Semaphore Flag Signalling System
The Semaphore flag signaling system is an alphabet
signalling system based on the waving of a pair of hand-held flags in a
particular pattern.
The flags are usually square, red and yellow, divided diagonaly with the
red portion in the upper hoist.
The flags are held, arms extended, in various
positions representing each of the letters of the alphabet. The pattern
resembles a clock face divided into eight positions: up, down, out,
high, low, for each of the left and right hands (LH and RH) six letters
require the hand to be brought across the body so that both flags are on
the same side.
Flag positions in Semaphore
One way to visualize the semaphore alphabet is in
terms of circles:
- first circle: A, B, C, D, E, F, G;
- second circle: H, I, K, L, M, N (omitting J);
- third circle: O, P, Q, R, S;
- fourth circle: T, U, Y and 'annul';
- fifth circle: 'numeric', J (or 'alphabetic'), V;
- sixth circle: W, X;
- seventh circle: Z
In their first circle,
the letters A to C are made with the right arm, and E to G with the
left, and D with either as convenient. In the second circle, the right
arm is kept still at the letter A position and the left arm makes the
movements; similarly in the remaining circles, the right arm remains
fixed while the left arm moves. The arms are kept straight when changing
from one position to another.
The Semaphore Alphabet
A
and 1 (LH down RH low) |
B
and 2 (LH down; RH out) |
C
and 3 (LH down; RH high) |
D
and 4 (LH down; RH up - or LH up; RH down) |
E
and 5 (LH high; RH down) |
F and 6 (LH out; RH down) |
G
and 7 (LH low; RH down) |
H
and 8 (LH across low; RH out) |
I
and 9 (LH across low; RH up) |
J
and 'alphabetic' (LH out ; RH up) |
K
and 0 zero (LH up; RH low) |
L
(LH high; RH low) |
M
(LH out; RH low) |
N
(LH low; RH low) |
O
(LH across high; RH out) |
P (LH up; RH out) |
Q (LH high; RH out) |
R (LH out; RH out) |
S
(LH low; RH out) |
T
(LH up; RH high) |
U
(LH high; RH high) |
V
(LH low; RH up) |
W
(LH out; RH across high) |
X
(LH low; RH across high) |
Y (LH out; RH high) |
Z
(LH out; RH across low) |
Numerical
sign (LH high; RH up) |
Annul
sign (LH low; RH high) |
Error (LH and RH raised and lowered together) |
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