Semaphore alphabet online. Marine alphabet
RUSSIAN FLAG SEMAPHORE ABC
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Teach children techniques for sending and receiving texts using flag semaphore;
Strengthen knowledge of the alphabet and correct pronunciation of letters;
Increasing children's self-esteem due to the possession of new, unusual knowledge in everyday life.
The study is carried out in three sessions, lasting 30 - 40 minutes.
To practice the material of each lesson, 2 lessons of ~ 30 minutes should be allocated daily for 2-3 days.
1 LESSON.
Flag semaphore is the simplest means of visual communication during daylight hours over a short distance (with the naked eye - about 2 km, with the help of optical instruments - about 4 km). The Russian semaphore alphabet that exists today in the fleet was developed in 1895 by Vice Admiral Stepan Osipovich Makarov. The signalman is responsible for transmitting information using the semaphore alphabet on the ship; this specialty in the navy was introduced in 1869.
The Russian semaphore alphabet is compiled in accordance with the Russian alphabet and includes 29 letter signs. It 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”.
Each letter corresponds to a certain position of hands with flags. The conventional signs assigned to the letters of the alphabet are summarized in a table called the semaphore alphabet.
The transmission of information by semaphore is carried out by signalmen using flags. The color of the fabric depends on the time of day: at dusk or against a dark sky, flags with light-colored fabric (yellow, white) are used, and during daylight hours, flags with dark-colored fabric (red, black) are used. If there are no flags, they use semaphore caps. The average transmission speed of a flag semaphore by a trained signalman is 60-80 characters per minute.
For ease of study, the semaphore alphabet is divided into several groups.
First group of letters
– is shown by the symmetrical position of both hands, facing the children. Children repeat simultaneously with the teacher, repeating the sounds of letters. 
Image of letters A T U similar to their spelling in Russian.
For image b b the same sign is installed.
Second group of letters
- shows with one hand, first with his back to the children, then with his face. 
N IN E E I Y - depicted with the right hand,
Moreover, the pairs of letters E - E, I - Y have the same semaphore sign.
ABOUT G WITH - depicted with the left hand.
The signs B and G, N and O, symmetrical in image, stand side by side in the semaphore alphabet.
The show is repeated several times.
At the end of the lesson, the teacher offers reading words consisting of letters of the first and second groups. The teacher shows.
Practicing techniques for transmitting and receiving words consisting of letters of the first and second groups is done in pairs. First - repeating the display of letters, then - reading words. The teacher should stock up on a large number of cards with words (5 - 10 words per card). You can offer a game for making sentences from words consisting of letters of the first and second groups. For example: “It’s autumn here,” “Nastya has a guest,” “It’s spring in the taiga,” etc.
LESSON 2.
Children stand in 2-3 lines in a checkerboard pattern, at a distance of arms outstretched to the sides. The teacher stands so that he can be seen by everyone (preferably on a raised platform).
Third group of letters - are shown with both hands, first with their backs turned to the children, so that it is clearer how the letter is shown, then with their faces, so that it is clear what it looks like. The position of the hands is spoken out.
This group is characterized by pairwise symmetry in the representation of semaphore signs. 
F - W
L-M P-R F-Y
Ts - Ch Sh - Sh
In addition, almost all of these signs are located next to each other in the semaphore alphabet.
The show is repeated several times.
To consolidate, children break into pairs and turn to face each other. The teacher names the letters, the children show them, looking at each other. In this case, not only the display of letters, but their perception occurs. The teacher, if necessary, suggests the correctness of the image.
At the end of the lesson, the teacher offers reading words consisting of letters of the first, second and third groups. The teacher shows.
Practicing techniques for transmitting and receiving words consisting of letters of the first, second and third groups is carried out in pairs. First - repeating the display of letters, then - reading words on cards.
You can offer a game for composing small texts of 2-3 sentences on a given or free topic, consisting of letters of the first, second and third groups.
You can increase the distance in pairs up to 10 meters. Change the composition of the pairs until the “ideal” pairs are selected.
3 LESSON.
Children stand in 2-3 lines in a checkerboard pattern, at a distance of arms outstretched to the sides. The teacher stands so that he can be seen by everyone (preferably on a raised platform).
Signs fourth group of letters
They are also symmetrical in pairs, shown with two hands, both hands are on one side of the body, first turning their backs to the children to make it clearer how the letter is shown, then with their faces to make it clear how it looks. The position of the hands is spoken out. 
B - D, X - K, Yu - Z
Repeating the show.
Consolidating the display and memorization of the images of letters in pairs.
Reading words.
Testing is carried out in pairs at a distance of up to 50 meters.
The result of the training is the holding of competitions within the squad. Pairs are formed at will. Participants who have not chosen a pair for themselves can show their achievements in pairs with a teacher.
The learning goal has been achieved if each child can, to varying degrees of skill and at varying speeds, transmit and receive simple text.
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 their 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:
- The first mechanisms used visible figures;
- By the end of the century, a semaphore with movable bars had already been patented;
- In the same century, its optical brother appeared;
- 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:
- Ships need to exchange information regularly;
- Any change of route must be communicated to all allied ships;
- During combat operations, the commander-in-chief must coordinate the actions of the entire squadron from one ship;
- 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:
- It was possible to send messages over as large a distance as desired;
- A “live” dialogue between people located in different countries has become possible;
- Each house has its own “window to a new world”;
- 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:
- Helped transmit information from one ship to another;
- Before widespread use, radio was the only communication option;
- Signals were given using flags;
- Experienced signalers transmitted at least 10 words per minute;
- 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) is 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.
- 1st additional- a red rectangle with a white border on a blue background;
- 2nd additional- red oblique stripes on a yellow background;
- 3rd additional- the pattern is similar to that of the Russian navy, it has a white border;
- 4th additional- four-part white-black-red-yellow triangular flag;
- - repeated the jack of the USSR Navy (in the Russian Empire, of course, the imperial jack was used. In the table of 1901, it was assigned the meaning “I’m going by special order. I’m cutting through the formation. Court of a special commission”);
- - a black flag with a red triangle with a white border;
- - a white triangular flag with a black horizontal stripe;
- - a flag of yellow and blue vertical stripes. The “telegraph flag” itself is already present in the tables of 1901 and 1911, but there it is a blue cloth with 4 horizontal white stripes; This flag meant that the row of signal flags following it conveyed the phrase “by telegraph”, i.e. one flag corresponds to one letter. If the "telegraph" flag was hoisted with some signal at the same time, but on a separate halyard, this meant that the entire signal had to be read letter by letter. In the "Signalman's Handbook" N.S. Serebryany and B.B. Zhdanov (1983) said that the “telegraph” flag is also the first replacement flag.
- - a blue flag with a white rectangle in the center (already available in the 1901 table); The flag is used to show that the ship is using Boat Signal Book signals. This, together with another flag, is the call sign of the boat. In the "Signalman's Handbook" N.S. Serebryany and B.B. Zhdanov (1983) said that the “boat” flag is also the second replacement flag.
- - a white flag with a blue rectangle in the center; In the "Signalman's Handbook" N.S. Serebryany and B.B. Zhdanov (1983) said that the “air” flag is also the third replacement flag.
- - a white flag with a red triangle on top;
- - a white flag with a black triangle at the bottom;
- - white flag with a black diamond;
- - a flag divided by an oblique cross into red and white triangles;
- - 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. The question flag is raised simultaneously with the signal, but on a separate halyard, used to give the signal a question form
- - 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”. If the destination ship receives several signals from different ships, then it raises a response pennant together with the call signs of the ships that sent the signals. The return flag hoisted by the ship transmitting the signal also indicates that the signal has ended. A separate flag raised separately indicates the end of the connection. - - a flag divided vertically into white and red halves;
In the fleet of the Russian Empire, signal flags also included the so-called. "pilot flag"- national tricolor flag with a white border. Used to summon a pilot.
Flag - "Yes"- yellow-blue pennant (available in the 1911 table);
Flag - "No"- a rectangular white panel with a black vertical stripe (available in the table of 1911);
"Compass Flag"- a long yellow pennant with two blue triangles (available in the 1911 table);
"Duty flag"- green triangular flag (available in the 1911 table);
"Cancellation Flag"- a long pennant of white and black halves (available in the 1911 table);
"Prayer Flag"- a white flag with two braids and a yellow Orthodox cross (available in the table of 1911).Boat signals
Signals were used for negotiations between warships with their boats, warboats among themselves, pre-conscription training boats, Osoaviakhim ships (when they existed), and later DOSAAF ships "Boat Signal Book"(first a book from 1939, then a new edition of ShSK-70). Signals according to the Boat Signal Book were made in accordance with the Signal Production Rules of the PNS No. 2-39, and later - in accordance with the Rules for Visual Communication and Signaling of the Navy (PZS-69). To show that negotiations are being carried out on the Boat Signal Book, a boat flag is raised on one of the ship's legs. Such a flag is not hoisted on boats, since they can only give signals according to the “Boat Signal Book”. A boat flag hoisted on a ship can also mean:
- together with one letter flag raised above the boat flag on one halyard - the call sign of the boat. The call sign of a boat raised on the ship indicates a requirement for the boat to approach the side on which the call sign is raised. If the boat belongs to another ship, then along with its call sign, the call sign of that ship is also raised.
- before the signal with flags, without call signs - “the signal is intended for all boats.”Below are the meanings of single flags according to the Boat Signal Book:
A - “I don’t agree, I don’t destroy”
B - “More progress. row harder. Increase the sails. Stop drifting."
B - “The course leads to danger”
G - Brand watch
D - “Yes. Agree. I allow"
E - “What happened?”
AND -
Z - “I have reverse gear. I'm drifting. Back up. Tabanit"
AND -
K - “I can’t control myself”
L - “Keep to the left”
M - “Less stroke. Easier to row. Reduce sail"
N - “Cargo or have combat reserves”
ABOUT -
P - “Keep to the right”
R -
C - “Stop the car. Sushi paddles. Go drifting."
T - “Keep it up”
U -
F - Absolute
X - “End of teaching or class”
H - “Man Overboard”
Sh -
SCH -
Kommersant - “The flagship (commander) shows the course”
Y -
b -
E -
YU -
I -
Numbers - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
0 - "The Boat Race Begins"
"Nord" - Rhumb Nord
"Zuid" - Rumba south
"Ost" - Rumb ost
"West" - Room West
“Telegraph” - “I have an important assignment”
“Response pennant” - “I see clearly. Understood"
“Boat” - “I’m conducting a conversation based on the boat book. Race Call Signs"The “Boat Signal Book” also lists and deciphers many signals from two flags (alphabetic or digital).
Source - "BOAT SIGNAL BOOK OF THE NAVY OF THE UNION SSR", Ed. Quartermaster 1st Rank A. Clafton. State naval publishing house NKVMF, Moscow, Leningrad, 1940
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.
