Navigation and Seamanship

4.2.5.4. Signalling by hand flags or arms (Semaphore)

There is also a signaling system called Semaphore which uses the position of the flags relative to a person to denote the letter.

1. Raising both hand flags or arms – Dot

2. Spreading out both hand –flags or arms at shoulder level – Dash

3. Hand flags or arms brought before the chest – Separation of dot and/or dash

4. Hand flags or arms kept at 45^o away from the body down wards – Separation of letters groups or word

5. Circular motion of hand – flags or arms over the head – Erase signals or request for repetition