A Brief History
Signal flags, as a part of the International Code of Signals
can be used to communicate messages from one vessel to another
while at sea. Signal flags, which have alpha-numeric
correspondence, can be used to spell out messages; although
mariners usually employ nautical signal flags in combinations
which correspond to particular messages. Most boaters string
signal flags end-to-end and and hang them from the rigging in
bow-to-stern direction. Signal flags are also used to dress
ships for ceremonial and festive occasions such as the beginning
of the boating season.
The International Code of Signals has been in continuous use
since 1857, when it was published by the British Board of Trade
as a means of maritime communications. The original Code
contained 17,000 signals using 18 signal flags, some of which
were specific to the United Kingdom. The Code was revised in
1932 to include seven languages: English, French German,
Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Norweigan. When the code was
revised again in 1969, the revision included Russian and Greek.
Nautical Flag Alphabet
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