Signalman 1 & C - Historic Naval Ships Association

SHIP OR AUTHORITYVOICE RADIO/FLASHING LIGHTCOMMODOREBULLVICE COMMODORECALFREAR COMMODORECOLTCONVOY (COLLECTIVELY)TEAMTHIS, OR SECTION . . .SACKOTCBOSSESCORT SHIPS (COLLECTIVE) GANGESCORT SHIPS (INDIVIDUAL) SODARESCUE SHIPSCORK*GUIDED MISSILE SHIPSHOTESCORTING AIRCRAFTPLANKSTRAGGLERSLAZY*followed by 1,2,3, etc. as necessaryFigure 7-3.—Convoy special call signs.execution, the text may be repeated prior to sending“STANDBY-EXECUTE.”FLAG SIGNALINGFlag signaling procedures are based on thosefound in Pub 102, with the following additional rules:A flaghoist without a call is addressed to thecommodore when made by a ship in the convoy,or it is addressed to the convoy when made bythe commodore.The moment of execution is the moment whenthe hoist is hauled down.When hoisted by a warship, signals from ATP2, volume II, will be preceded by the 4 THsubstitute.Signals from Pub 102 will be preceded by thecode pennant.All flag signals are to be repeated flag for flag.Remember flags, merchant ships do not carry4TH substitute.FLASHING LIGHTFlashing light should be restricted to minimumuse. Both directional and non-directional light may beused.These procedures are based on those found in theInternational Code of Signals, except for thefollowing procedure signs:FFFF—Used preceding a call to order the calledstation not to answer this transmission.IX—Action on the message or signal which followsis to be carried out upon receipt of the prosign IX 5SECOND FLASH.IX 5 SECOND FLASH—Carry out the purpose ofthis message or signal to which this applies.Executive method is normally used fortransmitting a maneuvering signal or other signalsrequiring simultaneous actions.PYROTECHNICSPyrotechnics are designed for use at night in caseof extreme urgency, threat of enemy attack, or whenthick weather justifies their use for maneuvering.The use of pyrotechnics for maneuvering inconvoy is left entirely to the commodore's discretion,and if used, they are for emphasizing the urgent natureof the maneuver.With the possible danger of cargo explosion fromfumes, masters with dangerous cargos should exercisetheir discretion in regard to the firing of rockets andpyrotechnics.Independently routed merchant ships are to fireNO LESS THAN TWO WHITE ROCKETS if they aredamaged by enemy action between dusk and dawn.This should, in good visibility, serve to attract theattention of naval vessels and aircraft, as well as warnother merchant ships in the area. Masters ofindependently routed ships should turn directly awayupon sighting this signal.A ship in convoy that sighted a previouslyundetected enemy submarine or surface craft or whichis torpedoed must immediately tire at least TWOWHITE ROCKETS IN QUICK SUCCESSION.If a ship in convoy accidentally fires a rocket orother pyrotechnic device, that ship shouldimmediately make the colored signal for negative(white over red over green). In addition, the letters NOmay be sounded on the ship's siren (ship's whistle).This should prevent the escort from taking the usualcountermeasure against enemy attack.Rocket and pyrotechnic signals and theirmeanings are contained in ATP 2, volume II, tableII-V.7-8