code of signals means: "Yes (affirmative)."

Flag “C” is a rectangular tricolor of red, yellow and blue.

According to the current one, this letter value of the flag sounds like C-C (Charlie, Charlie), it is a square flag divided horizontally into blue, white, red, white and blue and has the meaning “Yes”.

Ch (Worm) - the literal meaning of the flag of the Navy and MSS. The meaning of this flag as a signal according to the Navy code means: “Man overboard.” With the second value, it rises simultaneously with a cannon shot or a series of short beeps; the stern flag is lowered.

Flag “Ch” is a rectangular blue flag with a rectangular “diamond” sign in the middle.

Ш (Sha) - the literal meaning of one of the Navy flags. The MCC does not have this flag. It means “Give full speed”.

Flag "Ш" is the literal meaning of one of the Navy flags. The MCC does not have this flag. It is a white rectangular canvas with five blue squares depicted on it in a checkerboard pattern.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag is absent.

Shch (Shcha) In the Soviet Navy, "Shch" designated a white triangular flag with a red cross. In the Russian Empire, the letter "Ш" was designated by another flag - white and red, which later became the "executive flag".

According to the current MCC, this letter meaning of the flag sounds like this: Q - Ш (Quebec, Cabec) is a yellow square flag and has the meaning “Everyone on my ship is healthy, please release me from quarantine.”

Ъ - the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy code of signals. There is no "Kommersant" flag in the MSS.

The flag "Kommersant" was a triangular two-striped flag (black and white stripes).

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag is absent.

Eras (Y) - the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy code of signals. There is no "Y" flag in the MSS.

The “Y” flag was a black canvas divided by a thick white oblique line.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like Y-Y (Yankee, Yankee) is a square flag with red oblique stripes on a yellow background and has the meaning “I raise the anchor.”

b - the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy code of signals. There is no flag "b" in the MSS.

The “b” flag was a triangle with a wide blue stripe at the left edge (base).

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag sounds like this: X-b (X-ray, Exray) is a white square flag with a blue Scandinavian cross and has the meaning “Stop what you are doing.”

E - the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy code of signals. There is no "E" flag in the MSS. E or E reverse.

The "E" flag was a rectangular canvas with alternating stripes of blue, white, red, white and blue.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag is absent.

Yu or Yula is the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy code of signals. There is no "U" Flag in the MSS. There are no signals from Yu or Yula.

The "U" flag was a rectangular white canvas with a red oblique cross.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag is absent.

Ya or Yako is the literal meaning of one of the flags of the Navy's code of signals. There is no “I” Flag in the MSS. Me or Yako there are no signals.

The "I" flag was a rectangular red cloth with a yellow Scandinavian cross.

According to the current MCC, this literal meaning of the flag is absent.

Digital flags of the USSR code of signals:

One (1) blue and white triangular flag with two braids;

Two (2) - blue triangular flag with a white circle;

Three (3) - a triangular flag of red, white and blue vertical stripes;

Four (4) - a red triangular flag with a white cross;

Five (5) - a triangular flag of vertical yellow and blue stripes;

Six (6) - a flag divided diagonally into red and yellow triangles;

Seven (7) - a flag of vertical red, white and blue stripes;

Eight (8) - a flag of four red and white rectangles;

Nine (9) - white flag with a blue cross;

Ten (10) - a flag divided by an oblique cross into yellow, black, blue and red triangles.

Additional signs of the USSR Code of Signals:

1st additional - red rectangle with a white border on a blue background;

2nd additional - red oblique stripes on a yellow background;

3rd additional - the pattern repeats the jack of the Russian fleet, has a white border;

4th additional - four-part white-black-red-yellow triangular flag;

Special signs of the USSR Code of Signals

• guy - repeated the guy of the USSR Navy (in the Russian Empire, of course, the imperial guy was used);
• gas - a black flag with a red triangle with a white border;
• smoke - a white triangular flag with a black horizontal stripe;
• telegraph - a flag of yellow and blue vertical stripes (already available in the table of 1901); Apparently, this flag meant that the row of signal flags following it conveys the phrase “by telegraph”, i.e. one flag corresponds to one letter.
• boat flag - blue flag with a white rectangle in the center (already available in the 1901 table);
• air - white flag with a blue rectangle in the center;
• Nord - white flag with a red triangle on top;
• south - white flag with a black triangle at the bottom;
• ost - white flag with a black diamond;
• West - a flag divided by an oblique cross into red and white triangles;
• interrogative - a flag of yellow, blue and yellow horizontal stripes. In the Russian Empire (data from 1911), the question flag was different - a long blue pennant with a white circle at the luff.
• response - a red trapezoidal pennant with a white circle;
  The ship raises the response flag to half if the signal intended for it is noticed. When the signal is deciphered, the response flag is raised “to the point”.
• executive - a flag divided vertically into white and red halves

Digital flags of the MCC signal code:

1 (unaone, unauan) - white pennant with a red circle;

2 (bissotwo, bissotu) - blue pennant with a white circle;

3 (terrathree, teratri) - a pennant of red, white and blue vertical stripes;

4 (kartefour, kartefour) - red pennant with a white cross;

5 (pantafive, pantafive) - a pennant of vertical yellow and blue stripes;

6 (soxisix, soxisix) - a pennant of horizontal black and white stripes;

7 (setteseven, setesevn) - a pennant of horizontal yellow and red stripes;

8 (oktoeight, oktoate) - white pennant with a red cross;

10 (nadazero, nadazero) - yellow pennant with a red vertical stripe.

There are also three "replacement" pennants.

1st substitute - yellow with a blue border;

2nd substitute - blue and white;

3rd substitute - white with a black horizontal stripe.

The signal flags of the Russian Navy for the most part repeat by analogy the flags of the code of signals of the USSR Navy. The differences are very minor.