How to tell the difference between Semaphores and International Signal Flags
Naval and maritime merchant ships use different flag systems to communicate at sea. These flag systems are officially recognized as the International Code of Signals and every nation communicates with other ships using these flags. The types of flags used are signal flags and semaphores. Signal flags consist of flags that represent each letter in the alphabet and numbers zero through nine. The semaphores are yellow and red flags divided diagonally and with the red color displayed on the upper region of the hoist. You can determine the difference between signal and semaphores flags quickly.
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Instructions
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Determine how many flags are being displayed. Semaphore flags are displayed in twos whereas signal flags may be displayed in larger groups depending on the message being communicated.
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Examine how the flags look and the colors being displayed on them. For instance, semaphore flags are generally square shaped and only display the colors red and yellow, which are divided diagonally with the red color position on the top of the hoist. Signal flags can display various colors including red, blue, yellow, black, white and they come in different shapes depending on the letter or number the flag represents. Signal flags are also bigger so they can be seen from long distances at sea.
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Observe how the flags are being displayed. Semaphore flags are displayed by a person known as a signalman. The signalman holds each semaphore flag with his hands and the message being conveyed depends on how the signalman holds the semaphore flags. For example, semaphore flags are used to direct an aircraft in to land on a naval carrier. Signal flags are displayed on the actual ship and they are used to communicate from ship to ship.
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References
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