Race Signals

Race Signals

Railway Pier Williamstown
Presented By David Wallace

Where does the Code of Signals come from?
The first public commercial code (there were earlier private semi-commercial codes, as
used for instance by the East India Company) was the "Code of Signals for the Merchant
Service". This was produced in 1817 by Captain Fredrick Marryat, R.N. as the result of
problems experienced by ships of the Royal Navy trying to communicate with merchant
ships in convoy. It was a numeric code for British ships only, based upon the "Signal Book
for Ships of War", which had been introduced for all ships in the Royal Navy in 1799. It
was modified with words more appropriate for commercial use.
Ships of other countries began using it, and in 1854, when the 12th edition was
published, it was re-titled, "The Universal Code of Signals".
In 1855 the British "Board of Trade" decided that maritime signals needed to be
regulated, and authorised the publication in 1857, of the "Commercial Code of Signals".
This was an alphabetical code and a considerable improvement on Marryat's code.
It was re-named the "International Code" in about 1870, and revised in 1901 and 1934.
There was another revision to the Code in 1969 but mainly to sections dealing with
electronic communication.

Race signals
Sail races are governed with flags and sound signals
to indicate flag changes. The flags used are taken
from the International Maritime Code of Signals flag
set. During a race and for any signal concerning the
race, these flags are defined in the ISAF Racing
Rules of Sailing, but the signal can be modified by
the Sailing Instructions.
The raising (hoisting) or removing of a visual signal
is accompanied by the emission of a sound signal to
“draw attention” to the new signal. The type of the
sound signal (one short sound, two short sounds,
one long sound, etc.) is described by the rule
according to the type of signal.

Signal flags that have been added to Race SI,s for various reasons
The “follow me” flag used by RYCT to signal we are leaving the
dock and going to the start area. The course was quite big due to
variations in wind and tide and the boats did not have motors.
Coach and Jury Flags to clarify which power boats were
permitted on the course area

Postponement signal
The Answering Pennant (AP) with or without a numerical pennant is used to indicate a
postponed race. A numerical pennant below the AP denotes the time, in hours, of the race
postponement.
Flag signal
Number
of sound
signals
when
raised
Number
of sound
signals
when
lowered
Description
AP Races not yet started are postponed.
AP
1
AP
2
AP
3
AP
A
AP
H
Races not yet started are postponed 1 hour.
Races not yet started are postponed 2 hours.
Races not yet started are postponed 3 hours.
Races not yet started are postponed. No more racing today.
Races not yet started are postponed. More information ashore.

Preparatory signal
These signal flags are used before a race start and most commonly as part of a start
sequence/procedure.
Flag signal
P
I
Z
I
Z
black
Number of
sound
signals
when
raised
Number of
sound
signals
when
lowered
Description
Normal preparatory signal - no starting penalties are in effect. A boat over
the line at the start can return through the line or round an ends but must
keep clear of boats not returning. If they fail to return through the line
however they will be scored OCS
The Round-an-End Rule 30.1 will be in effect. A boat over the line during
the minute before the start must sail to the pre-start side of the line around
either end before starting. If they fail to do this they will be scored OCS
The 20% Penalty Rule 30.2 will be in effect. A boat within the triangle
formed by the ends of the line and the first mark during the minute before
the start will receive a 20% scoring penalty
Both the I flag rule and the Z flag Rule will be in effect during the minute
before the start. If they fail to round and end then they will be scored OCS
The Black Flag Rule 30.3 will be in effect. A boat within the triangle formed
by the ends of the line and the first mark during the minute before the start
will be disqualified without a hearing

Start signal
These signal flags are used in the pre-start procedure. Class flags can be numeral
pennants 1
Flag signal
,
↑
P ↑
P ↓
Number
of sound
signals
when
raised
Number
of sound
signals
when
lowered
Long sound
Description
Warning Signal. 5 minutes to race start when class flag
raised. (R flag is combined divisions in RYCV SIs.)
Preparatory signal. 4 minutes to start when P flag raised.
Flag P used or if a starting penalty applies I, Z, Black flag or
I over Z is used in place of P.
Preparatory signal. P flag removed 1 minute before start.
Flag P used or if a starting penalty applies I, Z, Black flag or
I over Z is used in place of P. Usually a horn or whistle.
↓ Start Signal. Race start when class flag removed.

Flag signal
X
1st
Sub
Number
of sound
signals
when
raised
Number
of sound
signals
when
lowered
Recall signal
Description
Individual recall.
One or more boats did not start correctly and must return
back and do a proper start. The X flag is displayed until the
earliest of the following: all boats over the line early have
returned correctly, 4 minutes from the start or until one
minute before the next start. (The sound signal is in addition
to the start sound signal)
General recall.
All boats are to return and then a new start sequence will
begin. Signalled when there are unidentified boats over the
line or subject to one of the starting penalties, or there has
been an error in the starting procedure. The new warning
signal for the recalled class will be made 1 minute after the
1st substitute is removed. (The two sound signals when the
first substitute is displayed are in addition to the start sound
signal)

Flag signal
S
C
Number of
sound
signals
when raised
...
Number of
sound
signals
when
lowered
Description
Shortened Course.
When displayed at a rounding mark the finish is between the
nearby mark and the mast displaying the S flag. When displayed
at a line that boats are required to cross at the end of each lap the
finish is that line. When displayed at a gate the finish is between
the gate marks.
Course Change.
When displayed at a rounding mark, the position of the next mark
has been changed. If the direction to the mark has changed it shall
be indicated by displaying the new compass bearing or a green
triangular flag (or board) for a change to starboard or a red
rectangular flag (or board) for a change to port. If the length of
the leg has changed then this shall be signalled by displaying a "-"
if the leg will shorter or a "+" if the leg will be longer. Repeated
sound signals should be made to draw attention to the signal.

On Station Flag
I am on station and ready to take any sign-on requests as
per S.I.s.
A start sequence will be made soon. ( not less that 5 mins )
All sighting of the start line are taken between this flag and
the Pin end buoy.

Flag signal
N
N
A
N
H
Number of
sound
signals when
raised
Abandonment signal
Number of
sound
signals when
lowered
Description
All races that have started are abandoned. Return to starting area for a
new start. The first warning signal will be made 1 minute after N is
removed.
All races are abandoned. No more racing today.
All races are abandoned. More information ashore.

Flag signal
L
M
Y
Number
of sound
signals
when
raised
...
Number of
sound signals
when lowered
Other signals
Description
When displayed afloat means: Come within hail or follow this boat.
When displayed ashore means: A notice to competitors has been posted.
Indicates a boat or an object displaying this signal replaces a missing
mark.
Repeated sound signals should be made to draw attention to the signal.
All people on board should wear a personal life jacket or personal
buoyancy.
BLUE When displayed the race committee boat is in position at the finishing line.

Alfa Diver Down; Keep Clear
Bravo Dangerous Cargo
Charlie Yes
Delta Keep Clear
Echo Altering Course to Starboard
Foxtrot Disabled
Golf Want a Pilot
Hotel Pilot on Board
India Altering Course to Port
Juliet On Fire; Keep Clear

Kilo Desire to Communicate
Lima Stop Instantly
Mike I Am Stopped
November No
Oscar Man Overboard
Papa About to Sail
Quebec Request Pratique
Romeo
Sierra Engines Going Astern

Tango Keep Clear of Me
Uniform Standing into Danger
Victor Require Assistance
Whiskey Require Medical Assistance
X-ray Stop Your Intention
Yankee Am Dragging Anchor
Zulu Require a Tug

What flag am I ?

Akuna 4 off Pt Lonsdale
“I am the pilot boat”

1st Substitute Repeat First Flag
2nd Substitute
3rd Substitute
Repeat Second Flag
Repeat Third Flag

.
Phew ! What flag am I

The Church Pennant
History
The origin of the broad pennant combination of the English Flag
at the hoist and the Dutch National Flag in the fly originating from
the Anglo- Dutch wars of the late 17th century on Sundays to
indicate that a church service was in progress and a ceasefire
existed between the warring nations
This may not be the true story of the origin of this pennant.
But is still considered one of the oldest unchanged flags in the
Naval flag signal locker.

Code End of Message / Decimal
Zero
One
Two
Three
Four
Five

Six
Seven
Eight
Niner

Answer: I am in distress
What do these flags all have
in common?

So we can figure out what
signals are these or what we
need to use.
Or can we ?
A flag (blue and white flag) means a diver below. See next slide
to figure out the other 2 signs.

Proceed at slow speed when
passing. LOW WASH Please
Multiple letter hoists
I am undertaking underwater survey
work. Keep Clear and low wash

Gin Flag
As per most of the navies of the Commonwealth
The End
Thankyou for your interest