Semaphores,

SEMAPHORE SIGNALS.

or Signal Stations, have been established

along many parts of the coast of Europe for the purpose of communicating with passing ships.

Semaphore masts are furnished with Three Arms, which are used as follows in the representation of any of the Distance Signals:

When the arms are not working they are not visible, but lie parallel with the masts.

The Semaphore Signals are always to be read off as Distance Signals; and a single Semaphore letter (or symbol) has the same signification as a Distance Signal when made singly. All communications between passing ships and the Semaphores are to be made exclusively by the Signals of the International Code.

At a moderate distance the Signal Flags of the Code can, of course, be used by both Ships and Signal Stations, but the Distance Signals should on all occasions be employed by ships when it is found that the Code Flags cannot be made out.

BOAT SIGNALS.

The Symbols to be employed for Boat Signals are:— 1. Two square flags, or handkerchiefs, or pieces of cloth of any colour.

2. Two whefts or strips of cloth of any colour, or parts of a plank longer than broad.

3. Two balls, bundles, hats, or buckets.

With these any of the Distance Signals can be made by holding the Symbol at arm's length; the Signal will be made from right to left and be read from left to right, thus:

14

In making Boat Signals it is important to use only the proper means to attract attention, and to avoid those that may occasion confusion, or may be mis

interpreted.

It now remains to give a few hints as to—

HOW TO USE

THE SIGNAL BOOK IN MAKING OR INTER-
PRETING A SIGNAL.

In the Signal Book of the International (Commercial) Code the combinations of Flags forming the entire series of Signals from B C to F GMD follow in consecutive order, so that with ordinary intelligence, a Signal can readily be made or interpreted as the case requires.

The book consists of three parts.

Part I. contains, in successive order—

The 2-Flag Signals, of which those with Square Flag uppermost, when made at sea, should never be disregarded, as in all probability they may indicate danger or distress ;—

The 3-Flag Signals, for general communications and enquiries, as between passing ships, or between a ship and a shore station; to these succeed the Numeral, Address, and Alphabetical Tables; and, finally—

The 4-Flag Signals with Burgee uppermost, all of which are Geographical.

Part II. commences with—

The Alphabetical Spelling Table, which is a 4-Flag Signal having Pennant C uppermost. This is followed by a

;

Vocabulary and Index to the Signals in Part I. and you may note that the principal or leading words

are, in this portion of the book, arranged alphabetically after the manner of a Dictionary; every signal which has appeared in Part I. is inserted in its proper alphabetical order, with the Signal Letters placed to the right. But there are also many additional 4-Flag Signals which are not included in Part I., and for these the Signal Letters are placed to the left; they begin with C H B D and end with F G M D.

The Alphabetical Geographical Index closes

Part II.

Part III. relates to Distance Signals, Semaphore and Boat Signals.

For Making a Signal, invariably refer to Part II. of the Signal Book.

To Interpret or understand the meaning of a Signal, refer to Part I. of the Signal Book, unless it be a 4-Flag Signal other than a Geographical one, in which case it will be found in Part II. to the left of the column.

For a Ship's Name, refer to the Code List for the

year.

THE BRITISH CODE LIST

is an Appendix to the International Code of Signals, and contains the names of British ships to which Signal Letters have been allotted: 1,440 Signals, from GQBC to GW VT, are reserved for the Distinguishing Signals of Men-of-War and H.M.'s Indian Marine; and 53,040 Signals from HBCD to W VTS are for Merchant Vessels. There are also a few signal letters reserved for Yachts.

INTERNATIONAL

STEERING AND SAILING RULES.

From an Order in Council, dated 9th January, 1863, and in operation since 1st June, 1863.

REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA.

PRELIMINARY.

Art. 1. In the following Rules every Steam Ship which is under sail and not under Steam is to be considered a Sailing Ship; and every Steam Ship which is under Steam, whether under Sail or not, is to be considered a Ship under Steam.

RULES CONCERNING LIGHTS.

Art. 2. Lights.—The Lights mentioned in the following Articles numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, and no others, shall be carried in all Weathers from Sunset to Sunrise.

Art. 3. Lights For Steam Ships.—Seagoing Steam Ships, when under weigh, shall carry :—

(a) At The Foremast Head, a bright White Light, so fixed as to show an uniform and unbroken Light over an Arc of the Horizon of 20 Points of the Compass; so fixed as to throw the Light 10 Points on each Side of the Ship, viz.,