International Code of Signals

The International Code of Signals (International Code of Signals - Interco) is used for communication at sea. It defines the meaning of acronyms abound for safety and navigation purposes. All ships covered by the SOLAS Convention have to carry the International Code of Signals.

Historical

The oldest collection of signals for sailing fleets was the Black Book of the Admiralty at the start of the 14th century. The first signal book for merchant navy was created in 1817 by Captain Frederick Marryat.

A key to enter were designed in 1855 by a committee of the Board of Trade and published in 1857. It contained about 70,000 signals and was adopted gradually by most seafaring nations. Germany took over the International Code of Signals 1870. Generality International but only gained the version of 1901, with almost half a million signals. Currently, the 2003 revised version of 1969.

Modes of transmission

The transfer can be done in different ways depending on the situation.

Visual contact

• Signal flags
• Winker alphabet

Sound signals

• Morse code

Radio

• Morse code
• Radio alphabet

Signal types

Signals are given as one-, two - or three-letter signals. With signals of more than three flags such as bearing, date, time, positions are given. But are usual only flag signals from up to four different (!) Flags simultaneously.

The detection signals of vessels consist of four letters. They are listed in the particular list.

Announced the use of the Code of Signals by the response pennant (AP ) or by the word Interco over the radio.

One-letter signals

One-letter signals are either strongly or frequently, in use, for example:

• A I have divers in the water
• B I invite, delete or carrying dangerous goods
• C Yes
• D Keep clear of me; I maneuvering with difficulty
• E I am altering my course to starboard
• Q: I am disabled; please contact me
• G I need a pilot - or at fishing vessels: I haul networks
• H I have a pilot on board
• I I am altering my course to port
• J I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me - or dangerous cargo exits
• K I would like to get in touch with you
• L Bring your vehicle to a stop immediately
• M My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water
• N No
• O man overboard
• P In the harbor: All hands on deck, as the vehicle will expire. At sea (fishing vessels): My net has caught on an obstacle. Or as a sound signal: I need a pilot
• Q On board is all healthy; and I ask you to free movement permit; I have not yet einklariert
• R has no meaning as a single flag
• S My machine goes backwards
• T Keep clear of me; I 'm with trailer fish
• U you into danger
• V I need some help
• W I need medical attention
• X interrupt your current projects ( maneuver) and watch for my signals
• Y I drift anchor
• Z I require a tug

Two-letter signals

A selection of Two-letter signals

• AG you should leave your ship as soon as possible!
• AM Do you have a doctor?
• AN I need a doctor
• AQ I have an injured person, which must be taken immediately
• CB I need immediate assistance
• CV I am not able to help you
• DX I'm sinking
• EL Repeat the emergency position
• FO I'll stay close to you
• GN Apply the people
• GQ Can not come to help because of the weather.
• GV Try to give me a line
• GW man overboard, you do anything to accommodate him.
• GZ saved all people
• GZ 1 killed all people
• HX Have you been damaged in a collision?
• JB Danger of explosion
• JP jettison of cargo to be refloated
• JW I've got a leak
• NC I am in distress and require immediate assistance
• QN Come starboard alongside
• SC I am in drive
• SN Stop immediately. Not submerge your vehicle. Slacken no boats to water. Do not use the radio. Failure to do so I open fire on you.
• SO Bring your vehicle to a stop immediately.
• SO 1 Stop. Bug seaward.
• SO 2 Stay where you are.
• UW Bon Voyage!
• YM Who is calling me?
• ZA 1 I want to communicate with you in English
• ZA 3 ... in German

Three -letter signals

• MAA I urge you to seek medical advice.
• MAJ33 I have a male patient of 33 years.
• MAK28 I have a female patient of 28 years.
• MHV The patient has severe tooth pain
• MVQ The patient needs to see a doctor at the next port