PUB. 102

INTERNATIONAL

CODE OF SIGNALS

FOR VISUAL, SOUND, AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

UNITED STATES EDITION

1969 Edition

(Revised 2003)

NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY

PUB. 102

International Code of Signals

As adopted by the Fourth Assembly of the Inter-Governmental Maritim

Consultative Organization in 1965

For Visual, Sound, and Radio Communications

United States Edition, 1969

(Revised 2003)

Prepared and published by the

NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY

Bethesda, Maryland

© COPYRIGHT 2003 BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

NO COPYRIGHT CLAIMED UNDER TITLE 17 U.S.C.

For sale by the Superintendant of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800

Fax: (202) 512-2250 Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001
PREFACE

Pub 102, the 1969 edition of the International Code of Signals, became effective on 1 April 1969, and at 

superseded H.O. Pubs. 103 and 104, International Code of Signals, Volumes I and II. All signals are contained in 

volume suitable for all methods of communication.

The First International Code was drafted in 1855 by a Committee set up by the British Board of Trade. It containe

signals using eighteen flags and was published by the British Board of Trade in 1857 in two parts; the first co

universal and international signals and the second British signals only. The book was adopted by most seafaring 

This early edition was revised by a Committee set up in 1887 by the British Board of Trade. The Committee’s p

were discussed by the principal maritime powers and at the International Conference in Washington in 1889. As 

many changes were made. The Code was completed in 1897 and was distributed to all maritime powers. That e

the International Code of Signals, however, did not stand the test of World War I.

The International Radiotelegraph Conference at Washington in 1927 considered proposals for a new revision of 

and decided that it should be prepared in seven languages, namely in English, French, Italian, German, Japanese

and in one Scandinavian language which was chosen by the Scandinavian Governments to be the Norwegian langu

new edition was completed in 1930 and was adopted by the International Radiotelegraph Conference held in M

1932. The new Code was compiled in two volumes, one for use by visual signaling and the other by radiotelegraph

and phrases applicable to aircraft were introduced in Volume II together with a complete Medical Section and a 

accelerating the granting of pratique. The Medical Section and the pratique signals were prepared with the assist

by the advice of the Office International d’Hygiene Publique. The Code, particularly Volume II, was primarily inte

use by ships and aircraft and, via coastal radio stations, between ships or aircraft and authorities ashore. A certain 

of signals were inserted for communications with shipowners, agents, repair yards, etc. The same Conference 

1932) established a Standing Committee to review the Code, if and when necessary, to give guidance on questio

and procedure, and to consider proposals for modifications. Secretarial duties were undertaken by the Governme

United Kingdom. The Standing Committee met only once in 1933 and introduced certain additions and amendm

The Administrative Radio Conference of the International Telecommunication Union suggested in 1947 

International Code of Signals should fall within the competence of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Con

Organization (IMCO). In January 1959, the First Assembly of IMCO decided that the Organization should assum

functions then being performed by the Standing Committee of the International Code of Signals. The Second Ass

1961 endorsed plans for a comprehensive review of the International Code of Signals intended to meet the pre

requirements of mariners. A Subcommittee of the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization was established 

the Code, to prepare it in nine languages, namely the original seven (English, French, Italian, German, Japanese, 

and Norwegian) together with Russian and Greek, and to consider proposals for a new radiotelephone Code and it

to the International Code of Signals. The Subcommittee consisted of representatives of the following countries: A

Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, and the United States of 

The following international governmental and nongovernmental organizations contributed to, and assisted 

preparation of the revised Code: the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Civil Aviation Orga

the International Labor Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the World Meteorological Orga

the World Health Organization, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Confederation of Fr

Unions, and the International Radio Maritime Committee.

The Subcommittee completed the revision of the Code in 1964, taking into account Recommendation 42 of 

Conference on Safety of Life at Sea and Recommendation 22 of the Administrative Radio Conference, Geneva 1

Code was adopted by the Fourth Assembly of IMCO in 1965.

The revised Code is intended to cater primarily for situations related essentially to safety of navigation and 

especially when language difficulties arise. It is suitable for transmission by all means of communication, i

radiotelephony and radiotelegraphy, thus obviating the necessity for a separate radiotelephone Code and dispen

Volume II for Radiotelegraphy. The revised Code embodies the principle that each signal has a complete meanin

leaves out the vocabulary method which was part of the old Code. The Geographical Section, not being co

essential, was omitted. By these means it was possible to reduce considerably the volume of the Code and 

simplicity.

Changes and corrections for this product will appear in the NIMA weekly Notice to Mariners and must be applie

it current. Users should refer information and comments to: MARITIME SAFETY INFORMATION DIVISION, 

NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY, 4600 SANGAMORE ROAD, BETHESDA MD 20816-5
PA

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

CHAPTER 2.— GENERAL SIGNAL CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND

RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX: U.S./Russia Supplementary Signals for Naval Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index for Signaling Instructions and General Signal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index for Medical Signal Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER

PA

CHAPTER 1

SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 1: EXPLANATION AND GENERAL REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SECTION 3: METHODS OF SIGNALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SECTION 4: GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SECTION 5: FLAG SIGNALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SECTION 6: FLASHING LIGHT SIGNALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 7: SOUND SIGNALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 8: RADIOTELEPHONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 9: SIGNALING BY HAND FLAGS OR ARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORSE SIGNALING BY HAND FLAGS OR ARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 10: MORSE SYMBOLS—PHONETIC TABLES—PROCEDURE SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORSE SYMBOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PROCEDURE SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS WITH COMPLEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS BETWEEN ICEBREAKER AND ASSISTED VESSELS . . . .
CHAPTER 1

SECTION 1: EXPLANATION AND GENERAL REMARKS

1. The purpose of the International Code of Signals is to provide ways and means of communication in situations r

tially to safety of navigation and persons, especially when language difficulties arise. In the preparation of the C

was taken of the fact that wide application of radiotelephony and radiotelegraphy can provide simple and effect

communication in plain language whenever language difficulties do not exist.

2. The signals used consist of:

(a) Single-letter signals allocated to significations which are very urgent, important, or of very common use;

(b) Two-letter signals for General Signal Code, Chapter 2, Pages 29 through 104;

(c) Three-letter signals beginning with “M” for Medical Signal Code, Chapter 3, pages 107 through 135.

3. The Code follows the basic principle that each signal should have a complete meaning. This principle is followe

the Code; in certain cases complements are used, where necessary to supplement the available groups.

4. Complements express:

(a) Variations in the meaning of the basic signal.

Examples:

“CP” = “I am (or vessel indicated is) proceeding to your assistance.”

“CP 1” = “SAR aircraft is coming to your assistance.”

(b) Questions concerning the same basic subject or basic signal.

Examples:

“DY” = “Vessel (name or identity signal) has sunk in lat . . . long. . . .”.

“DY 4” = “What is the depth of water where vessel sank?”

(c) Answers to a question or request made by the basic signal.

Examples:

“HX” = “Have you received any damage in collision?”

“HX 1” = “I have received serious damage above the waterline”.

(d) Supplementary, specific or detailed information.

Examples:

“IN” = “I require a diver”.

“IN 1” = “I require a diver to clear propeller”.

5. Complements appearing in the text more than once have been grouped in three tables. These tables should be 

and when specified in the text of the signals.

6. Text in brackets indicates:

(a) an alternative, e.g.:“. . . (or survival craft). . .”;

(b) information which may be transmitted if it is required or if it is available, e.g.: “. . . (position to be indicated if 

(c) an explanation of the text.

7. The material is classified according to subject and meaning. Extensive cross referencing of the signals in the ri

umn is used to facilitate coding.
4

CHAPTER 1

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Code the following terms shall have the meanings defined below:

Visual signaling is any method of communication, the transmission of which is capable of being seen.

Sound signaling is any method of passing Morse signals by means of siren, whistle, foghorn, bell, or other sound apparat

Originator is the authority who orders a signal to be sent.

Identity signal or call sign is the group of letters and figures assigned to each station by its administration.

Station means a ship, aircraft, survival craft, or any place at which communications can be effected by any means.

Station of origin is that station where the originator submits a signal for transmission, irrespective of the method of c

munication employed.

Transmitting station is the station by which a signal is actually being made.

Addressee is the authority to whom a signal is addressed.

Station of destination is that station in which the signal is finally received by the addressee.

Receiving station is the station by which a signal is actually being read.

Procedure denotes the rules drawn up for the conduct of signaling.

Procedure signal is a signal designed to facilitate the conduct of signaling. (See Chapter 1, Section 10, Pages 17, 20, and 

Time of origin is the time at which a signal is ordered to be made.

Group denotes more than one continuous letter and/or numeral which together compose a signal.

A numeral group consists of one or more numerals.

A hoist consists of one or more groups displayed from a single halyard. A hoist or signal is said to be at the dip when 

hoisted about half of the full extent of the halyards. A hoist or signal is said to be close up when it is hoisted to the 

extent of the halyards.

Tackline is a length of halyard about 2 m (6 ft.) long, used to separate each group of flags.
CHAPTER 1

SECTION 3: METHODS OF SIGNALING

1. The methods of signaling which may be used are:

(a) Flag signaling, the flags used being those shown inside the front cover.

(b) Flashing light signaling, using the Morse symbols shown in Chapter 1, Section 10, Page 17.

(c) Sound signaling, using the Morse symbols shown in Chapter 1, Section 10 Page 17.

(d) Voice over a loud hailer.

(e) Radiotelegraphy.

(f) Radiotelephony.

(g) Morse signaling by hand flags or arms.

Flag signaling

2. A set of signal flags consists of twenty-six alphabetical flags, ten numeral pennants, three substitutes, and the an

nant. Detailed instructions for signaling by flags are given in Chapter 1, Section 5, Pages 9 and 10.

Flashing light and sound signaling

3. The Morse symbols representing letters, numerals, etc., are expressed by dots and dashes which are signaled ei

in combination. The dots and dashes and spaces between them should be made to bear the following ratio, one t

regards their duration:

(a) A dot is taken as the unit;

(b) A dash is equivalent to three units;

(c) The space of time between any two elements of a symbol is equivalent to one unit; between two complete 

equivalent to three units; and between two words or groups it is equivalent to seven units.

4. In flashing light and sound signaling, while generally obeying the instructions laid down here, it is best to err o

making the dots rather shorter in their proportion to the dashes as it then makes the distinction between the elem

The standard rate of signaling by flashing light is to be regarded as forty letters per minute. Detailed instructions 

by flashing light and sound are given in Chapter 1, Sections 6 and 7, Pages 11 through 13.

Voice over a loud hailer

5. Whenever possible plain language should be used but where a language difficulty exists groups from the Intern

of Signals could be transmitted using the phonetic spelling tables.

Radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony

6. When radiotelegraphy or radiotelephony is used for the transmission of signals, operators should comply with th

ulations of the International Telecommunication Union then in force. (See Radiotelephony in Chapter 1, Section 
6

CHAPTER 1

SECTION 4: GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Originator and addressee of message

1. Unless otherwise indicated all signals between vessels are made from the Master of the vessel of origin to the Master o

vessel of destination.

Identification of ships and aircraft

2. Identity signals for ships and aircraft are allocated on an international basis. The identity signal may therefore indicate 

nationality of a ship or aircraft.

Use of identity signals

3. Identity signals may be used for two purposes:

(a) to speak to, or call, a station;

(b) to speak of, or indicate, a station.

Examples:

“YP LABC” = “I wish to communicate with vessel LABC by . . .” (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, P

104).

“HY 1 LABC” = “The vessel LABC with which I have been in collision has resumed her voyage”.

Names of vessels and/or places

4. Names of vessels and/or places are to be spelled out.

Example:

“RV Gibraltar” = “You should proceed to Gibraltar”.

How to signal numbers

5. Instructions for signaling numbers:

(a) Numbers are to be signaled as follows:

(i) Flag signaling: by the numeral pennants of the Code.

(ii) Flashing light or sound signaling: usually by the numerals in the Morse Code; they may also be spelled out.

(iii) Radiotelephony or loud hailer: by the Code words of the Figure Spelling Table in Chapter 1, Section 10, Page 19

(b) Figures which form part of the basic signification of a signal are to be sent together with the basic group.

Examples:

“DI 20” = “I require boats for 20 persons.”

“FJ 2” = “Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker”.

(c) A decimal point between numerals is to be signaled as follows:

(i) Flag signaling: by inserting the answering pennant where it is desired to express the decimal point.

(ii) Flashing light and sound signaling: by “decimal point” signal “AAA”.

(iii) Voice: by use of the word “DECIMAL” as indicated in the Figure Spelling Table.

(d) Wherever the text allows depths, etc., to be signaled in feet or in meters, the figures should be followed by “F” to indi

feet or by “M” to indicate meters.

Azimuth or bearing

6. They are to be expressed in three figures denoting degrees from 000 to 359, measured clockwise. If there is any possib

of confusion, they should be preceded by the letter “A”. They are always to be true unless expressly stated to be otherwis

the context.

Examples:

“LW 005” = “I receive your transmission on bearing 005 ̊”.

“LT A120 T1540” = “Your bearing from me is 120 ̊ at (local time) 1540”.
SECTION 4.—GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Course

7. Course is to be expressed in three numerals denoting degrees from 000 to 359, measured clockwise. If there is a

of confusion, they should be preceded by the letter “C”. They are always to be true unless expressly stated to be 

the context.

Examples:

“MD 025” = “My course is 025 ̊”.

“GR C240 S18” = “Vessel coming to your rescue is steering course 240 ̊, speed 18 knots”.

Date

8. Dates are to be signaled by two, four, or six numerals preceded by the letter “D”. The first two numerals indic

the month. When they are used alone they refer to the current month.

Example:

“D15” transmitted on the 15th or any other date in April means “15 April”.

The two numerals which follow indicate the month of the year.

Example:

“D1504” means “15 April”.

Where necessary the year may be indicated by two further numerals.

Example:

“D181063” means “18 October 1963”.

Latitude

9. Latitude is expressed by four figures preceded by the Letter “L”. The first two figures denote the degrees and 

the minutes. The letters “N” (North) or “S” (South) follow if they are needed; however, for reasons of simplicity 

omitted if there is no risk of confusion.

Example:

“L3740S” = “Latitude 37 ̊40'S”.

Longitude

10. Longitude is expressed by four or, if necessary, five figures preceded by the letter “G”. The first two (or thre

note the degrees and the last two the minutes. When the longitude is more than 99 ̊, no confusion will normally aris

indicating hundreds of degrees is omitted. However, where it is necessary to avoid confusion the five figures sh

The letters “E” (East) or “W” (West) follow if they are needed, otherwise they may be omitted, as in the case of 

Example:

“G13925E” = “Longitude 139 ̊25' E”.

A signal requiring the indication of position to complete its signification should be signaled as follows:

“CH L2537N G4015W” = “Vessel indicated is reported as requiring assistance in lat 25 ̊37' N, long 40 ̊1

Distance

11. Figures preceded by the letter “R” indicate distance in nautical miles.

Example:

“OV A080 R10” = “Mine(s) is (are) believed to be bearing 080 ̊ from me, distance 10 miles”.

The letter “R” may be omitted if there is no possibility of confusion.

Speed

12. Speed is indicated by figures preceded by:

(a.) the letter “S” to denote speed in knots, or

(b.) the letter “V” to denote speed in kilometers per hour.
8

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

Examples:

“BQ S300” = “The speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth is 300 knots”.

“BQ V300” = “The speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth is 300 kilometers per hour”.

Time

13. Times are to be expressed in four figures, of which the first two denote the hour, from 00 (midnight) up to 23 (11 p.m.), 

the last two denote the minutes (from 00 to 59). The figures are preceded by:

(a) the letter “T” indicating “Local time”, or

(b) the letter “Z” indicating “Greenwich Mean Time”.

Examples:

“BH T1045 L2015N G3840W C125” = “I sighted an aircraft at local time 1045 in lat 20 ̊15' N, long 38 ̊40' W fl

on course 125 ̊”.

“RX Z0830” = “You should proceed at GMT 0830”.

Time of origin

14. The time of origin may be added at the end of the text. It should be given to the nearest minute and expressed by four figu

Apart from indicating at what time a signal originated, it also serves as a convenient reference number.

Communication by local signal codes

15. If a vessel or a coast station wishes to make a signal in a local code, the signal “YV 1” = “The groups which follow are f

the local code” should precede the local signal, if it is necessary, in order to avoid misunderstanding.
CHAPTER 1

SECTION 5: FLAG SIGNALING

1. As a general rule only one hoist should be shown at a time. Each hoist or group of hoists should be kept flyin

been answered by the receiving station (see paragraph 3). When more groups than one are shown on the same haly

be separated by a tackline. The transmitting station should always hoist the signal where it can be most easily se

ceiving station, that is, in such a position that the flags will blow out clear and be free from smoke.

How to call

2. The identity signal of the station(s) addressed is to be hoisted with the signal (see Chapter 1, Section 4, Paragrap

If no identity signal is hoisted it will be understood that the signal is addressed to all stations within visual signa

If it is not possible to determine the identity signal of the station to which it is desired to signal, the group “VF” = 

hoist your identity signal” or “CS” = “What is the name or identity signal of your vessel (or station)?” should be 

at the same time the station will hoist its own identity signal. The group “YQ” = “I wish to communicate by... (C

Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104) with vessel bearing . . . from me” can also be used.

How to answer signals

3. All stations to which signals are addressed or which are indicated in signals are to hoist the answering pennan

soon as they see each hoist and close up immediately, when they understand it; it is to be lowered to the dip as soo

is hauled down at the transmitting station, being hoisted close up again as soon as the next hoist is understood.

How to complete a signal

4. The transmitting station is to hoist the answering pennant singly after the last hoist of the signal to indicate tha

completed. The receiving station is to answer this in a similar manner to all other hoists (see paragraph 3 on this 

How to act when signals are not understood

5. If the receiving station cannot clearly distinguish the signal made to it, it is to keep the answering pennant at the 

distinguish the signal but cannot understand the meaning of it, it can hoist the following signals: “ZQ” = “Your s

incorrectly coded. You should check and repeat the whole”, or “ZL” = “Your signal has been received but not un

The use of substitutes

6. The use of substitutes is to enable the same signal flag, either alphabetical flag or numeral pennant, to be repeated one or 

the same group, in case only one set of flags is carried on board. The first substitute always repeats the uppermost signal fla

of flags which immediately precedes the substitute. The second substitute always repeats the second and the third substit

third signal flag, counting from the top of that class of flags which immediately precedes them. No substitute can ever be u

once in the same group. The answering pennant when used as a decimal point is to be disregarded in determining which su

Example:

The signal “VV” would be made as follows:

V

first substitute

The number “1100” would be made by numeral pennants as follows:

1

first substitute

0

third substitute

The signal “L 2330” would be made as follows:

L

2

3

second substitute

0

In this case, the second substitute follows a numeral pennant and therefore it can only repeat the second numeral 
10

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

How to spell

7. Names in the text of a signal are to be spelled out by means of the alphabetical flags. The signal “YZ” = “The words w

follow are in plain language” can be used, if necessary.

Use of the Code pennant by ships of war

8. When a ship of war wishes to communicate with a merchant vessel she will hoist the Code pennant in a conspicuous posi

and keep it flying during the whole of the time the signal is being made.
CHAPTER 1

SECTION 6: FLASHING LIGHT SIGNALING

1. A signal made by flashing light is divided into the following parts:

(a) The call.—It consists of the general call or the identity signal of the station to be called. It is answered by t

signal.

(b) The identity.—The transmitting station makes “DE” followed by its identity signal or name. This will be r

by the receiving station which then signals its own identity signal or name. This will also be repeated back 

mitting station.

(c) The text.—This consists of plain language or Code groups. When Code groups are to be used they should 

by the signal “YU”. Words of plain language may also be in the text, when the signal includes names, places

of each word or group is acknowledged by “T”.

(d) The ending.—It consists of the ending signal “AR” which is answered by “R”.

2. If the entire text is in plain language the same procedure is to be followed. The call and identity may be omitt

stations have established communications and have already exchanged signals.

3. A list of procedure signals appears in Chapter 1, Section 10, Pages 20 and 21. Although the use of these sign

planatory, the following notes might be found useful:

(a) The General call signal (or call for unknown station) “AA AA AA” etc., is made to attract attention whe

signal to all stations within visual signaling distance or to a station whose name or identity signal is not kno

is continued until the station addressed answers.

(b) The Answering signal “TTTT” etc., is made to answer the call and it is to be continued until the transm

ceases to make the call. The transmission starts with the “DE” followed by the name or identity signal of the 

station.

(c) The letter “T” is used to indicate the receipt of each word or group.

(d) The Erase signal “EEEEEE” etc., is used to indicate that the last group or word was signaled incorrect

answered with the erase signal. When answered, the transmitting station will repeat the last word or grou

correctly signaled and then proceed with the remainder of the transmission.

(e) The Repeat signal “RPT” is to be used as follows:

(i) by the transmitting station to indicate that it is going to repeat (“I repeat”). If such a repetition does not f

diately after “RPT”, the signal should be interpreted as a request to the receiving station to repeat the si

(“Repeat what you have received”);

(ii) by the receiving station to request for a repetition of the signal transmitted (“Repeat what you have sent

(iii) The Special Repetition signals “AA”, “AB”, “WA”, “WB”, and “BN” are made by the receiving stat

priate. In each case they are made immediately after the repeat signal “RPT”.

Examples:

“RPT AB KL”—“Repeat all before group KL”.

“RPT BN 'boats' 'survivors' ”—“Repeat all between words 'boats' and 'survivors' ”.

If a signal is not understood, or, when decoded, it is not intelligible, the repeat signal is not used. The rec

must then make the appropriate signal from the Code, e.g., “Your signal has been received but not unde

(f) A correctly received repetition is acknowledged by the signal “OK”. The same signal may be used as a

answer to a question (“It is correct”).

(g) The Ending signal “AR” is used in all cases to indicate the end of a signal or the end of the transmission. T

station answers with the signal “R” = “Received” or “I have received your last signal”.

(h) The transmitting station makes the signal “CS” when requesting the name or identity signal of the recei

(i) The Waiting signal or Period signal “AS” is to be used as follows:

(i) When made independently or after the end of a signal it indicates that the other station must wait for fur

nications (waiting signal);

(ii) When it is inserted between groups it serves to separate them (period signal) to avoid confusion.

(j) The signal “C” should be used to indicate an affirmative statement or an affirmative reply to an interrogati

signal “RQ” should be used to indicate a question. For a negative reply to an interrogative signal or for a n

ment, the signal “N” should be used in visual or sound signaling and the signal “NO” should be used for v

transmission.

(k) When the signals “N” or “NO”, and “RQ” are used to change an affirmative signal into a negative statem
12

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

question, respectively, they should be transmitted after the main signal.

Examples:

“CY N” (or “NO” as appropriate) = “(Boat(s) is(are) not coming to you.” “CW RQ” = “Is boat/raft on board?”

The signals “C”, “N” or “NO”, and “RQ” cannot be used in conjunction with single-letter signals.
CHAPTER 1

SECTION 7: SOUND SIGNALING

1. Owing to the nature of the apparatus used (whistle, siren, foghorn, etc.) sound signaling is necessarily slow. M

misuse of sound signaling is of a nature to create serious confusion at sea. Sound signaling in fog should therefo

to a minimum. Signals other than the single letter signals should be used only in extreme emergency and never 

navigational waters.

2. The signals should be made slowly and clearly. They may be repeated, if necessary, but at sufficiently long inter

that no confusion can arise and that one letter signals cannot be mistaken as two-letter groups.

3. Masters are reminded that the one letter signals of the Code, which are marked by an asterisk(*), when made b

only be made in compliance with the requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at S

is also made to the single letter signals provided for exclusive use between an icebreaker and assisted vessels.
14

CHAPTER 1

SECTION 8: RADIOTELEPHONY

1. When using the International Code of Signals in cases of language difficulties, the principles of the Radio Regulations o

International Telecommunication Union then in force have to be observed. Letters and figures are to be spelled in accord

with the phonetic spelling tables in Chapter 1, Section 10, Pages 18 through 20.

2. When coast and ship stations are called, the identity signals (call signs) or names shall be used.

Method of calling

3. The call consists of:

(a) The call sign or name of the station called, not more than three times at each call;

(b) The group “DE” (DELTA ECHO);

(c) The call sign or name of the calling station, not more than three times at each call.

Difficult names of stations should also be spelled. After contact has been established, the call sign or name need not be 

more than once.

Form of reply to calls

4. The reply to calls consists of:

(a) The call sign or name of the calling station, not more than three times;

(b) The group “DE” (DELTA ECHO);

(c) The call sign or name of the station called, not more than three times.

Calling all stations in the vicinity

5. The group “CQ” (CHARLIE QUEBEC) shall be used, but not more than three times at each call.

6. In order to indicate that Code groups of the International Code of Signals are to follow, the word “INTERCO” is to b

serted. Words of plain language may also be in the text when the signal includes names, places, etc. In this case the group “Y

(YANKEE ZULU) is to be inserted if necessary.

7. If the station called is unable to accept traffic immediately, it should transmit the signal “AS” (ALFA SIERRA), adding 

duration of waiting times in minutes whenever possible.

8. The receipt of a transmission is indicated by the signal “R” (ROMEO).

9. If the transmission is to be repeated in total or in part, the signal “RPT” (ROMEO PAPA TANGO) shall be used, sup

mented as necessary by:

“AA” (ALFA ALFA) = all after . . .

“AB” (ALFA BRAVO) = all before . . .

“BN” (BRAVO NOVEMBER) = all between . . .and . . .

“WA” (WHISKEY ALFA) = word or group after . . .

“WB” (WHISKEY BRAVO) = word or group before . . .

10. The end of a transmission is indicated by the signal “AR” (ALFA ROMEO).
CHAPTER 1

SECTION 9: SIGNALING BY HAND FLAGS OR ARMS

MORSE SIGNALING BY HAND FLAGS OR ARMS

1. A station which desires to communicate with another station by Morse signaling by hand flags or arms may in

quirement by transmitting to that station the signal “K1” by any method. The call signal “AA AA AA” may be m

2. On receipt of the call the station addressed should make the answering signal, or, if unable to communicate b

should reply with the signal “YS1” by any available method.

3. The call signal “AA AA AA” and the signal “T” should be used respectively by the transmitting station and t

station.

4. Normally both arms should be used for this method of transmission but in cases where this is difficult or impos

can be used.

5. All signals will end with the ending signal “AR”.
16

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

Note: The space of time between dots and dashes and between letters, groups, or words should be such as to facilitate cor

reception.
CHAPTER 1

SECTION 10: MORSE SYMBOLS—PHONETIC TABLES—PROCEDURE SI

MORSE SYMBOLS

ALPHABET

A • – N – •

B – • • • O – – –

C – • – • P • – – •

D – • • Q – – • –

E • R • – •

F • • – • S • • •

G – – • T –

H • • • • U • • –

I • • V • • • –

J • – – – W • – –

K – • – X – • • –

L • – • • Y – • – –

M – – Z – – • •

NUMERALS

1 • – – – – 6 – • • • •

2 • • – – – 7 – – • • •

3 • • • – – 8 – – – • •

4 • • • • – 9 – – – – •

5 • • • • • 0 – – – – –

PROCEDURE SIGNALS

AR • – • – • AAA • – • – • –

AS • – • • •
18

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

PHONETIC TABLES

For the pronunciation of letters and figures by radiotelephony or by voice over a loud hailer.

LETTER SPELLING TABLE

Letter Code Word Pronunciation

A Alfa AL FAH

B Bravo BRAH VOH

C Charlie CHAR LEE (or SHAR LEE)

D Delta DELL TAH

E Echo ECK OH

F Foxtrot FOKS TROT

G Golf GOLF

H Hotel HOH TELL

I India IN DEE AH

J Juliett JEW LEE ETT

K Kilo KEY LOH

L Lima LEE MAH

M Mike MIKE

N November NO VEM BER

O Oscar OSS CAH

P Papa PAH PAH

Q Quebec KEH BECK

R Romeo ROW ME OH

S Sierra SEE AIR RAH

T Tango TANG GO

U Uniform YOU NEE FORM (or OO NEE FORM)

V Victor VIK TAH

W Whiskey WISS KEY

X X-ray ECKS RAY

Y Yankee YANG KEY

Z Zulu ZOO LOO

Note: The Boldfaced syllables are emphasized.
SECTION 10.—MORSE SYMBOLS—PHONETIC TABLES—PROCEDURE SIGNALS

FIGURE SPELLING TABLE

Figure or

Mark to be

Transmitted

Code Word Pronunciation

0 NADAZERO NAH-DAH-ZAY-ROH

1 UNAONE OO-NAH-WUN

2 BISSOTWO BEES-SOH-TOO

3 TERRATHREE TAY-RAH-TREE

4 KARTEFOUR KAR-TAY-FOWER

5 PANTAFIVE PAN-TAH-FIVE

6 SOXISIX SOK-SEE-SIX

7 SETTESEVEN SAY-TAY-SEVEN

8 OKTOEIGHT OK-TOH-AIT

9 NOVENINE NO-VAY-NINER

DECIMAL

POINT

DECIMAL DAY-SEE-MAL

FULL

STOP

STOP STOP

Note: Each syllable should be equally emphasized. The second component of each Code word is the Code word used in

the Aeronautical Mobile Service.
20

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

PROCEDURE SIGNALS

A bar over the letters composing a signal denotes that the letters are to be made as one symbol.

1. Signals for voice transmissions (radiotelephony or loud hailer):

2. Signals for flashing light transmission:

3. Signals for flags, radiotelephony, and radiotelegraphy transmissions:

4. Signals for use where appropriate in all forms of transmission:

Signal Pronunciation Meaning

Interco IN-TER-CO International Code group(s) follows(s).

Stop STOP Full stop.

Decimal DAY-SEE-MAL Decimal point.

Correction KOR-REK-SHUN Cancel my last word or group. The correct

word or group follows.

AA AA AA

etc.

Call for unknown station or general call.

EEEEEE etc. Erase signal.

AAA Full stop or decimal point.

TTTT etc. Answering signal.

T Word or group received.

CQ Call for unknown station(s) or general call to all stations.

Note: When this signal is used in voice transmission, it should be

pronounced in accordance with the letter spelling table.

AA “All after . . .” (used after the “Repeat signal” (RPT)) means

“Repeat all after . . .”.

AB “All before . . .” (used after the “Repeat signal” (RPT)) means

“Repeat all before . . .”.

AR Ending signal or End of Transmission or signal.

AS Waiting signal or period.

BN “All between . . . and . . .“(used after the “Repeat signal” (RPT))

means “Repeat all between . . . and . . .”.

C Affirmative—YES or “The significance of the previous group

should be read in the affirmative”.

CS “What is the name or identity signal of your vessel (or station)?”.

DE “From . . .” (used to precede the name or identity signal of the

calling station).

K “I wish to communicate with you” or “Invitation to transmit”.
SECTION 10.—MORSE SYMBOLS—PHONETIC TABLES—PROCEDURE SIGNALS

Notes:

(a) The procedure signals “C”, “N”, “NO”, and “RQ” cannot be used in conjunction with single-letter signal

(b) Signals on COMMUNICATIONS appear in Chapter 2, Section 8, Pages 100 through 102.

(c) When these signals are used by voice transmission the letters should be pronounced in accordance with the l

table, with the exception of “NO” which in voice transmission should be pronounced as “NO”.

NO Negative—NO or “The significance of the previous group should

be read in the negative”. When used in voice transmission the

pronunciation should be “NO”.

OK Acknowledging a correct repetition or “It is correct”.

RQ Interrogative, or, “The significance of the previous group should

be read as a question”.

R “Received” or “I have received your last signal”.

RPT Repeat signal “I repeat” or “Repeat what you have sent” or

“Repeat what you have received”.

WA “Word or group after . . .” (used after the “Repeat signal” (RPT))

means “Repeat word or group after . . .”.

WB “Word or group before . . .” (used after the “Repeat signal”

(RPT)) means “Repeat word or group before . . .”.
22

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS

May be made by any method of signaling.

See Note 1 for those marked by an asterisk (*)

A I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.

*B I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.

*C Yes (affirmative or “The significance of the previous group should be read in the affirmative”).

*D Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty.

*E I am altering my course to starboard.

F I am disabled; communicate with me.

*G I require a pilot. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: 

am hauling nets”.

*H I have a pilot on board.

*I I am altering my course to port.

J I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me, or I am leaking dangerous cargo.

K I wish to communicate with you.

L You should stop your vessel instantly.

M My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.

N No (negative or “The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative”). This signal may be giv

only visually or by sound. For voice or radio transmission the signal should be “NO”.

O Man overboard.

P In harbor.—All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.

At sea.—It may be used by fishing vessels to mean: “My nets have come fast upon an obstruction”. It may a

be used as a sound to mean: “I require a pilot”.

Q My vessel is “healthy” and I request free pratique.

*S I am operating astern propulsion.

*T Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.

U You are running into danger.

V I require assistance.

W I require medical assistance.

X Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.

Y I am dragging my anchor.

*Z I require a tug. When made by fishing vessels operating in close proximity on the fishing grounds it means: “I 

shooting nets”.

Notes: 1. Signals of letters marked by an asterisk (*) when made by sound may only be made in compliance with t

requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.

2. Signals “K” and “S” have special meanings as landing signals for small boats with crews or persons in d

tress. (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, Chapter V, Regulation 16.)
SECTION 10.—MORSE SYMBOLS—PHONETIC TABLES—PROCEDURE SIGNALS

SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS WITH COMPLEMENTS

May be made by any method of signaling.

A—with three numerals........................................................ AZIMUTH or BEARING.

C—with three numerals........................................................ COURSE.

D—with two, four, or six numerals ...................................... DATE.

G—with four or five numerals.............................................. LONGITUDE (the last two numerals denote min

the rest degrees).

K—with one numeral ........................................................... I wish to COMMUNICATE with you by... (Co

Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

L—with four numerals ......................................................... LATITUDE (the first two denote degrees and the 

utes).

R—with one or more numerals ............................................ DISTANCE in nautical miles.

S—with one or more numerals............................................. SPEED in knots.

T—with four numerals ......................................................... LOCAL TIME (the first two denote hours and th

utes).

V—with one or more numerals ............................................ SPEED in kilometers per hour.

Z—with four numerals ......................................................... GMT (the first two denote hours and the rest min

Z—with one numeral............................................................ To call or address shore visual stations (Numera

approved by local port authority).

AZIMUTH or BEARING..................................................... A with three numerals.

COMMUNICATE, I wish to communicate with you by . . .

(Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104) ... K with one numeral.

COURSE............................................................................... C with three numerals.

DATE .................................................................................... D with two, four, or six numerals.

DISTANCE in nautical miles ............................................... R with one or more numerals.

GMT (the first two denote hours and the rest minutes) ........ Z with four numerals.

LATITUDE (the first two denote degrees and the rest

minutes) ................................................................................ L with four numerals.

LONGITUDE (the last two numerals denote minutes and

the rest degrees) .................................................................... G with four or five numerals.

LOCAL TIME (the first two denote hours and the rest

minutes) ................................................................................ T with four numerals.

SPEED in kilometers per hour.............................................. V with one or more numerals.

SPEED in knots .................................................................... S with one or more numerals.
24

CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS

SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS BETWEEN ICEBREAKER AND ASSISTED VESSELS

The following single letter signals, when made between an icebreaker and assisted vessels, have only the significations g

in this table and are only to be made by sound, visual, or radiotelephony signals.

WM Icebreaker support is now commencing. Use special icebreaker support signals and keep continuous watch for

sound, visual, or radiotelephony signals.

WO Icebreaker support is finished. Proceed to your destination.

Code Letters or

Numerals Icebreaker Assisted Vessel(s)

A • – Go ahead (proceed along the ice channel). I am going ahead (I am proceeding along

the ice channel).

G – – • I am going ahead; follow me. I am going ahead; I am following you.

J • – – – Do not follow me (proceed along the ice channel). I will not follow you (I will proceed alon

the ice channel).

P • – – • Slow down. I am slowing down.

N – • Stop your engines. I am stopping my engines.

H • • • • Reverse your engines. I am reversing my engines.

L • – • • You should stop your vessel instantly. I am stopping my vessel.

4 • • • • – Stop. I am icebound. Stop. I am icebound.

Q – – • – Shorten the distance between vessels. I am shortening the distance.

B – • • • Increase the distance between vessels. I am increasing the distance.

5 • • • • • Attention. Attention.

Y – • – – Be ready to take (or cast off) the towline. I am ready to take (or cast off) the towlin
SECTION 10.—MORSE SYMBOLS—PHONETIC TABLES—PROCEDURE SIGNALS

Notes: 1. The signal “K”– • – by sound or light may be used by an icebreaker to remind ships of their 

listen continuously on their radio.

2. If more than one vessel is assisted, the distances between vessels should be as constant as po

speed of your own vessel and vessel ahead; should speed of your own vessel go down, give atten

the following vessel.

3. The use of these does not relieve any vessel from complying with the International Regulations f

Collisions at Sea.

4. • • – • • Stop your headway (given only to a ship in an

ice-channel ahead of and approaching or going

away from icebreaker).

I am stopping headway.

Note: This signal should not be made by radiotelephone.

Single-letter signals which may be used during icebreaking operations:

* E • I am altering my course to starboard.

* I • • I am altering my course to port.

* S • • • I am operating astern propulsion.

M – – My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.

Notes: 1. Signals of letters marked by an asterisk*, when made by sound, may only be made in complia

requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

2. Additional signals for icebreaking support can be found in Chapter 2, Section 6, Page 93 and 
CHAPTER

PA

CHAPTER 2

 GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

SECTION 1: DISTRESS—EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ABANDON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ACCIDENT—DOCTOR—INJURED/SICK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

AIRCRAFT-HELICOPTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

BOATS—RAFTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DISABLED—DRIFTING—SINKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DISTRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

POSITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SEARCH AND RESCUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SURVIVORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SECTION 2: CASUALTIES—DAMAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

COLLISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

DAMAGES—REPAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

DIVER—UNDERWATER OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

FIRE—EXPLOSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

GROUNDING—BEACHING—REFLOATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

LEAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

TOWING—TUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

SECTION 3: AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

AIDS TO NAVIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

BAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

BEARINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CANAL—CHANNEL—FAIRWAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

COURSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

DANGERS TO NAVIGATION—WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

DEPTH—DRAFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

MINES—MINESWEEPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NAVIGATION LIGHTS—SEARCHLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NAVIGATING AND STEERING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SECTION 4: MANEUVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

AHEAD—ASTERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ALONGSIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TO ANCHOR—ANCHOR(S)—ANCHORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ENGINES—PROPELLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

LANDING—BOARDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

MANEUVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

PROCEED—UNDERWAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SPEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
28

STOP—HEAVE TO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

SECTION 5: MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

CARGO—BALLAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

CREW—PERSONS ON BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

FISHERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

PILOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

PORT—HARBOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

SECTION 6: METEOROLOGY—WEATHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

CLOUDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

GALE—STORM—TROPICAL STORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

ICE—ICEBERGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

ICEBREAKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE—TEMPERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

SEA—SWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

VISIBILITY—FOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

WEATHER—WEATHER FORECAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

WIND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

SECTION 7: ROUTING OF SHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

SECTION 8: COMMUNICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

ACKNOWLEDGE—ANSWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

CALLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

CANCEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

COMMUNICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

EXERCISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

RECEPTION—TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

REPEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

SECTION 9: INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

PRATIQUE MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

SECTION 10: TABLES OF COMPLEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Code Meaning 

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 1: DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

ABANDON

ACCIDENT—DOCTOR—INJURED/SICK

*AA

* Procedural signals for repetition.

Repeat all after...

*AB Repeat all before...

AC I am abandoning my vessel.

AD I am abandoning my vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident and is a possible source o

radiation danger.

AE I must abandon my vessel.

AE 1 I (or crew of vessel indicated) wish to abandon my (or their) vessel, but have not the

means.

AE 2 I shall abandon my vessel unless you will remain by me, ready to assist.

AF I do not intend to abandon my vessel.

AF 1 Do you intend to abandon your vessel?

AG You should abandon your vessel as quickly as possible.

AH You should not abandon your vessel.

AI Vessel (indicated by position and/or name or identity signal if necessary) will have to be aba

doned.

Accident

AJ I have had a serious nuclear accident and you should approach with caution.

AK I have had a nuclear accident on board.

I am abandoning my vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident and is a possible source o

radiation danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am proceeding to the position of accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am proceeding to the position of accident at full speed. Expect to arrive at time indicated . 

Are you proceeding to the position of accident? If so, when do you expect to arrive? . . . . . . 

You should steer course... (or follow me) to reach position of accident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am circling over the area of accident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

An aircraft is circling over the area of accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
30

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by flame or smoke float . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker dye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by radiobeacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by wreckage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 

Is position of accident (or survival craft) marked?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FK

I have searched area of accident but have found no trace of derelict or survivors . . . . . . . . . . . GC 

Man overboard. Please take action to pick him up (position to be indicated if necessary) . . . . GW

Doctor

AL I have a doctor on board.

AM Have you a doctor?

AN I need a doctor.

AN 1 I need a doctor; I have severe burns.

AN 2 I need a doctor; I have radiation casualties.

I require a helicopter urgently, with a doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BR 

Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated) with a doctor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BT 

Injured/Sick

AO Number of injured and/or dead not yet known.

AO 1 How many injured?

AO 2 How many dead?

AP I have... (number) casualties.

AQ I have injured/sick person (or number of persons indicated) to be taken off urgently. I cannot

alight but I can lift injured/sick person. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AZ 

You cannot alight on the deck; can you lift injured/sick person?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BA 

I require a helicopter urgently to pick up injured/sick person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BR 

You should send a helicopter/boat with a stretcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BS

A helicopter/boat is coming to take injured/sick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BU

AT You should send injured/sick persons to me.

Accident
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

AIRCRAFT-HELICOPTER

Alight-Landing

AU I am forced to alight near you (or in position indicated).

AV I am alighting (in position indicated if necessary) to pick up crew of vessel/aircraft

AW Aircraft should endeavor to alight where flag is waved or light is shown.

AX You should train your searchlight nearly vertical on a cloud, intermittently if possible, and, 

my aircraft is seen, deflect the beam upwind and on the water to facilitate my landing.

AX 1 Shall I train my searchlight nearly vertical on a cloud, intermittently if possible, and, if

your aircraft is seen, deflect the beam upwind and on the water to facilitate your landin

AY I will alight on your deck; (you should steer course... speed... knots).

AZ I cannot alight but I can lift crew.

AZ 1 I cannot alight but I can lift injured/sick person.

BA You cannot alight on the deck.

BA 1 You cannot alight on the deck; can you lift crew?

BA 2 You cannot alight on the deck; can you lift injured/sick person?

BB You may alight on my deck.

BB 1 You may alight on my deck; I am ready to receive you forward.

BB 2 You may alight on my deck; I am ready to receive you amidship.

BB 3 You may alight on my deck; I am ready to receive you aft.

BB 4 You may alight on my deck but I am not yet ready to receive you.

Communications

BC I have established communications with the aircraft in distress on 2182 kHz.

BC 1 Can you communicate with the aircraft?

BD I have established communications with the aircraft in distress on... kHz.

BE I have established communications with the aircraft in distress on... MHz.

Ditched-Disabled-Afloat

BF Aircraft is ditched in position indicated and requires immediate assistance.

I sighted disabled aircraft in lat... long... at time indicated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

BG Aircraft is still afloat.
32

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

Flying

BH I sighted an aircraft at time indicated in lat... long... flying on course...

BH 1 Aircraft was flying at high altitude.

BH 2 Aircraft was flying at low altitude.

BI I am flying to likely position of vessel in distress.

BI 1 I am flying at low altitude near the vessel.

BJ I am circling over the area of accident.

BJ 1 An aircraft is circling over the area of accident.

BK You are overhead.

BK 1 Am I overhead?

BL I am having engine trouble but am continuing flight.

Parachute

BM You should parachute object to windward. Mark it by smoke or light signal.

BM 1 I am going to parachute object to windward, marking it by smoke or light signal.

BM 2 I am going to parachute equipment.

BM 3 Inflatable raft will be dropped to windward by parachute.

*BN

* Procedural signal for repetition.

Repeat all between... and...

BO We are going to jump by parachute.

Search—Assistance

BP Aircraft is coming to participate in search. Expected to arrive over the area of accident at time

indicated.

The search area of the aircraft is between lat... and... , and long... and. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FU

Search by aircraft/helicopter will be discontinued because of unfavorable conditions . . . . . . . FV

SAR aircraft is coming to your assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CP 

Speed

BQ The speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth is... (knots or kilometers per

hour).
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

ASSISTANCE

BQ 1 What is the speed of your aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth?

Helicopter

BR I require a helicopter urgently.

BR 1 I require a helicopter urgently to pick up persons.

BR 2 I require a helicopter urgently with a doctor.

BR 3 I require a helicopter urgently to pick up injured/sick person.

BR 4 I require a helicopter urgently with inflatable raft.

BS You should send a helicopter/boat with stretcher.

BT Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated).

BT 1 Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated) to pick up persons.

BT 2 Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated) with a doctor.

BT 3 Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated) to pick up injured/sick person.

BT 4 Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated) with inflatable raft.

BU A helicopter/boat is coming to take injured/sick.

BV I cannot send a helicopter.

BW The magnetic course for you to steer towards me (or vessel or position indicated) is... (at tim

indicated).

BX The magnetic course for the helicopter to regain its base is...

BY Will you indicate the magnetic course for me to steer towards you (or vessel or position ind

cated)?

BZ Your magnetic bearing from me (or from vessel or position indicated) is... (at time indicate

CA What is my magnetic bearing from you (or from vessel or position indicated)?

Required

I am in distress and require immediate assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

CB I require immediate assistance.

CB 1 I require immediate assistance; I have a dangerous list.

CB 2 I require immediate assistance; I have damaged steering gear.

Speed
34

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

CB 3 I require immediate assistance; I have a serious disturbance on board.

CB 4 I require immediate assistance; I am aground.

CB 5 I require immediate assistance; I am drifting.

CB 6 I require immediate assistance; I am on fire.

CB 7 I require immediate assistance; I have sprung a leak.

CB 8 I require immediate assistance; propeller shaft is broken.

CC I am (or vessel indicated is) in distress in lat... long... (or bearing... from place indicated, distance...) and require immediate assistance (Complements Table 2, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page

104 if required).

I require assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V

CD I require assistance in the nature of... (Complements Table 2, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page

104).

I require medical assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W

I request assistance from fishery protection (or fishery assistance) vessel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TY

CE I will attempt to obtain for you the assistance required.

Aircraft is ditched in position indicated and requires immediate assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BF

CF Signals from vessel/aircraft requesting assistance are coming from bearing...from me (lat...

long... if necessary).

CG Stand by to assist me (or vessel indicated).

CG 1 I will stand by to assist you (or vessel indicated).

Survivors are in bad condition. Medical assistance is urgently required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HM

CH Vessel indicated is reported as requiring assistance in lat... long... (or bearing... from place

indicated, distance...).

CH 1 Lightvessel (or lighthouse) indicated requires assistance.

CH 2 Space ship is down in lat... long... and requires immediate assistance.

CI Vessel aground in lat... long... requires assistance.

CJ Do you require assistance?

CJ 1 Do you require immediate assistance?

CJ 2 Do you require any further assistance?

CJ 3 What assistance do you require?

CJ 4 Can you proceed without assistance?

Required
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

Not Required—Declined

CK Assistance is not (or is no longer) required by me (or vessel indicated).

CL I offered assistance but it was declined.

Given—Not Given

CM One or more vessels are assisting the vessel in distress.

CM 1 Vessel/aircraft reported in distress is receiving assistance.

CN You should give all possible assistance.

CN 1 You should give immediate assistance to pick up survivors.

CN 2 You should send survival craft to assist vessel indicated.

CO Assistance cannot be given to you (or vessel/aircraft indicated).

CO 1 I cannot give the assistance required.

Proceeding to Assistance

CP I am (or vessel indicated is) proceeding to your assistance.

CP 1 SAR aircraft is coming to your assistance.

*CQ Call for unknown station(s) or general call to all stations.

CR I am proceeding to the assistance of vessel (lat... long...).

*CS What is the name or identity signal of your vessel (or station)?

CT I (or vessel indicated) expect to reach you at time indicated.

CU Assistance will come at time indicated.

CU 1 I can assist you.

CV I am unable to give assistance.

CV 1 Will you go to the assistance of vessel indicated (in lat... long...)?

CV 2 May I assist you?

CV 3 Can you assist me (or vessel indicated)?

CV 4 Can you assist?

Can you offer assistance? (Complements Table 2, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104). . . . . . . 

I shall abandon my vessel unless you will remain by me, ready to assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I cannot get the fire under control without assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
36

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

BOATS—RAFTS

I can get the fire under control without assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IY

Can you get the fire under control without assistance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IY 

I have placed the collision mat. I can proceed without assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KA 

I cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow, but I will report you and ask for immediate

assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KN 

I cannot steer without assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PK

* Procedural signals.

CW Boat/raft is on board.

CW 1 Boat/raft is safe.

CW 2 Boat/raft is in sight.

CW 3 Boat/raft is adrift.

CW 4 Boat/raft is aground.

CW 5 Boat/raft is alongside.

CW 6 Boat/raft is damaged.

CW 7 Boat/raft has sunk.

CW 8 Boat/raft has capsized.

CX Boats cannot be used.

CX 1 Boats cannot be used because of prevailing weather conditions.

CX 2 Boats cannot be used on the starboard side because of list.

CX 3 Boats cannot be used on the port side because of list.

CX 4 Boats cannot be used to disembark people.

CX 5 Boats cannot be used to get alongside.

CX 6 Boats cannot be used to reach you.

CX 7 I cannot send a boat.

CY Boat(s) is(are) coming to you.

CY 1 Boat/raft is making for the shore.

CY 2 Boat/raft has reached the shore.

Proceeding to Assistance
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

CZ You should make a lee for the boat(s)/raft(s).

CZ 1 You should discharge oil to smooth sea.

DA Boat(s)/raft(s) should approach vessel as near as possible to take off persons.

A boat/helicopter is coming to take injured/sick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

DB Veer a boat or raft on a line.

DC Boat should endeavor to land where flag is waved or light is shown.

DD Boats are not allowed to come alongside.

DD 1 Boats are not allowed to land (after time indicated).

*DE From...

* Procedural signal used to precede the name or identity signal of the calling station.

Available

DF I have... (number) serviceable boats.

DG I have a motor boat [or... (number) motor boats].

DH I have no boat/raft.

DH 1 I have no motor boat.

DH 2 Have you any boats with radiotelegraph installation or portable radio equipment?

DH 3 How many serviceable motor boats have you?

DH 4 How many serviceable boats have you?

Required

DI I require boats for... (number) persons.

DJ Do you require a boat?

Send

DK You should send all available boats/rafts.

DK 1 You should send back my boat.

DK 2 Can you send a boat?

You should send a boat/helicopter with stretcher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should send survival craft to assist vessel indicated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should stop, or heave to; I am going to send a boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
38

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

DISABLED—DRIFTING—SINKING

DL I can send a boat.

DL 1 I am sending a boat.

I cannot send a boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CX 

Search

DM You should search for the boat(s)/raft(s).

DN I have found the boat/raft.

DN 1 Have you seen or heard anything of the boat/raft?

DO Look out for boat/raft in bearing... distance... from me (or from position indicated).

DP There is a boat/raft in bearing... distance... from me (or from position indicated).

DQ An empty boat/raft has been sighted in lat... long... (or bearing... from place indicated, distance...).

Disabled

DR Have you sighted disabled vessel/aircraft in approximate lat... long...?

DS I sighted disabled aircraft in lat... long... at time indicated.

DT I sighted disabled vessel in lat... long... at time indicated.

DT 1 I sighted disabled vessel in lat... long... at time indicated, apparently without a radio.

I am disabled; communicate with me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F

Drifting

DU I am drifting at... (number) knots, towards... degrees.

DV I am drifting.

DV 1 I am adrift.

DW Vessel (name or identity signal) is drifting near lat... long....

I require immediate assistance; I am drifting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CB 

I am (or vessel indicated is) breaking adrift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RC

I have broken adrift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RC 

Send
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

DISTRESS

Sinking

DX I am sinking (lat... long... if necessary).

DY Vessel (name or identity signal) has sunk in lat... long...

DY 1 Did you see vessel sink?

DY 2 Where did vessel sink?

DY 3 Is it confirmed that vessel (name or identity signal) has sunk?

DY 4 What is the depth of water where vessel sunk?

Vessel/Aircraft in Distress

I am in distress and require immediate assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

DZ Vessel (or aircraft) indicated appears to be in distress.

DZ 1 Is vessel (or aircraft) indicated in distress?

DZ 2 What is the name (or identity signal) of vessel in distress?

EA Have you sighted or heard of a vessel in distress? (Approximate position lat... long... or be

ing... from place indicated, distance...).

EA 1 Have you any news of vessel/aircraft reported missing or in distress in this area?

I am (or vessel indicated is) in distress in lat... long... (or bearing... from place indicated, d

tance...) and require immediate assistance (Complements Table 2, Chapter 2, Section 10, Pa

104, if required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

EB There is a vessel (or aircraft) in distress in lat... long... (or bearing... distance... from me, o

Complements Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

EC A vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident is in distress in lat... long...

Distress Signal

*ED Your distress signals are understood.

ED 1 Your distress signals are understood; the nearest life-saving station is being informed.

EF SOS/MAYDAY has been cancelled.

EF 1 Has the SOS/MAYDAY been cancelled?

I have intercepted SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (name or identity signal) (or aircraft) in posi

tion lat... long... at time indicated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
40

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

EG Did you hear SOS/MAYDAY given at time indicated?

EG 1 Will you listen on 2182 kHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons?

EG 2 I am listening on 2182 kHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons.

EG 3 Have you received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on 2182

kHz?

EG 4 I have received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on 2182 kHz.

EG 5 Will you listen on... MHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons?

EG 6 I am listening on... MHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons.

EG 7 Have you received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on...

MHz?

EG 8 I have received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on... MHz.

EJ I have received distress signal transmitted by coast station indicated.

EJ 1 Have you received distress signal transmitted by coast station indicated?

EK I have sighted distress signal in lat... long...

EK 1 An explosion was seen or heard (position or direction and time to be indicated).

EK 2 Have you heard or seen distress signal from survival craft?

* Reference is made to signals prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (Regulation 16(a), Chapter V) as replies from lifesaving stations or maritime rescue units to distress signals made by a

ship or person.

Position of Distress

EL Repeat the distress position.

EL 1 What is the position of vessel in distress?

Position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft) was lat... long... (or

bearing... from place indicated, distance...) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FG

What was the position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FG 

Position given with SOS/MAYDAY is wrong. The correct position is lat... long.... . . . . . . . . FH

Position given with SOS/MAYDAY by vessel is wrong. I have her bearing by radio direction

finder and can exchange bearings with any other vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FI

Survival craft are believed to be in the vicinity of lat... long... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. GI

EM Are there other vessels/aircraft in the vicinity of vessel/aircraft in distress?

Distress Signal
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

POSITION

Contact or Locate

EN You should try to contact vessel/aircraft in distress.

EO I am unable to locate vessel/aircraft in distress because of poor visibility.

EP I have lost sight of you.

I have located (or found) wreckage from the vessel/aircraft in distress (position to be indicat

if necessary by lat... long... or by bearing... from specified place, and distance...) . . . . . . . 

EQ I expect to be at the position of vessel/aircraft in distress at time indicated.

EQ 1 Indicate estimated time of your arrival at position of vessel/aircraft in distress.

I am flying to likely position of vessel in distress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

One or more vessels are assisting the vessel in distress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Vessel/aircraft reported in distress is receiving assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am proceeding to the assistance of vessel/aircraft in distress in lat... long.... . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have found vessel/aircraft in distress in lat... long... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

ER You should indicate your position at time indicated.

ET My position at time indicated was lat... long...

EU My present position is lat... long... (or bearing... from place indicated, distance...).

EU 1 What is your present position?

EV My present position, course, and speed are lat... long... ,... , knots...

EV 1 What are your present position, course, and speed?

EW My position is ascertained by dead reckoning.

EW 1 My position is ascertained by visual bearings.

EW 2 My position is ascertained by astronomical observations.

EW 3 My position is ascertained by radiobeacons.

EW 4 My position is ascertained by radar.

EW 5 My position is ascertained by electronic position-fixing system.

EX My position is doubtful.

EY I am confident as to my position.

EY 1 Are you confident as to your position?
42

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

EZ Your position according to bearings taken by radio direction finder stations which I control is

lat... long... (at time indicated).

EZ 1 Will you give me my position according to bearings taken by radio direction finder stations which you control?

FA Will you give me my position?

FB Will vessels in my immediate vicinity (or in the vicinity of lat... long...) please indicate position, course, and speed.

Position of Distress

FC You should indicate your position by visual or sound signals.

FC 1 You should indicate your position by rockets or flares.

FC 2 You should indicate your position by visual signals.

FC 3 You should indicate your position by sound signals.

FC 4 You should indicate your position by searchlight.

FC 5 You should indicate your position by smoke signal.

FD My position is indicated by visual or sound signals.

FD 1 My position is indicated by rockets or flares.

FD 2 My position is indicated by visual signals.

FD 3 My position is indicated by sound signals.

FD 4 My position is indicated by searchlight.

FD 5 My position is indicated by smoke signal.

I expect to be at the position of vessel/aircraft in distress at time indicated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EQ

Indicate estimated time of your arrival at position of vessel/aircraft in distress . . . . . . . . . . . . EQ 

Position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft) was lat... long... (or bearing...

from place indicated, distance...). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FG

What was position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FG 

Position given with SOS/MAYDAY is wrong. The correct position is lat... long... . . . . . . . . FH

Position given with SOS/MAYDAY by vessel is wrong. I have her bearing by radio direction

finder and can exchange bearings with any other vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FI

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by flame (or smoke float) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker dye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ 
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by radiobeacon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by wreckage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Is position of accident (or survival craft) marked? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should transmit your identification and series of long dashes or your carrier frequency t

home vessel (or aircraft) to your position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Shall I home vessel (or aircraft) to my position? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should indicate position of survivors by throwing pyrotechnic signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Proceeding to Assistance

I am proceeding to the assistance of vessel/aircraft in distress (lat... long...) . . . . . . . . . . . . 

FE I am proceeding to the position of accident at full speed. Expect to arrive at time indicated.

FE 1 Are you proceeding to the position of accident? If so, when do you expect to arrive?

I am unable to give assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Can you assist?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Position of Distress or Accident

FF I have intercepted SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (name or identity signal) (or aircraft) in posi

tion lat... long... at time indicated.

FF 1 I have intercepted SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (name or identity signal) (or aircraft) in

position lat... long... at time indicated; I have heard nothing since.

FG Position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft) was lat... long... (or bearing...

from place indicated, distance...).

FG 1 What was position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft)?

FH Position given with SOS/MAYDAY is wrong. The correct position is lat... long...

FI Position given with SOS/MAYDAY by vessel is wrong. I have her bearing by radio directio

finder and can exchange bearings with any other vessel.

FJ Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked.

FJ 1 Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by flame or smoke float.

FJ 2 Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker.

FJ 3 Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker dye.

Position of Distress
44

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

FJ 4 Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by radiobeacon.

FJ 5 Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by wreckage.

FK Is position of accident (or survival craft) marked?

Information—Instructions

FL You should steer course... (or follow me) to reach position of accident.

Course to reach me is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MF

What is the course to reach you? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MF

FM Visual contact with vessel is not continuous.

FN I have lost all contact with vessel.

I have lost sight of you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EP

FO I will keep close to you.

FO 1 I will keep close to you during the night.

FP Estimated set and drift of survival craft is... degrees and... knots.

FP 1 What is the estimated set and drift of survival craft?

FQ You should transmit your identification and series of long dashes or your carrier frequency to

home vessel (or aircraft) to your position.

FQ 1 Shall I home vessel (or aircraft) to my position?

Search

FR I am (or vessel indicated is) in charge of coordinating search.

*FR 1 Carry out search pattern... starting at... hours. Initial course... search speed... knots.

*FR 2 Carry out radar search, ships proceeding in loose line abreast at intervals between

ships...miles. Initial course... search speed... knots.

*FR 3 Vessel indicated (call sign or identity signal) is allocated track number...

*FR 4 Vessel(s) indicated adjust interval between ships to... miles.

*FR 5 Adjust track spacing to... miles.

*FR 6 Search speed will now be... knots.

*FR 7 Alter course as necessary to next leg of track now (or at time indicated).

FS Please take charge of search in sector stretching between bearings... and... from vessel in distress.

Position of Distress or Accident
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

FT Please take charge of search in sector between lat... and... , and long... and...

FU The search area of the aircraft is between lat... and... , and long... and...

FV Search by aircraft/helicopter will be discontinued because of unfavorable conditions.

FW You should search in the vicinity of lat... long...

FX Shall I search in the vicinity of lat... long...?

FY I am in the search area.

FY 1 Are you in the search area?

Aircraft is coming to participate in search. Expected arrive over the area of accident at time

indicated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

FZ You should continue search according to instructions and until further notice.

FZ 1 I am continuing to search.

FZ 2 Are you continuing to search?

FZ 3 Do you want me to continue to search?

GA I cannot continue to search.

GB You should stop search and return to base or continue your voyage.

* These signals are intended for use in connection with the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (ME

Results of Search

GC Report results of search.

GC 1 Results of search negative. I am continuing to search.

GC 2 I have searched area of accident but have found no trace of derelict or survivors.

GC 3 I have noted patches of oil at likely position of accident.

GD Vessel/aircraft missing or being looked for has not been heard of since.

GD 1 Have you anything to report on vessels/aircraft missing or being looked for?

GD 2 Have you seen wreckage (or derelict)?

GE Vessel/aircraft has been located at lat... long...

GF I have found vessel/aircraft in distress in lat... long...

GG Vessel/aircraft was last reported at time indicated in lat... long... steering course...

GH I have sighted survival craft in lat... long... (or bearing... distance... from me).

Search
46

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

GI Survival craft are believed to be in the vicinity of lat... long...

GJ Wreckage is reported in lat... long...

GJ 1 Wreckage is reported in lat... long... No survivors appear to be in the vicinity.

GK Aircraft wreckage is found in lat... long...

GL I have located (or found) wreckage from the vessel/aircraft in distress (position to be indicated

if necessary by lat... and long... or by bearing... from specified place and distance...).

Rescue

GM I cannot save my vessel.

GM 1 I cannot save my vessel; keep as close as possible.

GN You should take off persons.

GN 1 I wish some persons taken off. Skeleton crew will remain on board.

GN 2 I will take off persons.

GN 3 Can you take off persons?

GO I cannot take off persons.

GP You should proceed to the rescue of vessel (or ditched aircraft) in lat... long...

GQ I cannot proceed to the rescue owing to weather. You should do all you can.

GR Vessel coming to your rescue (or to the rescue of vessel or aircraft indicated) is steering

course... , speed... knots.

GR 1 You should indicate course and speed of vessel coming to my rescue (or to the rescue of

vessel or aircraft indicated).

GS I will attempt rescue with whip and breeches buoy.

*GT I will endeavor to connect with line throwing apparatus.

GT 1 Look out for rocket line.

GU It is not safe to fire a rocket.

GV You should endeavor to send me a line.

GV 1 Have you a line throwing apparatus?

GV 2 Can you connect with line throwing apparatus?

GV 3 I have not a line throwing apparatus.

GW Man overboard. Please take action to pick him up (position to be indicated if necessary).

Man overboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O

Results of Search
SECTION 1.—DISTRESS—EMERGENCY

Code Meaning 

SURVIVORS

* Reference is made to signals prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 197

lation 16(c) Chapter V) in connection with the use of shore lifesaving apparatus.

Results of Rescue

GX Report results of rescue.

GX 1 What have you (or rescue vessel/aircraft) picked up?

GY I (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have picked up wreckage.

GZ All persons saved.

GZ 1 All persons lost.

HA I (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have rescued... (number) injured persons.

HB I (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have rescued... (number) survivors.

HC I (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have picked up... (number) bodies.

HD Can I transfer rescued persons to you?

HF I have located survivors in water, lat...long...(or bearing...from place indicated, distance...

HG I have located survivors in survival craft lat... long... (or bearing... from place indicated, di

tance...).

HJ I have located survivors on drifting ice, lat... long...

HK I have located bodies in lat... long... (or bearing... from place indicated, distance...).

HL Survivors not yet located.

HL 1 I am still looking for survivors.

HL 2 Have you located survivors? If so, in what position?

HM Survivors are in bad condition. Medical assistance is urgently required.

HM 1 Survivors are in bad condition.

HM 2 Survivors are in good condition.

HM 3 Condition of survivors not ascertained.

HM 4 What is condition of survivors?

HN You should proceed to lat... long... to pick up survivors.

HO Pick up survivors from drifting ice, lat... long...
48

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

HO 1 Pick up survivors from sinking vessel/aircraft.

HP Survivors have not yet been picked up.

HP 1 Have survivors been picked up?

You should give immediate assistance to pick up survivors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CN 

HQ Transfer survivors to my vessel (or vessel indicated).

HQ 1 Have you any survivors on board?

HR You should try to obtain from survivors all possible information.

HT You should indicate position of survivors by throwing pyrotechnic signals.
Code Meaning 

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 2: CASUALTIES—DAMAGES

COLLISION

DAMAGES—REPAIRS

HV Have you been in collision?

HW I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with surface craft.

HW 1 I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with light vessel.

HW 2 I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with submarine.

HW 3 I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with unknown vessel.

HW 4 I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with underwater object.

HW 5 I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with navigation buoy.

HW 6 I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with iceberg.

HW 7 I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with floating ice.

HX Have you received any damage in collision?

HX 1 I have received serious damage above the waterline.

HX 2 I have received serious damage below the waterline.

HX 3 I have received minor damage above the waterline.

HX 4 I have received minor damage below the waterline.

HY The vessel (name or identity signal) with which I have been in collision has sunk.

HY 1 The vessel (name or identity signal) with which I have been in collision has resumed he

voyage.

HY 2 I do not know what has happened to the vessel with which I collided.

HY 3 Has the vessel with which you have been in collision resumed her voyage?

HY 4 What is the name (or identity signal) of the vessel with which you collided?

HY 5 What is the name (or identity signal) of vessel which collided with me? My name (or

identity signal) is...

HY 6 Where is the vessel with which you collided?

HZ There has been a collision between vessels indicated (names or identity signals).

I urgently require a collision mat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have placed the collision mat. I can proceed without assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Can you place the collision mat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

IA I have received damage to stem.
50

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

IA 1 I have received damage to stern frame.

IA 2 I have received damage to side plate above water.

IA 3 I have received damage to side plate below water.

IA 4 I have received damage to bottom plate.

IA 5 I have received damage to boilerroom.

IA 6 I have received damage to engineroom.

IA 7 I have received damage to hatchways.

IA 8 I have received damage to steering gear.

IA 9 I have received damage to propellers.

IB What damage have you received?

IB 1 My vessel is seriously damaged.

IB 2 I have minor damage.

IB 3 I have not received any damage.

IB 4 The extent of the damage is still unknown.

Have you received any damage in collision? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HX

I have received serious damage above the waterline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HX 

I have received serious damage below the waterline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HX 

I have received minor damage above the waterline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HX 

I have received minor damage below the waterline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HX 

IC Can damage be repaired at sea?

IC 1 Can damage be repaired at sea without assistance?

IC 2 How long will it take you to repair damage?

ID Damage can be repaired at sea.

ID 1 Damage can be repaired at sea without assistance.

ID 2 Damage has been repaired.

IF Damage cannot be repaired at sea.

IF 1 Damage cannot be repaired at sea without assistance.

IG Damage can be repaired in... (number) hours.

IJ I will try to proceed by my own means but I request you to keep in contact with me by...

(Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

IK I can proceed at... (number) knots.
SECTION 2.—CASUALTIES—DAMAGES

Code Meaning 

DIVER—UNDERWATER OPERATIONS

FIRE—EXPLOSION

IL I can only proceed at slow speed.

IL 1 I can only proceed with one engine.

IL 2 I am unable to proceed under my own power.

IL 3 Are you in a condition to proceed?

IM I request to be escorted until further notice.

Propeller shaft is broken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

My propeller is fouled by hawser or rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have lost my propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

IN I require a diver.

IN 1 I require a diver to clear propeller.

IN 2 I require a diver to examine bottom.

IN 3 I require a diver to place collision mat.

IN 4 I require a diver to clear my anchor.

IO I have no diver.

IP A diver will be sent as soon as possible (or at time indicated).

IQ Diver has been attacked by diver’s disease and requires decompression chamber treatment.

*IR

* The use of this signal does not relieve any vessel from compliance with the International Regulations for 

ing Collisions at Sea 1972.

I am engaged in submarine survey work (underwater operations). Keep clear of me and go

slow.

I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Fire

IT I am on fire.

IT 1 I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

IT 2 Vessel (name or identity signal) is on fire.

IT 3 Are you on fire?
52

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

IU Vessel (name or identity signal) on fire is located at lat... long...

I require immediate assistance; I am on fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CB 

IV Where is the fire?

IV 1 I am on fire in the engineroom.

IV 2 I am on fire in the boilerroom.

IV 3 I am on fire in hold or cargo.

IV 4 I am on fire in passenger’s or crew’s quarters.

IV 5 Oil is on fire.

IW Fire is under control.

IX Fire is gaining.

IX 1 I cannot get the fire under control without assistance.

IX 2 Fire has not been extinguished.

IY I can get the fire under control without assistance.

IY 1 Can you get the fire under control without assistance?

IZ Fire has been extinguished.

IZ 1 I am flooding compartment to extinguish fire.

IZ 2 Is fire extinguished?

JA I require firefighting appliances.

JA 1 I require foam fire extinguishers.

JA 2 I require CO2 fire extinguishers.

JA 3 I require tetrachloride fire extinguishers.

JA 4 I require material for foam fire extinguishers.

JA 5 I require material for CO2 fire extinguishers.

JA 6 I require material for carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers.

JA 7 I require water pumps.

Explosion

JB There is danger of explosion.

JC There is no danger of explosion.

Fire
SECTION 2.—CASUALTIES—DAMAGES

Code Meaning 

GROUNDING—BEACHING—REFLOATING

JC 1 Is there any danger of explosion?

JD Explosion has occurred in boiler.

JD 1 Explosion has occurred in tank.

JD 2 Explosion has occurred in cargo.

JD 3 Further explosions are possible.

JD 4 There is danger of toxic effects.

JE Have you any casualties owing to explosion?

An explosion was seen or heard (position or direction and time to be indicated) . . . . . . . . . . 

Grounding

JF I am (or vessel indicated is) aground in lat... long... (also the following complements, if ne

essary):

0 On rocky bottom.

1 On soft bottom.

2 Forward.

3 Amidship.

4 Aft.

5 At high water forward.

6 At high water amidship.

7 At high water aft.

8 Full length of vessel.

9 Full length of vessel at high water.

JG I am aground; I am in dangerous situation.

JH I am aground; I am not in danger.

I require immediate assistance; I am aground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Vessel aground in lat... long... require assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

JI Are you aground?

JI 1 What was your draft when you went aground?

Explosion
54

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

JI 2 On what kind of ground have you gone aground?

JI 3 At what state of tide did you go aground?

JI 4 What part of your vessel is aground?

JJ My maximum draft when I went aground was... (number) feet or meters.

JK The tide was high water when the vessel went aground.

JK 1 The tide was half water when the vessel went aground.

JK 2 The tide was low water when the vessel went aground.

JL You are running the risk of going aground.

JL 1 You are running the risk of going aground; do not approach me from the starboard side.

JL 2 You are running the risk of going aground; do not approach me from the port side.

JL 3 You are running the risk of going aground; do not approach me from forward.

JL 4 You are running the risk of going aground; do not approach me from aft.

JM You are running the risk of going aground at low water.

Beaching

JN You should beach the vessel in lat... long...

JN 1 You should beach the vessel where flag is waved or light is shown.

JN 2 I must beach the vessel.

Refloating

JO I am afloat.

JO 1 I am afloat forward.

JO 2 I am afloat aft.

JO 3 I may be got afloat if prompt assistance is given.

JO 4 Are you (or vessel indicated) still afloat?

JO 5 When do you expect to be afloat?

JP I am jettisoning to refloat (the following complements should be used if required):

1 Cargo.

2 Bunkers.

3 Everything movable forward.

Grounding
SECTION 2.—CASUALTIES—DAMAGES

Code Meaning 

4 Everything movable aft.

JQ I cannot refloat without jettisoning (the following complements should be used if required):

1 Cargo.

2 Bunkers.

3 Everything movable forward.

4 Everything movable aft.

JR I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat.

JR 1 I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat at time indicated.

JR 2 I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat in daylight.

JR 3 I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat when tide rises.

JR 4 I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat when visibility improves.

JR 5 I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat when weather moderates.

JR 6 I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat when draft is lightened.

JR 7 I expect (or vessel indicated expects) to refloat when tugs arrive.

JS Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat?

JS 1 Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat at time indicated?

JS 2 Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat in daylight?

JS 3 Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat when tide rises?

JS 4 Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat when visibility improves?

JS 5 Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat when weather moderates?

JS 6 Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat when draft is lightened?

JS 7 Is it likely that you (or vessel indicated) will refloat when tugs arrive?

JT I can refloat if an anchor is laid out for me.

JT 1 I may refloat without assistance.

JT 2 Will you assist me to refloat?

JU I cannot be refloated by any means now available.

JV Will you escort me to lat... long... after refloating?

Refloating
56

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

LEAK

TOWING—TUGS

JW I have sprung a leak.

JW 1 Leak is dangerous.

JW 2 Leak is causing dangerous heel.

JW 3 Leak is beyond the capacity of my pumps.

I require immediate assistance; I have sprung a leak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CB 

JX Leak is gaining rapidly.

JX 1 I cannot stop the leak.

JY Leak can be controlled, if it does not get any worse.

JY 1 I require additional pumping facilities to control the leak.

JY 2 Leak is under control.

JY 3 Leak has been stopped.

JZ Have you sprung a leak?

JZ 1 Can you stop the leak?

JZ 2 Is the leak dangerous?

KA I urgently require a collision mat.

KA 1 I have placed the collision mat. I can proceed without assistance.

KA 2 Can you place the collision mat?

KB I have... (number) feet or meters of water in the hold.

KC My hold(s) is (are) flooded.

KC 1 How many compartments are flooded?

KD There are... (number) compartments flooded.

KE The watertight bulkheads are standing up well to the pressure of the water.

KE 1 I need timber to support bulkheads.

Tug

KF I require a tug (or... (number) tugs).

I require a tug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z
SECTION 2.—CASUALTIES—DAMAGES

Code Meaning 

KG Do you require a tug(s)?

KG 1 I do not require tug(s).

KH Tug(s) is (are) coming to you. Expect to arrive at time indicated.

KH 1 Tug with pilot is coming to you.

KH 2 You should wait for tugs.

KI There are no tugs available.

KI 1 Tugs cannot proceed out.

Towing—Taking in Tow

KJ I am towing a submerged object.

KJ 1 I am towing a float.

KJ 2 I am towing a target.

KK Towing is impossible under present weather conditions.

KK 1 Towing is very difficult.

KK 2 I cannot connect at present but will attempt when conditions improve.

KK 3 I cannot connect tonight. I will try in daylight.

KK 4 Can you assist with your engines?

KL I am obliged to stop towing temporarily.

KL 1 You should stop towing temporarily.

KM I can take you (or vessel indicated) in tow.

KM 1 Shall I take you in tow?

KN I cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow.

KN 1 I cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow but I will report you and ask for immediate

assistance.

KN 2 I cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow but can take off persons.

KO You should endeavor to take vessel (name or identity signal) in tow.

KO 1 You should report whether you have taken vessel (name or identity signal) in tow.

KO 2 Can you take me (or vessel indicated) in tow?

KP You should tow me to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated).

KP 1 I will tow you to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated).

Tug
58

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

KP 2 I must get shelter or anchorage as soon as possible.

KQ Prepare to be taken in tow.

KQ 1 I am ready to be taken in tow.

KQ 2 Prepare to tow me (or vessel indicated).

KQ 3 I am ready to tow you.

KQ 4 Prepare to resume towing.

KQ 5 I am ready to resume towing.

KR All is ready for towing.

KR 1 I am commencing to tow.

KR 2 You should commence towing.

KR 3 Is all ready for towing?

Towing Line—Cable—Hawser

KS You should send a line over.

KS 1 I have taken the line.

KT You should send me a towing hawser.

KT 1 I am sending towing hawser.

KU I cannot send towing hawser.

KU 1 I have no, or no other, hawser.

KU 2 I have no wire hawser.

KU 3 Have you a hawser?

KV I intend to use my towing hawser/cable.

KV 1 I intend to use your towing hawser/cable.

KW You should have towing hawser/cable ready.

KW 1 Towing hawser/cable is ready.

KW 2 You should have another hawser ready.

KW 3 You should have spare towing hawser/cable ready.

KW 4 Spare towing hawser/cable is ready.

KW 5 You should have wire hawser ready.

Towing—Taking in Tow
SECTION 2.—CASUALTIES—DAMAGES

Code Meaning 

KW 6 Wire hawser is ready.

KX You should be ready to receive the towing hawser.

KX 1 I am ready to receive the towing hawser.

KX 2 You should come closer to receive towing hawser.

KX 3 I am coming closer to receive towing hawser.

KX 4 I have received towing hawser.

KY Length of tow is... (number) fathoms.

KZ You should shorten the towing hawser (or shorten distance between vessels).

KZ 1 I am shortening towing hawser (or I am shortening distance between vessels).

KZ 2 You should haul in the hawser.

KZ 3 I am hauling in the hawser.

KZ 4 You should haul in the slack.

KZ 5 I am hauling in the slack.

LA Towing hawser/cable has parted.

LA 1 Towing hawser/cable is in danger of parting.

LA 2 Towing hawser/cable is damaged.

LA 3 You should reinforce the hawsers.

LA 4 I am reinforcing the hawsers.

Make Fast—Veer

LB You should make towing hawser fast to your chain cable.

LB 1 Towing hawser is fast to chain cable.

LB 2 You should make towing hawser fast to wire.

LB 3 Towing hawser is fast to wire.

LB 4 My towing hawser is fast.

LB 5 Is your towing hawser fast?

LC You should make fast astern and steer me.

LD You should veer your hawser/cable... (number) fathoms.

LE I am about to veer my hawser/cable.

Towing Line—Cable—Hawser
60

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

LE 1 I am veering my hawser/cable.

LE 2 I have veered my hawser/cable.

LE 3 I shall veer cable attached to hawser.

LE 4 How much cable should I veer?

LF You should stop veering your hawser/cable.

LF 1 I cannot veer any more hawser/cable.

Cast Off

LG You should prepare to cast off towing hawser(s).

LG 1 I am preparing to cast off towing hawser(s).

LG 2 I am ready to cast off towing hawser(s).

LG 3 You should cast off starboard towing hawser.

LG 4 I have cast off starboard towing hawser.

LG 5 You should cast off port towing hawser.

LG 6 I have cast off port towing hawser.

LG 7 You should cast off hawser(s).

LG 8 I must cast off towing hawser(s).

Engine Maneuvers

I am going ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QD

My engines are going ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QD 

I will keep going ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QD 

I will go ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QD 

I will go ahead dead slow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QD 

I have headway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QE

I cannot go ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QF

You should go ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QG

You should go slow ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QG 

You should go full speed ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QG 

You should keep going ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QG 

Make Fast—Veer
SECTION 2.—CASUALTIES—DAMAGES

Code Meaning 

You should keep your engines going ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should not go ahead any more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am going astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

My engines are going astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I will keep going astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I will go astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I will go astern dead slow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have sternway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I cannot go astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should go astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should go slow astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should go full speed astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should keep going astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should keep your engines going astern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should not go astern any more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should stop your engines immediately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should stop your engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

My engines are stopped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am stopping my engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

LH Maximum speed in tow is... (number) knots.

LI I am increasing speed.

LI 1 Increase speed.

LJ I am reducing speed.

LJ 1 Reduce speed.

Engine Maneuvers
62

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 3: AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

AIDS TO NAVIGATION

BAR

BEARINGS

Buoys—Beacons

LK Buoy (or beacon) has been established in lat... long...

LL Buoy (or beacon) in lat... long... has been removed.

You should steer directly for the buoy (or object indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PL

You should keep buoy (or object indicated) on your starboard side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PL 

You should keep buoy (or object indicated) on your port side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PL 

You can pass the buoy (or object indicated) on either side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PL 

LM Radiobeacon indicated is out of action.

Lights—Lightvessels

LN Light (name follows) has been extinguished.

LN 1 All lights are out along this coast (or the coast of...).

LO I am not in my correct position (to be used by a lightvessel).

LO 1 Lightvessel (name follows) is out of position.

LO 2 Lightvessel (name follows) has been removed from her station.

Lightvessel (or lighthouse) indicated requires assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CH 

LP There is not less than... (number) feet or meters of water over the bar.

LQ There will be... (number) feet or meters of water over the bar at time indicated.

LR Bar is not dangerous.

LR 1 What is the depth of water over the bar?

LR 2 Can I cross the bar?

LS Bar is dangerous.

LT Your bearing from me [or from... (name or identity signal)] is... (at time indicated).

LU The bearing of... (name or identity signal) from... (name or identity signal) is... (at time indicated).

LV Let me know my bearings from you. I will flash searchlight.
SECTION 3.—AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

Code Meaning 

CANAL—CHANNEL—FAIRWAY

LV 1 What is my bearing from you [or from... (name or identity signal)]?

LV 2 What is the bearing of... (name or identity signal) from... (name or identity signal)?

Your magnetic bearing from me (or from vessel or position indicated) is... (at time

indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

What is my magnetic bearing from you (or from vessel or position indicated)?. . . . . . . . . . . 

LW I receive your transmission on bearing...

LW 1 Can you take bearings from my radio signals?

Your position according to bearings taken by radio direction finder stations which I control 

lat... long... (at time indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Will you give me my position according to bearings taken by radio direction finder stations

which you control?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Bearing and distance by radar of vessel (or object) indicated is bearing... ,

distance... miles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

What is the bearing and distance by radar of vessel (or object) indicated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Canal

LX The canal is clear.

LX 1 The canal will be clear at time indicated.

LX 2 You can enter the canal at time indicated.

LX 3 Is the canal clear?

LX 4 When can I enter the canal?

LY The canal is not clear.

LZ The channel/fairway is navigable.

LZ 1 I intend to pass through the channel/fairway.

LZ 2 Is the channel/fairway navigable?

LZ 3 What is the state of the channel/fairway?

LZ 4 What is the least depth of water in the channel/fairway?

MA The least depth of water in the channel/fairway is... (number feet or meters).

MB You should keep in the center of the channel/fairway.

MB 1 You should keep on the starboard side of the channel/fairway.
64

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

COURSE

MB 2 You should keep on the port side of the channel/fairway.

MB 3 You should leave the channel/fairway free.

MC There is an uncharted obstruction in the channel/fairway. You should proceed with caution.

MC 1 The channel/fairway is not navigable.

MC 2 The (—) lane of the traffic separation scheme is not navigable. (The direction of the traffic flow is to be indicated.)

MD My course is....

MD 1 What is your course?

My present position, course, and speed are lat... long... ,... , knots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EV

What are your present position, course, and speed?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EV 

Will vessels in my immediate vicinity (or in the vicinity of lat... long...) please indicate position, course, and speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FB

Vessel coming to your rescue (or to the rescue of vessel or aircraft indicated) is steering

course... , speed... knots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GR

You should indicate course and speed of vessel coming to my rescue (or to the rescue of vessel

or aircraft indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GR 

ME The course to place (name follows) is...

ME 1 What is the course to place (name follows)?

The magnetic course for the helicopter to regain its base is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BX

MF Course to reach me is...

MF 1 What is the course to reach you?

The magnetic course for you to steer towards me (or vessel or position indicated)

is... (at time indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BW

Will you indicate the magnetic course for me to steer towards you (or vessel or position

indicated)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BY

MG You should steer course...

MG 1 What course should I steer?

You should maintain your present course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PI

I am maintaining my present course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PI 

Canal
SECTION 3.—AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

Code Meaning 

DANGERS TO NAVIGATION—WARNINGS

I cannot maintain my present course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MH You should alter course to... (at time indicated).

MI I am altering course to...

I am altering my course to starboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am altering my course to port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should alter your course, if possible, appreciably to starboard to facilitate location by

radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should alter your course, if possible, appreciably to port to facilitate location by radar . 

Derelict—Wreck—Shoal

MJ Derelict dangerous to navigation reported in lat... long... (or Complements Table 3, Chapte

2, Section 10, Page 104).

MK I have seen derelict (in lat... long... at time indicated).

MK 1 Have you seen derelict (or wreckage)?

ML Derelict is drifting near lat... long... (or bearing... from place indicated, distance...).

ML 1 Hull of derelict is awash.

ML 2 Hull of derelict is well out of the water.

MM There is a wreck in lat... long...

MM 1 Wreck is buoyed.

MM 2 Wreck is awash.

MN Wreck (in lat... long...) is not buoyed.

MO I have struck a shoal or submerged object (lat... long...).

MP I am in shallow water. Please direct me how to navigate.

Radiation Danger

MQ There is risk of contamination due to excessive release of radioactive material in this area (o

in area around lat... long... ). Keep radio watch. Relay the message to vessels in your vicini

MQ 1 The radioactive material is airborne.

MQ 2 The radioactive material is waterborne.

MR There is no, or no more, risk of contamination due to excessive release of radioactive materi

in this area (or in area around lat... long...).
66

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MR 1 Is there risk of contamination due to excessive release of radioactive material in this area

(or in area around lat... long...)?

MS My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation.

MS 1 My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from my starboard side.

MS 2 My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from my port side.

MS 3 My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from forward.

MS 4 My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from aft.

MT My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation. You may approach from... (Complements Table

3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

MU My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation. Do not approach within... (number) cables.

I am abandoning my vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident and is a possible source of

radiation danger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AD

I have had a serious nuclear accident and you should approach with caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AJ

I have had a nuclear accident on board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AK

A vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident is in distress in lat... long... . . . . . . . . . . . . . EC

MV My vessel is releasing radioactive material and presents a hazard.

MW My vessel is releasing radioactive material and presents a hazard. Do not approach within...

(number) cables.

MX The radioactive material is airborne. Do not approach from leeward.

Warnings

MY It is dangerous to stop.

MY 1 It is dangerous to remain in present position.

MY 2 It is dangerous to proceed on present course.

MY 3 It is dangerous to proceed until weather permits.

MY 4 It is dangerous to alter course to starboard.

MY 5 It is dangerous to alter course to port.

MY 6 It is dangerous to approach close to my vessel.

MY 7 It is dangerous to let go an anchor or use bottom trawl.

MY 8 It is dangerous to jettison inflammable oil.

It is not safe to fire a rocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GU

Radiation Danger
SECTION 3.—AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

Code Meaning 

MZ Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat... long...

MZ 1 I consider you are carrying out a dangerous navigational practice and I intend to report

you.

Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat... long... owing to iceberg(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat... long... owing to floating ice . . . . . . . . . . . 

Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat... long... owing to pack ice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

NA Navigation is closed.

NA 1 Navigation is possible only with tug assistance.

NA 2 Navigation is possible only with pilot assistance.

NA 3 Navigation is prohibited within 500m of this platform.

NA 4 Navigation is prohibited within 500m of the platform bearing (—) from me.

NA 5 You have been detected navigating within a 500m Safety Zone (about the platform bear

ing (—) from me) and will be reported.

NA 6 Anchors with buoys extend up to one mile from this vessel/rig. You should keep clear.

You should navigate with caution. Small fishing boats are within... (number)

miles of me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should navigate with caution. You are drifting towards my set of nets.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should navigate with caution. There are nets with a buoy in this area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

NB There is fishing gear in the direction you are heading (or in direction indicated—Complemen

Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

NC I am in distress and require immediate assistance.

ND Tsunami (phenomenal wave) is expected. You should take appropriate precautions.

Tropical storm (cyclone, hurricane, typhoon) is approaching. You should take appropriate

precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

NE You should proceed with great caution.

NE 1 You should proceed with great caution; the coast is dangerous.

NE 2 You should proceed with great caution; submarines are exercising in this area.

NE 3 You should proceed with great caution; there is a boom across.

NE 4 You should proceed with great caution; keep clear of firing range.

NE 5 You should proceed with great caution; hostile vessel sighted (in lat... long...).

NE 6 You should proceed with great caution; hostile submarine sighted (in lat... long...).

Warnings
68

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

DEPTH—DRAFT

NE 7 You should proceed with great caution; hostile aircraft sighted (in lat... long...).

There is an uncharted obstruction in the channel/fairway. You should proceed with

caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MC

You should change your anchorage/berth. It is not safe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RE

All vessels should proceed to sea as soon as possible owing to danger in port . . . . . . . . . . . . . UL

NF You are running into danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U

NF 1 You are running into danger; there is a radiation hazard.

NG You are in a dangerous position.

NG 1 You are in a dangerous position; there is a radiation hazard.

NH You are clear of all danger.

NH 1 Are you clear of all danger?

NI I have (or vessel indicated has) a list of... (number) degrees to starboard.

NJ I have (or vessel indicated has) a list of... (number) degrees to port.

Depth

NK There is not sufficient depth of water.

NL There is sufficient depth of water.

NL 1 Is there sufficient depth of water?

The least depth of water in the channel/fairway is... (number feet or meters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . MA

What is the least depth of water in the channel/fairway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LZ 

There is not less than... (number feet or meters) of water over the bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LP

What is the depth of water over the bar? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LR 

There will be... (number feet or meters) of water over the bar at time indicated.. . . . . . . . . . . LQ

The depth at high water here (or in place indicated) is... (number feet or meters). . . . . . . . . . QA

The depth at low water here (or in place indicated) is... (number feet or meters). . . . . . . . . . . QB

What is the depth at high and low water here (or in place indicated)?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PW 

NM You should report the depth around your vessel.

NN I am in... (number feet or meters) of water.

Warnings
SECTION 3.—AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

Code Meaning 

*NO Negative—“No” or “The significance of the previous group should be read in the negative”

NP The depth of water at the bow is... (number feet or meters).

NQ The depth of water at the stern is... (number feet or meters).

NR The depth of water along the starboard side is... (number feet or meters).

NS The depth of water along the port side is... (number feet or meters).

* Procedural signal.

Draft

NT What is your draft?

NT 1 What is your light draft?

NT 2 What is your ballast draft?

NT 3 What is your loaded draft?

NT 4 What is your summer draft?

NT 5 What is your winter draft?

NT 6 What is your maximum draft?

NT 7 What is your least draft?

NT 8 What is your draft forward?

NT 9 What is your draft aft?

NU My draft is... (number feet or meters).

NV My light draft is... (number feet or meters).

NW My ballast draft is... (number feet or meters).

NX My loaded draft is... (number feet or meters).

NY My summer draft is... (number feet or meters).

NZ My winter draft is... (number feet or meters).

OA My maximum draft is... (number feet or meters).

OB My least draft is... (number feet or meters).

OC My draft forward is... (number feet or meters).

OD My draft aft is... (number feet or meters).

My maximum draft when I went aground was (number feet or meters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Depth
70

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION

What was your draft when you went aground? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JI 

OE Your draft must not exceed... (number feet or meters).

OF I could lighten to... (number feet or meters) draft.

OG To what draft could you lighten?

Radar

OH You should switch on your radar and keep radar watch.

OH 1 The restrictions on the use of radar are lifted.

OH 2 Does my radar cause interference?

OI I have no radar.

OI 1 Are you equipped with radar?

OI 2 Is your radar in operation?

OJ I have located you on my radar bearing... , distance... miles.

OJ 1 I cannot locate you on my radar.

OJ 2 You should alter your course, if possible, appreciably to starboard to facilitate location by

radar.

OJ 3 You should alter your course, if possible, appreciably to port to facilitate location by radar.

OJ 4 Can you locate me by radar?

My position is ascertained by radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EW 

*OK

* Procedural signal.

Acknowledging a correct repetition or “It is correct”.

OL Is radar pilotage being effected in this port (or port indicated)?

OM Bearing and distance by radar of vessel (or object) indicated, is bearing... , distance... miles.

OM 1 What is the bearing and distance by radar of vessel (or object) indicated?

ON I have an echo on my radar on bearing... , distance... miles.

Radio Direction Finder

OO My radio direction finder is inoperative.

Draft
SECTION 3.—AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

Code Meaning 

MINES—MINESWEEPING

OP I have requested... (name or identity signal) to send two dashes of ten seconds each or the c

rier of his transmitter followed by his call sign.

OP 1 Will you request... (name or identity signal) to send two dashes of ten seconds each or t

carrier of his transmitter followed by his call sign?

OP 2 Will you send two dashes of ten seconds each, or the carrier of your transmitter, follow

by your call sign?

Your position according to bearings taken by radio direction finder stations which I control 

lat... long... (at time indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Will you give me my position according to bearings taken by radio direction finder stations

which you control?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

OQ I am calibrating radio direction finder or adjusting compasses.

Electronic Position-Fixing System

My position is ascertained by electronic position fixing system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

OR I have struck a mine.

I have a mine in my sweep (or net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

OS There is danger from mines in this area (or area indicated).

OS 1 You should keep a lookout for mines.

OS 2 You are out of the dangerous zone.

OS 3 Am I out of the dangerous zone?

OS 4 Are you out of the dangerous zone?

OS 5 Is there any danger from mines in this area (or area indicated)?

OT Mine has been sighted in lat... long... (or in direction indicated—Complements Table 3,

Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

OU Mine(s) has (have) been reported in the vicinity (or in approximate position lat... , long...).

OV Mine(s) is (are) believed to be bearing... from me, distance... miles.

OW There is a minefield ahead of you. You should stop your vessel and wait for instructions.

OW 1 There is a minefield along the coast. You should not approach too close.

OX The approximate direction of the minefield is bearing... from me.

OY Port is mined.

Radio Direction Finder
72

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

NAVIGATION LIGHTS—SEARCHLIGHT

OY 1 Entrance is mined.

OY 2 Fairway is mined.

OY 3 Are there mines in the port entrance or fairway?

OZ The width of the swept channel is... (number feet or meters).

PA I will indicate the swept channel. You should follow in my wake.

PA 1 You should keep carefully to the swept channel.

PA 2 The swept channel is marked by buoys.

PA 3 I do not see the buoys marking the swept channel.

PA 4 Do you know the swept channel?

*PB You should keep clear of me; I am engaged in minesweeping operations.

PB 1 You should keep clear of me; I am exploding a floating mine.

PC I have destroyed the drifting mine(s).

PC 1 I cannot destroy the drifting mine(s).

* The use of this signal does not relieve any vessel from complying with the International Regulations for Preventing

Collisions at Sea 1972.

PD Your navigation light(s) is (are) not visible.

PD 1 My navigation lights are not functioning.

PE You should extinguish all the lights except the navigation lights.

PG I do not see any light.

PG 1 You should hoist a light.

PG 2 I am dazzled by your searchlight. Extinguish it or lift it.

You should train your searchlight nearly vertical on a cloud, intermittently if possible, and, if

my aircraft is seen, deflect the beam upwind and on the water to facilitate my landing . . . . . . AX

Shall I train my searchlight nearly vertical on a cloud, intermittently if possible, and, if your

aircraft is seen, deflect the beam upwind and on the water to facilitate your landing? . . . . . . . AX 
SECTION 3.—AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

Code Meaning 

NAVIGATING AND STEERING INSTRUCTIONS

(See also Pilot in Chapter 2, Section 5, Page 87.)

PH You should steer as indicated.

PH 1 You should steer towards me.

PH 2 I am steering towards you.

PH 3 You should steer more to starboard.

PH 4 I am steering more to starboard.

PH 5 You should steer more to port.

PH 6 I am steering more to port.

PI You should maintain your present course.

PI 1 I am maintaining my present course.

PI 2 Shall I maintain my present course?

PJ I cannot maintain my present course.

You should make fast astern and steer me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

PK I cannot steer without assistance.

PL You should steer directly for the buoy (or object indicated).

PL 1 You should keep buoy (or object indicated) on your starboard side.

PL 2 You should keep buoy (or object indicated) on your port side.

PL 3 You can pass the buoy (or object indicated) on either side.

PM You should follow in my wake (or wake of vessel indicated).

PM 1 You should go ahead and lead the course.

PN You should keep to leeward of me (or vessel indicated).

PN 1 You should keep to windward of me (or vessel indicated).

PN 2 You should keep on my starboard side (or starboard side of vessel indicated).

PN 3 You should keep on my port side (or port side of vessel indicated).

PO You should pass ahead of me (or vessel indicated).

PO 1 I will pass ahead of you (or vessel indicated).

PO 2 You should pass astern of me (or vessel indicated).

PO 3 I will pass astern of you (or vessel indicated).

PO 4 You should pass to leeward of me (or vessel indicated).
74

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

TIDE

PO 5 I will pass to leeward of you (or vessel indicated).

PO 6 You should pass to windward of me (or vessel indicated).

PO 7 I will pass to windward of you (or vessel indicated).

PO 8 You should come under my stern.

PP Keep well clear of me.

PP 1 Do not overtake me.

PP 2 Do not pass ahead of me.

PP 3 Do not pass astern of me.

PP 4 Do not pass on my starboard side.

PP 5 Do not pass on my port side.

PP 6 Do not pass too close to me.

PP 7 You should give way to me.

PQ You should keep closer in to the coast.

PQ 1 You should keep further away from the coast.

PQ 2 You should follow the coast at a safe distance.

PQ 3 How far out from the coast?

PR You should keep closer to me (or vessel indicated).

PR 1 You should come as near as possible.

PR 2 You should keep within visual signal distance from me (or vessel indicated).

PR 3 You should come within hailing distance from me (or vessel indicated).

PS You should not come any closer.

PS 1 You should keep away from me (or vessel indicated).

I am calibrating radio direction finder or adjusting compasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OQ

PT What is the state of the tide?

PT 1 The tide is rising.

PT 2 The tide is falling.

PT 3 The tide is slack.

PU The tide begins to rise at time indicated.
SECTION 3.—AIDS TO NAVIGATION—NAVIGATION—HYDROGRAPHY

Code Meaning 

PU 1 When does the tide begin to rise?

PV The tide begins to fall at time indicated.

PV 1 When does the tide begin to fall?

PW What is the rise and fall of the tide?

PW 1 What is the set and drift of the tide?

PW 2 What is the depth at high and low water here (or in place indicated)?

PX The rise and fall of the tide is... (number feet or meters).

PY The set of the tide is... degrees.

PZ The drift of the tide is... knots.

QA The depth at high water here (or in place indicated) is... (number feet or meters).

QB The depth at low water here (or in place indicated) is... (number feet or meters).

The tide was high water when the vessel went aground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The tide was half water when the vessel went aground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The tide was low water when the vessel went aground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

At what state of tide did you go aground? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

QC You should wait until high water.

QC 1 You should wait until low water.
76

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 4: MANEUVERS

AHEAD—ASTERN

Ahead—Headway

QD I am going ahead.

QD 1 My engines are going ahead.

QD 2 I will keep going ahead.

QD 3 I will go ahead.

QD 4 I will go ahead dead slow.

QE I have headway.

QF I cannot go ahead.

QG You should go ahead.

QG 1 You should go slow ahead.

QG 2 You should go full speed ahead.

QG 3 You should keep going ahead.

QG 4 You should keep your engines going ahead.

QH You should not go ahead any more.

Astern—Sternway

QI I am going astern.

QI 1 My engines are going astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S

QI 2 I will keep going astern.

QI 3 I will go astern.

QI 4 I will go astern dead slow.

QJ I have sternway.

QK I cannot go astern.

QL You should go astern.

QL 1 You should go slow astern.

QL 2 You should go full speed astern.

QL 3 You should keep going astern.

QL 4 You should keep your engines going astern.

QM You should not go astern any more.
SECTION 4.—MANEUVERS

Code Meaning 

ALONGSIDE

TO ANCHOR—ANCHOR(S)—ANCHORAGE

QN You should come alongside my starboard side.

QN 1 You should come alongside my port side.

QN 2 You should drop an anchor before coming alongside.

QO You should not come alongside.

QP I will come alongside.

QP 1 I will try to come alongside.

QQ I require health clearance. (See Pratique Messages in Chapter 2, Section 9, Page 103.)

QR I cannot come alongside.

QR 1 Can I come alongside?

To Anchor

QS You should anchor at time indicated.

QS 1 You should anchor (position to be indicated if necessary).

QS 2 You should anchor to await tug.

QS 3 You should anchor with both anchors.

QS 4 You should anchor as convenient.

QS 5 Are you going to anchor?

You should heave to or anchor until pilot arrives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

QT You should not anchor. You are going to foul my anchor.

QU Anchoring is prohibited.

QV I am anchoring in position indicated.

QV 1 I have anchored with both anchors.

QW I shall not anchor.

QW 1 I cannot anchor.

QX I request permission to anchor.

QX 1 You have permission to anchor.

QY I wish to anchor at once.
78

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

QY 1 Where shall I anchor?

Anchor(s)

QZ You should have your anchors ready for letting go.

QZ 1 You should let go another anchor.

RA My anchor is foul.

RA 1 I have picked up telegraph cable with my anchor.

RB I am dragging my anchor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y

RB 1 You appear to be dragging your anchor.

RB 2 Where you have anchored (or intend to anchor) you are likely to drag.

RC I am (or vessel indicated is) breaking adrift.

RC 1 I have broken adrift.

RD You should weigh (cut or slip) anchor immediately.

RD 1 You should weigh anchor at time indicated.

RD 2 I am unable to weigh my anchor.

Anchorage

RE You should change your anchorage/berth. It is not safe.

RF Will you lead me into a safe anchorage?

You should tow me to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KP

I will tow you to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KP 

I must get shelter or anchorage as soon as possible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KP 

RG You should send a boat to where I am to anchor or moor.

RG 1 At what time shall I come into anchorage?

You should proceed to anchorage in position indicated (lat... long...) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RW

You should not proceed out of harbor/anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RZ 

RH There is no good holding ground in my area (or around lat... long...).

RI There is good holding ground in my area (or around lat... long...).

RI 1 Is there good holding ground in your area (or around lat... long...)?

To Anchor
SECTION 4.—MANEUVERS

Code Meaning 

ENGINES—PROPELLER

LANDING—BOARDING

Engines

RJ You should keep your engines ready.

RJ 1 You should have your engines ready as quickly as possible.

RJ 2 You should report when your engines are ready.

RJ 3 You should leave when your engines are ready.

RJ 4 At what time will your engines be ready?

RK My engines will be ready at time indicated.

RK 1 My engines are ready.

RL You should stop your engines immediately.

RL 1 You should stop your engines.

RM My engines are stopped.

RM 1 I am stopping my engines.

RM 2 I am obliged to stop my engines.

RN My engines are out of action.

I can only proceed with one engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Propeller

RO Propeller shaft is broken.

RO 1 My propeller is fouled by hawser or rope.

RO 2 I have lost my propeller.

I require immediate assistance; propeller shaft is broken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Landing

*RP Landing here is highly dangerous.

*RP 1 Landing here is highly dangerous. A more favorable location for landing is at position

indicated.

**RQ Interrogative or “the significance of the previous group should be read as a question”.

*RR This is the best place to land.
80

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MANEUVERS

PROCEED—UNDERWAY

*RR 1 Lights will be shown or flag waved at the best landing place.

Boat should endeavor to land where flag is waved or light is shown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DC

Boats are not allowed to land (after time indicated). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DD 

* Reference is made to landing signals prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

(Regulation 16(b), Chapter V), for the guidance of small boats with crews or persons in distress.

** Procedural signal.

Boarding

RS No one is allowed on board.

You should stop or heave to, I am going to board you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SQ 

RT Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X

RT 1 What maneuvers do you intend to carry out?

RU Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D

RU 1 I am carrying out maneuvering trials.

Proceed

RV You should proceed (to place indicated if necessary).

RV 1 You should proceed to destination.

RV 2 You should proceed into port.

RV 3 You should proceed to sea.

RW You should proceed to anchorage in position indicated (lat... long...).

RX You should proceed at time indicated.

RY You should proceed at slow speed when passing me (or vessels making this signal).

You should proceed to the rescue of vessel (or ditched aircraft) in lat... long . . . . . . . . . . . . . GP

You should proceed to lat... long... to pick up survivors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HN

You should proceed with great caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NE

Landing
SECTION 4.—MANEUVERS

Code Meaning 

You should proceed with great caution; the coast is dangerous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should proceed with great caution; submarines are exercising in this area . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should proceed with great caution; there is a boom across . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should proceed with great caution; keep clear of firing range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should proceed with great caution; hostile vessel sighted (in lat... long...) . . . . . . . . . . 

You should proceed with great caution; hostile submarine sighted (in lat... long...) . . . . . . . 

You should proceed with great caution; hostile aircraft sighted (in lat... long...) . . . . . . . . . 

RZ You should not proceed (to place indicated if necessary).

RZ 1 You should not proceed out of harbor/anchorage.

All vessels should proceed to sea as soon as possible owing to danger in port. . . . . . . . . . . . 

SA I can proceed at time indicated.

SB I am proceeding to the position of accident.

I am (or vessel indicated is) proceeding to your assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am proceeding to the assistance of vessel/aircraft in distress (lat... long...) . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am proceeding to the position of accident at full speed. Expect to arrive at time indicated . 

Are you proceeding to the position of accident? If so, when do you expect to arrive? . . . . . . 

I cannot proceed to the rescue owing to weather. You should do all you can . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I will try to proceed by my own means but I request you to keep in contact with me

by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I can proceed at... (number) knots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I can only proceed at slow speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I can only proceed with one engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am unable to proceed under my own power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Are you in a condition to proceed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have placed the collision mat. I can proceed without assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Underway

SC I am underway.

SC 1 I am ready to get underway.

SC 2 I shall get underway as soon as the weather permits.

Proceed
82

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

SPEED

SD I am not ready to get underway.

SF Are you (or vessel indicated) underway?

SF 1 Are you ready to get underway?

SF 2 At what time will you be underway?

SG My present speed is... (number) knots.

SJ My maximum speed is... (number) knots.

SL What is your present speed?

SL 1 What is your maximum speed?

The speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth is... (knots or kilometers per

hour) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BQ

What is the speed of your aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BQ 

My present position, course, and speed are lat... long... ,... , knots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EV

What are your present position, course, and speed?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EV 

Will vessels in my immediate vicinity (or in the vicinity of lat... long...) please indicate position, course, and speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FB

I can only proceed at slow speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IL

Maximum speed in tow is... (number) knots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LH

I am increasing speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LI

Increase speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LI 

I am reducing speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LJ

Reduce speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LJ 

You should proceed at slow speed when passing me (or vessels making this signal) . . . . . . . . RY

Take the way off your vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SP

My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SP 

SM I am undergoing speed trials.

Underway
SECTION 4.—MANEUVERS

Code Meaning 

STOP—HEAVE TO

SN You should stop immediately. Do not scuttle. Do not lower boats. Do not use the wireless. I

you disobey I shall open fire on you.

SO You should stop your vessel instantly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SO 1 You should stop. Head offshore.

SO 2 You should remain where you are.

SP Take the way off your vessel.

SP 1 My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SQ You should stop or heave to.

SQ 1 You should stop or heave to, otherwise I shall open fire on you.

SQ 2 You should stop or heave to; I am going to send a boat.

SQ 3 You should stop or heave to; I am going to board you.

You should heave to or anchor until pilot arrives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am (or vessel indicated is) stopped in thick fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
84

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 5: MISCELLANEOUS

CARGO—BALLAST

CREW—PERSONS ON BOARD

ST What is your cargo?

SU My cargo is agricultural products.

SU 1 My cargo is coal.

SU 2 My cargo is dairy products.

SU 3 My cargo is fruit products.

SU 4 My cargo is heavy equipment/machinery.

SU 5 My cargo is livestock.

SU 6 My cargo is lumber.

SU 7 My cargo is oil/petroleum products.

SU 8 I have a general cargo.

SV I am not seaworthy due to shifting of cargo or ballast.

SW I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B

SX You should not discharge oil or oily mixture.

SY The discharge of oil or oily mixture in this area is prohibited within... (number) miles from the

nearest land.

SZ Total number of persons on board is...

TA I have left... (number) men on board.

TB ... (number) persons have died.

TC ... (number) persons are sick.

I am alighting (in position indicated if necessary) to pick up crew of vessel/aircraft . . . . . . . . AV

I cannot alight but I can lift crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AZ

You cannot alight on the deck. Can you lift crew?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BA 

Boats(s)/raft(s) should approach vessel as near as possible to take off persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . DA

All persons saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GZ

All persons lost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GZ 

I (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have rescued... (number) injured persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HA

Can I transfer rescued persons to you?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HD
SECTION 5.—MISCELLANEOUS

Code Meaning 

FISHERY‡

‡ Displaying any of the signals in this section does not relieve vessels from compliance with the Internation

lations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972.

TD I am a fish catch carrier boat.

TD 1 I am a mother ship for fishing vessel(s).

TD 2 Are you a fishing vessel?

TE I am bottom trawling.

TE 1 I am trawling with a floating trawl.

TE 2 I am long-line fishing.

TE 3 I am fishing with towing lines.

TE 4 I am engaged in two-boat fishing operation.

TE 5 I am drifting on my nets.

TE 6 In what type of fishing are you engaged?

TF I am shooting purse seine.

TF 1 I am shooting drift nets.

TF 2 I am shooting seine net.

TF 3 I am shooting trawl.

TF 4 I am shooting long lines.

TG I am hauling purse seine.

TG 1 I am hauling drift nets.

TG 2 I am hauling seine net.

TG 3 I am hauling trawl.

TG 4 I am hauling long lines.

TH You should navigate with caution. Small fishing boats are within... (number) miles of me.

TI You should navigate with caution. You are drifting towards my set of nets.

TJ You should navigate with caution. There are nets with a buoy in this area.

There is fishing gear in the direction you are heading (or in direction indicated—Complemen

Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

TK Is there fishing gear set up on my course?

TL My gear is close to the surface in a direction... (Complements Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 1

Page 104) for a distance of... miles.
86

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

TM My gear is well below the surface in a direction... (Complements Table 3, Chapter 2, Section

10, Page 104) for a distance of... miles.

TN In what direction, distance, and depth does your fishing gear extend?

TO I have a mine in my sweep (or net).

TP Fishing gear has fouled my propeller.

TQ You have caught my fishing gear.

TQ 1 It is necessary to haul in fishing gear for disentangling.

TQ 2 I am clearing the fishing gear.

TQ 3 You should take measures to recover the fishing gear.

TS You should take the following action with your warps:

TS 1 Veer the port (stern) warp.

TS 2 Veer the starboard (fore) warp.

TS 3 Veer both warps.

TS 4 Stop veering.

TS 5 Haul the port (stern) warp.

TS 6 Haul the starboard (fore) warp.

TS 7 Haul both warps.

TS 8 Stop hauling.

TS 9 You may haul your warps; the trawl is clear.

TU I have to cut the warps. The trawls are entangled.

TU 1 Give me your warp. I shall transfer your fishing gear on it.

TU 2 Your warps are under mine.

TU 3 Both my warps have parted.

TU 4 My starboard (fore) warp has parted.

TU 5 My port (stern) warp has parted.

TV Fishing in this area is prohibited.

TV 1 Trawling in this area is dangerous because there is an obstruction.

TW Attention. You are in the vicinity of prohibited fishery limits.

TX A fishery protection (or fishery assistance) vessel is in lat... long...

TY I request assistance from fishery protection (or fishery assistance) vessel.

TZ Can you offer assistance? (Complements Table 2, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).
SECTION 5.—MISCELLANEOUS

Code Meaning 

PILOT

(See also Navigating and Steering instructions in Chapter 2, Section 3, Page 73.

PORT—HARBOR

UA Pilot will arrive at time indicated.

UB You should heave to or anchor until pilot arrives.

I have a pilot on board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

UC Is a pilot available in this place (or place indicated)?

I require a pilot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

UE Where can I get a pilot (for destination indicated if necessary)?

UF You should follow pilot boat (or vessel indicated).

UG You should steer in my wake.

You should follow in my wake (or wake of vessel indicated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should go ahead and lead the course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

UH Can you lead me into port?

UI Sea is too rough; pilot boat cannot get off to you.

UJ Make a starboard lee for the pilot boat.

UJ 1 Make a port lee for the pilot boat.

UK Pilot boat is most likely on bearing... from you.

UK 1 Have you seen the pilot boat?

Is radar pilotage being effected in this port (or port indicated)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

UL All vessels should proceed to sea as soon as possible owing to danger in port.

UM The harbor (or port indicated) is closed to traffic.

You should not proceed out of harbor/anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

UN You may enter the harbor immediately (or at time indicated).

UN 1 May I enter harbor?

UN 2 May I leave harbor?

UO You must not enter harbor.

UP Permission to enter harbor is urgently requested. I have an emergency case.
88

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MISCELLANEOUS

You should proceed into port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RV 

Can you lead me into port?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UH

UQ You should wait outside the harbor (or river mouth).

UQ 1 You should wait outside the harbor until daylight.

UR My estimated time of arrival (at place indicated) is (time indicated).

UR 1 What is your estimated time of arrival (at place indicated)?

US Nothing can be done until time indicated.

US 1 Nothing can be done until daylight.

US 2 Nothing can be done until tide has risen.

US 3 Nothing can be done until visibility improves.

US 4 Nothing can be done until weather moderates.

US 5 Nothing can be done until draft is lightened.

US 6 Nothing can be done until tugs have arrived.

UT Where are you bound for?

UT 1 Where are you coming from?

UU I am bound for...

UV I am coming from...

*UV 1 I am conducting innocent passage in the territorial sea.

*UV 2 Your course leads into an area of the territorial sea in which the right of innocent passage

is temporarily suspended.

*UV 3 You should leave the area of the territorial sea in which the right of innocent passage is

temporarily suspended.

*UV 4 You are violating the conditions of innocent passage through the territorial sea (as indicated in the table of complements below). Request you comply with the conditions of

innocent passage through the territorial sea.

*UV 5 I am not violating the conditions of innocent passage through the territorial sea (as indicated in the table of complements below).

*UV 6 I have ceased violating the conditions of innocent passage through the territorial sea (as

indicated in the table of complements below).

*UV 7 Having disregarded our request for compliance with the conditions of innocent passage

through the territorial sea, you are required to leave the territorial sea immediately.
SECTION 5.—MISCELLANEOUS

Code Meaning 

*UV 8 I am conducting transit passage through an international Strait.

*UV 9 I am exercising freedom of navigation.

* Signals UV 1 - UV 9 are not mandatory. Use of these signals is not a precondition to the exercise of the ri

innocent passage or freedom of navigation.

Conditions of innocent passage... (Complements 0-9 corresponding to the following ta

0 By threatening or using force against our/your sovereignty, territorial integrity, or p

independence.

1 By exercising or practicing with weapons.

2 By engaging in acts aimed at collecting information to the prejudice of our/your de

security.

3 By engaging in acts of propaganda aimed at affecting our/your defense or security.

4 By engaging in the launching, landing or taking on board of aircraft or a military d

5 By engaging in the loading or unloading of a commodity, currency or person contra

customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws or regulations of our/your country.

6 By engaging in willful and serious pollution.

7 By engaging in fishing activities.

8 By engaging in research or survey activities.

9 By engaging in acts aimed at interfering with our/your systems of communication 

facilities or installations.

UW I wish you a pleasant voyage.

UW 1 Thank you very much for your cooperation. I wish you a pleasant voyage.

UW 2 Welcome!

UW 3 Welcome Home!

UX No information available.

I am unable to answer your question . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Exercises

UY I am carrying out exercises. Please keep clear of me.

Bunkers

UZ I have bunkers for... (number) hours.

VB Have you sufficient bunkers to reach port?

VC Where is the nearest place at which fuel oil is available?

VC 1 Where is the nearest place at which diesel oil is available?
90

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

VC 2 Where is the nearest place at which coal is available?

VD Bunkers are available at place indicated (or lat... long...).

Fumigation

VE I am fumigating my vessel.

No one is allowed on board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS

Identification

What is the name or identity signal of your vessel (or station)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CS

VF You should hoist your identity signal.

Bunkers
Code Meaning 

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 6: METEOROLOGY—WEATHER

CLOUDS

GALE—STORM—TROPICAL STORM

ICE—ICEBERGS

VG The coverage of low clouds is... (number of octants or eighths of sky covered).

VH The estimated height of base of low clouds in hundreds of meters is...

VI What is the coverage of low clouds in octants (eighths of sky covered)?

VI 1 What is the estimated height of base of low clouds in hundreds of meters?

Gale

VJ Gale (wind force Beaufort 8-9) is expected from direction indicated (Complements Table 3,

Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

Storm

VK Storm (wind force Beaufort 10 or above) is expected from direction indicated (Complements

Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

Tropical Storm

VL Tropical storm (cyclone, hurricane, typhoon) is approaching. You should take appropriate p

cautions.

VM Tropical storm is centered at... (time indicated) in lat... long... on course... , speed... knot

VN Have you latest information of the tropical storm (near lat... long... if necessary)?

Very deep depression is approaching from direction indicated (Complements Table 3, Chapt

2, Section 10, Page 104). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

There are indications of an intense depression forming in lat... long... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Ice

VO Have you encountered ice?

VP What is the character of ice, its development, and the effects on navigation?

VQ Character of ice:

VQ 0 No ice.

VQ 1 New ice (ice crystals, slush or sludge, pancake ice or ice rind).

VQ 2 Young fast ice (5-15 cms thick or rotten fast ice).
92

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

VQ 3 Open drift ice (not more than 5/8 of the water surface is covered by ice floes).

VQ 4 A compressed accumulation of sludge (a compressed mass of sludge or pancake ice, the

ice cannot spread).

VQ 5 Winter fast ice (more than 15 cms in thickness).

VQ 6 Close drift ice (the area is covered by ice floes to a greater extent than 5/8).

VQ 7 Very close drift ice on open sea.

VQ 8 Pressure ice or big, vast, heavy ice floes.

VQ 9 Shore lead along the coast.

No information available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UX

VR Ice development:

VR 0 No change.

VR 1 Ice situation has improved.

VR 2 Ice situation has deteriorated.

VR 3 Ice has been broken up.

VR 4 Ice has opened or drifted away.

VR 5 New ice has been formed and/or the thickness of the ice has increased.

VR 6 Ice has been frozen together.

VR 7 Ice has drifted into the area or has been squeezed together.

VR 8 Warning of pressure ridges.

VR 9 Warning of hummocking or ice screwing.

No information available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UX

VS Effects of the ice on navigation:

VS 0 Unobstructed.

VS 1 Unobstructed for power-driven vessels built of iron or steel, dangerous for wooden vessels

without ice protection.

VS 2 Difficult for low-powered vessels without the assistance of an icebreaker, dangerous for

vessels of weak construction.

VS 3 Possible without icebreaker only for high-powered vessels of strong construction.

VS 4 Icebreaker assistance available in case of need.

VS 5 Proceed in channel without the assistance of icebreaker.

Ice
SECTION 6.—METEOROLOGY—WEATHER

Code Meaning 

ICEBREAKER‡

VS 6 Possible only with the assistance of an icebreaker.

VS 7 Icebreaker can give assistance only to ships strengthened for navigation in ice.

VS 8 Temporarily closed for navigation.

VS 9 Navigation has ceased.

No information available.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

VT Danger of ice accretion on superstructure (for example, black frost).

VT 1 I am experiencing heavy icing on superstructure.

VU I have seen icefield in lat... long...

VV Ice patrol ship is not on station.

VV 1 Ice patrol ship is on station.

Icebergs

VW I have seen icebergs in lat... long...

VX I have encountered one or more icebergs or growlers (with or without position and time).

VY One or more icebergs or growlers have been reported (with or without position and time).

VZ Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat... long... owing to iceberg(s).

VZ 1 Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat... long... owing to floating ice.

VZ 2 Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat... long... owing to pack ice.

‡ Special single letter signals for use between icebreakers and assisted vessels can be found in Chapter 1, Sec

Pages 24 and 25.

*WA Repeat word or group after...

*WB Repeat word or group before...

WC I am (or vessel indicated is) fast on ice and require(s) icebreaker assistance.

WC 1 Icebreaker is being sent to your assistance.

I require assistance in the nature of icebreaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

WD Icebreaker is not available.

WD 1 Icebreaker cannot render assistance at present.

Ice
94

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE—TEMPERATURE

WE Navigation channel is being kept open by icebreaker.

WF I can give icebreaker support only up to lat... long...

WG Open channel or open area is in the direction in which aircraft is flying.

WH I can only assist if you will make all efforts to follow.

WI At what time will you follow at full speed?

WJ The convoy will start at time indicated from here (or from lat... long...).

WK You (or vessel indicated) will be number... in convoy.

WL Icebreaker is stopping work during darkness.

*WM Icebreaker support is now commencing. Use special icebreaker support signals and keep continuous watch for sound, visual, or radiotelephony signals.

WN Icebreaker is stopping work for... (number) hours or until more favorable conditions arise.

WO Icebreaker support is finished. Proceed to your destination.

You should go astern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QL

* Procedural signals.

Atmospheric Pressure

WP Barometer is steady.

WP 1 Barometer is falling rapidly.

WP 2 Barometer is rising rapidly.

WQ The barometer has fallen... (number) millibars during the past three hours.

WR The barometer has risen... (number) millibars during the past three hours.

WS Corrected atmospheric pressure at sea level is... (number) millibars.

WS 1 State corrected atmospheric pressure at sea level in millibars.

WT Very deep depression is approaching from direction indicated (Complements Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

WU There are indications of an intense depression forming in lat... long...

Temperature

WV The air temperature is sub-zero (centigrade).
SECTION 6.—METEOROLOGY—WEATHER

Code Meaning 

SEA—SWELL

WV 1 The air temperature is expected to be sub-zero (centigrade).

Sea

WW What are the sea conditions in your area (or around lat... long...)?

WX The true direction of the sea in tens of degrees is... (number following indicates tens of

degrees).

WY The state of the sea is... (Complements 0-9 corresponding to the following table which mea

sures wave height):

0 Calm (glassy) 0m 0 ft

1 Calm (rippled) 0-0.1m 0-1/3 ft

2 Smooth (wavelets) 0.1-0.5m 1/3-1 2/3 ft

3 Slight 0.5-1.2 m 1 2/3-4 ft

4 Moderate 1.25-2.5m 4-8 ft

5 Rough 2.5-4m 8-13 ft

6 Very rough 4-6m 13-20 ft

7 High 6-9m 20-30 ft

8 Very high 9-14m 30-45 ft

9 Phenomenal over 14m over 45 ft

WZ What are the forecast sea conditions in my area (or area around lat... long...)?

XA The true direction of the sea in tens of degrees is expected to be... (number following indicates tens of degrees).

XB The state of the sea is expected to be... (Complements 0-9 as in the table above).

Swell

XC What are the swell conditions in your area (or area around lat... long...)?

XD The true direction of the swell in tens of degrees is... (number following indicates tens of

degrees).

XE The state of the swell is... (Complements 0-9 corresponding to the following table):

Temperature
96

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

VISIBILITY—FOG

0 No swell...................

1 short or middle......... weak—approximate height <2 m (6 ft.)

2 Long..........................

3 Short.........................

4 Middle...................... moderate—approximate height 2-4 m (6-12 ft.)

5 Long.........................

6 Short.........................

7 Middle...................... high—approximate height > 4 m (12 ft.)

8 Long.........................

9 Confused

XF What are the forecast swell conditions in my area (or area around lat... long...)?

XG The true direction of the swell in tens of degrees is expected to be... (number following indicates tens of degrees).

XH The state of the swell is expected to be... (Complements 0-9 as in the table above).

Tsunami (phenomenal wave) is expected. You should take appropriate precautions. . . . . . . . . ND

XI Indicate visibility.

XJ Visibility is... (number) tenths of nautical miles.

XK Visibility is variable between... and... (maximum and minimum in tenths of nautical miles).

XL Visibility is decreasing.

XL 1 Visibility is increasing.

XL 2 Visibility is variable.

XM What is the forecast visibility in my area (or area around lat... long...)?

XN Visibility is expected to be... (number) tenths of nautical miles.

XO Visibility is expected to decrease.

XO 1 Visibility is expected to increase.

XO 2 Visibility is expected to be variable.

XP I am (or vessel indicated is) stopped in thick fog.

XP 1 I am entering zone of restricted visibility.

}

}

}
SECTION 6.—METEOROLOGY—WEATHER

Code Meaning 

WEATHER—WEATHER FORECAST

WIND

XQ What weather are you experiencing?

XR Weather is good.

XR 1 Weather is bad.

XR 2 Weather is moderating.

XR 3 Weather is deteriorating.

XS Weather report is not available.

XT Weather expected is bad.

XT 1 Weather expected is good.

XT 2 No change is expected in the weather.

XT 3 What weather is expected?

XU You should wait until the weather moderates.

XU 1 I will wait until the weather moderates.

XV Please give weather forecast for my area (or area around lat... long...) in *MAFOR Code.

* MAFOR is the prefix used to identify an International Coded Weather Forecast for Shipping.

XW What is the true direction and force of wind in your area (or area around lat... long...)?

XX True direction of wind is... (Complements Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

XY Wind force is Beaufort Scale... (numerals 0-12).

XZ What is the wind doing?

XZ 1 The wind is backing.

XZ 2 The wind is veering.

XZ 3 The wind is increasing.

XZ 4 The wind is squally.

XZ 5 The wind is steady in force.

XZ 6 The wind is moderating.

YA What wind direction and force is expected in my area (or area around lat... long...)?
98

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

YB True direction of wind is expected to be... (Complements Table 3, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page

104).

YC Wind force expected is Beaufort Scale... (numerals 0-12).

YD What is the wind expected to do?

YD 1 The wind is expected to back.

YD 2 The wind is expected to veer.

YD 3 The wind is expected to increase.

YD 4 The wind is expected to become squally.

YD 5 The wind is expected to remain steady in force.

YD 6 The wind is expected to moderate.
Code Meaning 

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 7: ROUTING OF SHIPS

YG You appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme.

It is dangerous to proceed on present course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should proceed with great caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You are in a dangerous position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
100

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 8: COMMUNICATIONS

ACKNOWLEDGE—ANSWER

CALLING

CANCEL

COMMUNICATE

YH I have received the following from... (name or identity signal of vessel or station).

YI I have received the safety signal sent by... (name or identity signal).

YJ Have you received the safety signal sent by... (name or identity signal)?

YK I am unable to answer your question.

Received, or I have received your last signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R*

* Procedural signal.

YL I will call you again at... hours (on... kHz or MHz).

YM Who is calling me?

YN Cancel my last signal/message.

My last signal was incorrect. I will repeat it correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ZP

I wish to communicate with you by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104). K*

I wish to communicate with you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K

YO I am going to communicate by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

YP I wish to communicate with vessel or coast station (identity signal) by... (Complements Table

1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

YQ I wish to communicate by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104) with

vessel bearing... from me.

YR Can you communicate by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104)?

YS I am unable to communicate... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

YT I cannot read your... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

**YU I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International Code of Signals.

**YV The groups which follow are from the International Code of Signals.

YV 1 The groups which follow are from the local code.
SECTION 8.—COMMUNICATIONS

Code Meaning 

YW I wish to communicate by radiotelegraphy on frequency indicated.

YX I wish to communicate by radiotelephony on frequency indicated.

YY I wish to communicate by VHF radiotelephony on channel indicated.

YZ The words which follow are in plain language.

ZA I wish to communicate with you in... (language indicated by following complements).

ZA 0 Dutch

ZA 1 English

ZA 2 French

ZA 3 German

ZA 4 Greek

ZA 5 Italian

ZA 6 Japanese

ZA 7 Norwegian

ZA 8 Russian

ZA 9 Spanish

ZB I can communicate with you in language indicated (complements as above).

ZC Can you communicate with me in language indicated (complements as above)?

ZD Please communicate the following to all shipping in the vicinity.

ZD 1 Please report me to Coast Guard New York.

ZD 2 Please report me to Lloyd’s London.

ZD 3 Please report me to Minmorflot Moscow.

ZD 4 Please report me to MSA Tokyo.

ZE You should come within visual signal distance.

You should keep within visual signal distance from me (or vessel indicated). . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have established communications with the aircraft in distress on 2182 kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Can you communicate with the aircraft? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have established communications with the aircraft in distress on... kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have established communications with the aircraft in distress on... MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

* With one numeral.

** The abbreviation INTERCO may also be used to mean: “International Code group(s) follow(s)”.
102

CHAPTER 2.—GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

EXERCISE

RECEPTION—TRANSMISSION

REPEAT

ZF I wish to exercise signals with you by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page

104).

ZG It is not convenient to exercise signals.

ZH Exercise had been completed.

ZI I can receive but not transmit by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

ZJ I can transmit but not receive by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

ZK I cannot distinguish your signal. Please repeat it by... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104).

ZL Your signal has been received but not understood.

I cannot read your... (Complements Table 1, Chapter 2, Section 10, Page 104). . . . . . . . . . . . YT

ZM You should send (or speak) more slowly.

ZM 1 Shall I send (or speak) more slowly?

ZN You should send each word or group twice.

ZO You should stop sending.

ZO 1 Shall I stop sending?

ZP My last signal was incorrect. I will repeat it correctly.

ZQ Your signal appears incorrectly coded. You should check and repeat the whole.

ZR Repeat the signal now being made to me by vessel (or coast station)... (name or identity signal).
Code Meaning 

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 9: INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS

PRATIQUE MESSAGES

ZS My vessel is “healthy” and I request free pratique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

*I require health clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

* By night a red light over a white light may be shown, where it can best be seen, by vessels requiring healt

ance. These lights should only be about 6 feet apart, should be exhibited within the precincts of a port and 

be visible all around the horizon as nearly as possible.

ZT My Maritime Declaration of Health has negative answers to the six Health Questions.

ZU My Maritime Declaration of Health has a positive answer to Health Question(s)... (Health

Questions are indicated by complements 1-6).

ZV I believe I have been in an infected area during the last thirty days.

ZW I require Port Medical Officer.

ZW 1 Port Medical Officer will be available at (time indicated).

ZX You should make the appropriate pratique signal.

ZY You have pratique.

ZZ You should proceed to anchorage for health clearance (at place indicated).

ZZ 1 Where is the anchorage for health clearance?

I have a doctor on board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Have you a doctor?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
104

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 10: TABLES OF COMPLEMENTS

Table 1

1. Morse signaling by hand flags or arms

2. Loud hailer (megaphone)

3. Morse signaling lamp

4. Sound signals

Table 2

0. Water

1. Provisions

2. Fuel

3. Pumping equipment

4. Firefighting appliances

5. Medical assistance

6. Towing

7. Survival craft

8. Vessel to stand by

9. Icebreaker

Table 3

0. Direction unknown (or calm)

1. Northeast

2. East

3. Southeast

4. South

5. Southwest

6. West

7. Northwest

8. North

9. All directions (or confused or variable)
CHAPTER

PA

CHAPTER 3

MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

SECTION 1: EXPLANATION AND INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

INSTRUCTIONS TO MASTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

INSTRUCTIONS TO DOCTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

EXAMPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CASE ONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CASE TWO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SECTION 2: REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

REQUEST—GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

DESCRIPTION OF PATIENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

PREVIOUS HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

LOCALIZATION OF SYMPTOMS, DISEASES, OR INJURIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

GENERAL SYMPTOMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PARTICULAR SYMPTOMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PROGRESS REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SECTION 3: MEDICAL ADVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

DIAGNOSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SPECIAL TREATMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

TREATMENT BY MEDICAMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

DIET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CHILDBIRTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

VACCINATION AGAINST SMALLPOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SECTION 4: TABLES OF COMPLEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

TABLE M-1—REGIONS OF THE BODY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

TABLE M-2—LIST OF COMMON DISEASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

TABLE M-3—LIST OF MEDICAMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
CHAPTER 3

SECTION 1: EXPLANATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

General

1. Medical advice should be sought and given in plain language whenever it is possible but, if language difficultie

tered, this Code should be used.

2. Even when plain language is used, the text of the Code and the instructions should be followed as far as possib

3. Reference is made to the procedure signals “C”, “N”, or “NO” and “RQ” which, when used after the main s

its meaning into affirmative, negative and interrogative, respectively. (See Chapter 1, Section 6, Paragraph 3.(j), 

Example:

“MFE N” = “Bleeding is not severe”.

“MFE RQ” = “Is bleeding severe?”

INSTRUCTIONS TO MASTERS

Standard method of case description

1. The master should make a careful examination of the patient and should try to collect, as far as possible, informa

the following subjects:

(a) Description of the patient (Chapter 3, Section 2., Page 109);

(b) Previous health (Chapter 3, Section 2., Page 110);

(c) Localization of symptoms, diseases, or injuries (Chapter 3, Section 2., Page 110);

(d) General symptoms (Chapter 3, Section 2., Page 110);

(e) Particular symptoms (Chapter 3, Section 2., Page 114);

(f) *Diagnosis (Chapter 3, Section 3., Page 125).

2. Such information should be coded by choosing the appropriate groups from the corresponding sections of th

would help the recipients of the signal if the information is transmitted in the order stated in Paragraph 1.

3. Chapter 3, Section 2., Page 109, contains signals which can be used independently, i.e. with or without the desc

case.

4. After a reply from the doctor has been received and the instructions therein followed, the master can give a pr

by using signals from Chapter 3, Section 2., Page 123.

INSTRUCTIONS TO DOCTORS

1. Additional information can be requested by using Chapter 3, Section 3, Page 125.

Example:

“MQB” = “I cannot understand your signal, please use standard method of case description”.

2. For diagnosis*, Chapter 3, Section 3., Page 125, should be used.

Example:

“MQE 26” = “My probable diagnosis is cystitis”.

3. Prescribing should be limited to the “List of Medicaments” which comprises Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 

and 135, of the Code.

4. For special treatment, signals from Chapter 3, Section 3., Pages 125 through 127, should be used.

Example:

“MRP 4” = “Apply ice-cold compress and renew every 4 hours”.

5. When prescribing a medicament (Chapter 3, Section 3., page 127) three signals should be used as follows:

(a) the first (Chapter 3, Section 3., Page 127, and Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Pages 134 and 135) to si

dicament itself.

* Chapter 3, Section 3, Page 125 , “Diagnosis”, can be used by both the master (“request for medical assist

and the doctor (“medical advice”).
108

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Example:

“MTD 32” = “You should give aspirin tablets”.

(b) the second (Chapter 3, Section 3, Page 127) to signify the method of administration and dose.

Example:

“MTI 2” = “You should give by mouth 2 tablets/capsules”.

(c) the third (Chapter 3, Section 3, Page 127) to signify the frequency of the dose.

Example:

“MTQ 8” = “You should repeat every 8 hours”.

6. The frequency of external applications is coded in Chapter 3, Section 3, Page 128.

Example:

“MTU 4” = “You should apply every 4 hours”.

7. Advice concerning diet can be given by using signals from Chapter 3, Section 3, Page 128.

Example:

“MUC” = “Give water only in small quantities”.

EXAMPLES

As an example, two cases of request for assistance and the corresponding replies are drafted below:

CASE ONE

Request for medical assistance

“I have a male age (44) years. Patient has been ill for (2) days. Patient has suffered from (bronchitis acute). Onset was sud

Patient is delirious. Patient has fits of shivering. Temperature taken in mouth is (40). Pulse rate per minute is (110). The ra

breathing per minute is (30). Patient is in pain (chest). Part of the body affected is right (chest). Pain is increased on breath

Patient has severe cough. Patient has blood-stained sputum. Patient has been given (penicillin injection) without effect. Pa

has received treatment by medicaments in last (18) hours. My probable diagnosis is (pneumonia).”

Medical advice

“Your diagnosis is probably right. You should continue giving (penicillin injection). You should repeat every (12) hours

patient to bed lying down at absolute rest. Keep patient warm. Give fluid diet, milk, fruit juice, tea, mineral water. Give w

very freely. Refer back to me in (24) hours or before if patient worsens.”

CASE TWO

Request for medical assistance

“I have a male aged (31) years. Patient has been ill for (3) hours. Patient has had no serious previous illness. Pulse rate 

minute is (95). Pulse is weak. Patient is sweating. Patient is in pain in lumbar (kidney) region. The part affected is left lum

(kidney) region. Pain is severe. Pain is increased by hand pressure. Bowels are regular.”

Request for additional information

“I cannot make a diagnosis. Please answer the following question(s). Temperature taken in the mouth is (number). Pain radi

to groin and testicle. Patient has pain on passing water. Urinary functions normal. Vomiting is present.”

Additional information

“Temperature taken in mouth is (37). Pain radiates to groin and testicle. Patient has pain on passing water. Patient is pas

small quantities of urine frequently. Vomiting is absent. Patient has nausea.”

Medical advice

“My probable diagnosis is kidney stone (renal colic). You should give morphine injection. You should give by subcutane

injection (15) milligrams. Give water freely. Apply hot water bottle to lumbar (kidney) region. Patient should be seen by do

when next in port.”
Code Meaning 

CHAPTER 3

SECTION 2: REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

REQUEST—GENERAL INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION OF PATIENT

MAA I request urgent medical advice.

MAB I request you to make rendezvous in position indicated.

MAC I request you to arrange hospital admission.

MAD I am . . . (indicate number) hours from the nearest port.

MAE I am converging on nearest port.

MAF I am moving away from nearest port.

I require medical assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I have a doctor on board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Have you a doctor?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I need a doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I need a doctor; I have severe burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I need a doctor; I have radiation casualties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I require a helicopter urgently with a doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I require a helicopter urgently to pick up injured/sick person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated) with a doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Helicopter is coming to you now (or at time indicated) to pick up injured/sick person . . . . . 

I have injured/sick person (or number of persons indicated) to be taken off urgently. . . . . . . 

You should send a helicopter/boat with a stretcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

A helicopter/boat is coming to take injured/sick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

You should send injured/sick persons to me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MAJ I have a male aged . . . (number) years.

MAK I have a female aged . . . (number) years.

MAL I have a female . . . (number) months pregnant.

MAM Patient has been ill for . . . (number) days.

MAN Patient has been ill for . . . (number) hours.

MAO General condition of the patient is good.

MAP General condition of the patient is serious.
110

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

PREVIOUS HEALTH

LOCALIZATION OF SYMPTOMS, DISEASES, OR INJURIES

GENERAL SYMPTOMS

MAQ General condition of the patient is unchanged.

MAR General condition of the patient has worsened.

MAS Patient has been given . . . (Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Pages 134 and 135) with effect.

MAT Patient has been given . . . (Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Pages 134 and 135) without

effect.

MAU Patient has received treatment by medicaments in last . . . (indicate number) hours.

MBA Patient has suffered from . . . (Table M-2 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 133).

MBB Patient has had previous operation . . . (Table M-2 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 133).

MBC Patient has had no serious previous illness.

MBD Patient has had no relevant previous injury.

MBE The whole body is affected.

MBF The part of the body affected is . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

*MBG

* To be used when right and left side of the body or limb need to be differentiated.

The part of the body affected is right . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

*MBH The part of the body affected is left . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MBP Onset was sudden.

MBQ Onset was gradual.

Temperature

MBR Temperature taken in mouth is . . . (number).

MBS Temperature taken in rectum is . . . (number).

MBT Temperature in the morning is . . . (number).

MBU Temperature in the evening is . . . (number).
SECTION 2.—REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Code Meaning 

MBV Temperature is rising.

MBW Temperature is falling.

Pulse

MBX The pulse rate per minute is . . . (number).

MBY The pulse rate is irregular.

MBZ The pulse rate is rising.

MCA The pulse rate is falling.

MCB The pulse is weak.

MCC The pulse is too weak to count.

MCD The pulse is too rapid to count.

Breathing

MCE The rate of breathing per minute is . . . (number) (in and out being counted as one breath).

MCF The breathing is weak.

MCG The breathing is wheezing.

MCH The breathing is regular.

MCI The breathing is irregular.

MCJ The breathing is strenuous (noisy).

Sweating

MCL Patient is sweating.

MCM Patient has fits of shivering (chills).

MCN Patient has night sweats.

MCO Patient’s skin is hot and dry.

MCP Patient is cold and clammy.

Mental State and Consciousness

MCR Patient is conscious.

MCT Patient is semiconscious but can be roused.

Temperature
112

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MCU Patient is unconscious.

MCV Patient found unconscious.

MCW Patient appears to be in a state of shock.

MCX Patient is delirious.

MCY Patient has mental symptoms.

MCZ Patient is paralyzed . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MDC Patient is restless.

MDD Patient is unable to sleep.

Pain

MDF Patient is in pain . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MDG Pain is a dull ache.

MDJ Pain is slight.

MDL Pain is severe.

MDM Pain is intermittent.

MDN Pain is continuous.

MDO Pain is increased by hand pressure.

MDP Pain radiates to . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MDQ Pain is increased on breathing.

MDR Pain is increased by action of bowels.

MDT Pain is increased on passing water.

MDU Pain occurs after taking food.

MDV Pain is relieved by taking food.

MDW Pain has no relation to taking food.

MDX Pain is relieved by heat.

MDY Pain has ceased.

Cough

MED Cough is present.

MEF Cough is absent.

Mental State and Consciousness
SECTION 2.—REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Code Meaning 

Bowels

MEG Bowels are regular.

MEJ Patient is constipated and bowels last opened . . . (indicate number of days).

MEL Patient has diarrhea . . . (indicate number of times daily).

Vomiting

MEM Vomiting is present.

MEN Vomiting is absent.

MEO Patient has nausea.

Urine

MEP Urinary functions normal.

MEQ Urinary functions abnormal.

Bleeding

MER Bleeding is present . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MET Bleeding is absent.

Rash

MEU A rash is present . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MEV A rash is absent.

Swelling

MEW Patient has a swelling . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MEX Swelling is hard.

MEY Swelling is soft.

MEZ Swelling is hot and red.

MFA Swelling is painful on hand pressure.

MFB Swelling is discharging.

MFC Patient has an abscess . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFD Patient has a carbuncle . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).
114

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

PARTICULAR SYMPTOMS

Accidents, Injuries, Fractures, Suicide, and Poisons

Bleeding is present . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ME

MFE Bleeding is severe.

MFF Bleeding is slight.

MFG Bleeding has been stopped by pad(s) and bandaging.

MFH Bleeding has been stopped by tourniquet.

MFI Bleeding has stopped.

MFJ Bleeding cannot be stopped.

MFK Patient has a superficial wound . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFL Patient has a deep wound . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFM Patient has penetrating wound . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFN Patient has a clean-cut wound . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFO Patient has a wound with ragged edges . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFP Patient has a discharging wound . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFQ Patient has contusion (bruising) . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFR Wound is due to blow.

MFS Wound is due to crushing.

MFT Wound is due to explosion.

MFU Wound is due to fall.

MFV Wound is due to gunshot.

MFW Patient has a foreign body in wound.

MFX Patient is suffering from concussion.

MFY Patient cannot move the arm . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MFZ Patient cannot move the leg . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGA Patient has dislocation . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGB Patient has simple fracture . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGC Patient has compound fracture . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGD Patient has comminuted fracture . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGE Patient has attempted suicide.
SECTION 2.—REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Code Meaning 

MGF Patient has cut throat.

MGG Patient has superficial burn . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGH Patient has severe burn . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGI Patient is suffering from noncorrosive poisoning (no staining and burning of mouth and lips

MGJ Patient has swallowed corrosive (staining and burning of mouth and lips).

MGK Patient has swallowed unknown poison.

MGL Patient has swallowed a foreign body.

MGM Emetic has been given with good results.

MGN Emetic has been given without good results.

MGO No emetic has been given.

MGP Patient has had corrosive thrown on him . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGQ Patient has inhaled poisonous gases, vapors, dust.

MGR Patient is suffering from animal bite . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGS Patient is suffering from snake bite . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MGT Patient is suffering from gangrene . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

Diseases of Nose and Throat

MGU Patient has nasal discharge.

MGV Patient has foreign body in nose.

MHA Lips are swollen.

MHB Tongue is dry.

MHC Tongue is coated.

MHD Tongue is glazed and red.

MHF Tongue is swollen.

MHG Patient has ulcer on tongue.

MHJ Patient has ulcer in mouth.

MHK Gums are sore and bleeding.

MHL Throat is sore and red.

MHM Throat has pinpoint white spots on tonsils.

Accidents, Injuries, Fractures, Suicide, and Poisons
116

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MHN Throat has gray white patches on tonsils.

MHO Throat hurts and is swollen on one side.

MHP Throat hurts and is swollen on both sides.

MHQ Swallowing is painful.

MHR Patient cannot swallow.

MHT Patient has hoarseness of voice.

Patient has swallowed a foreign body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MG

MHV Patient has severe toothache.

Diseases of Respiratory System

MHY Patient has pain in chest on breathing . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

Breathing is wheezing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MC

MHZ Breathing is deep.

MIA Patient has severe shortness of breath.

MIB Patient has asthmatical attack.

Cough is absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ME

MIC Patient has severe cough.

MID Cough is longstanding.

MIF Patient is coughing up blood.

MIG Patient has no sputum.

MIJ Patient has abundant sputum.

MIK Sputum is offensive.

MIL Patient has bloodstained sputum.

MIM Patient has blueness of face.

Diseases of the Digestive System

MIN Patient has tarry stool.

MIO Patient has clay-colored stool.

Patient has diarrhea . . . (indicate number of times daily) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ME

MIP Patient has diarrhea with frequent stools like rice water.

Diseases of Nose and Throat
SECTION 2.—REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Code Meaning 

MIQ Patient is passing blood with stools.

MIR Patient is passing mucus with stools.

Patient has nausea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MIT Patient has persistent hiccough.

MIU Patient has cramp pains and vomiting.

Vomiting is present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Vomiting is absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MIV Vomiting has stopped.

MIW Vomiting is persistent.

MIX Vomit is streaked with blood.

MIY Patient vomiting much blood.

MIZ Vomit is dark (like coffee grounds).

MJA Patient vomits any food and liquid given.

MJB Amount of vomit is . . . (indicate in deciliters: 1 deciliter equals one-sixth of a pint).

MJC Frequency of vomiting is . . . (indicate number) daily.

MJD Patient has flatulence.

MJE Wind has not been passed per anus for . . . (indicate number of hours).

MJF Wind is being passed per anus.

MJG Abdomen is distended.

MJH Abdominal wall is soft (normal).

MJI Abdominal wall is hard and rigid.

MJJ Abdominal wall is tender . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

Patient is in pain . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient has a swelling . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MJK Hernia is present.

MJM Hernia cannot be replaced.

MJN Hernia is painful and tender.

MJO Patient has bleeding hemorrhoids.

MJP Hemorrhoids cannot be reduced (put back in place).

Diseases of the Digestive System
118

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

Diseases of the Genitourinary System

Patient is in pain . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MD

MJS Patient has pain on passing water.

MJT Patient has pain in penis at end of passing water.

MJU Patient has pain spreading from abdomen to penis, testicles, or thigh.

MJV Patient is unable to hold urine (incontinent).

MJW Patient is unable to pass urine.

MJX Patient is passing small quantities of urine frequently.

MJY Amount of urine passed in 24 hours . . . (indicate number in deciliters: 1 deciliter equals onesixth of a pint).

Urinary functions normal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ME

MKA Urine contains albumen.

MKB Urine contains sugar.

MKC Urine contains blood.

MKD Urine is very dark brown.

MKE Urine is offensive and may contain pus.

MKF Penis is swollen.

MKH Foreskin will not go back to normal position.

MKI Patient has swelling of testicles.

MKJ Shall I pass a catheter?

MKK I have passed a catheter.

MKL I am unable to pass a catheter.

Diseases of the Nervous System and Mental Diseases

MKP Patient has headache . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MKQ Headache is throbbing.

MKR Headache is very severe.

MKS Head cannot be moved forwards to touch chest.

MKT Patient cannot feel pinprick . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MKU Patient is unable to speak properly.
SECTION 2.—REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Code Meaning 

MKV Giddiness (vertigo) is present.

Patient is paralyzed . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient is conscious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient is semiconscious but can be roused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient is unconscious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MKW Pupils are equal in size.

MKX Pupils are unequal in size.

MKY Pupils do not contract in a bright light.

MKZ Patient has no control over his bowels.

MLA Patient has fits associated with rigidity of muscles and jerking of limbs—indicate number o

fits per 24 hours.

Patient has mental symptoms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MLB Patient has delusions.

MLC Patient is depressed.

Patient is delirious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MLD Patient is uncontrollable.

Patient has attempted suicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MLE Patient has had much alcohol.

MLF Patient has delirium tremens.

MLG Patient has bedsores . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

Diseases of the Heart and Circulatory System

Patient is in pain . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MLH Pain has been present for . . . (indicate number of minutes).

MLI Pain in chest is constricting in character.

MLJ Pain is behind the breastbone.

Pain radiates to . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient has blueness of face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MLK Patient has pallor.

Diseases of the Nervous System and Mental Diseases
120

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

The rate of breathing per minute is . . . (number) (in and out being counted as one

breath). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MC

The pulse is weak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MC

The pulse rate is irregular. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MB

The pulse is too weak to count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MC

The pulse is too rapid to count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MC

MLL Breathing is difficult when lying down.

MLM Swelling of legs that pits on pressure.

MLN Patient has varicose ulcer.

Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

MLR Rash has been present for . . . (indicate number of hours).

MLS Rash first appeared on . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MLT Rash is spreading to . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MLU Rash is fading.

MLV Rash is itchy.

MLW Rash is not itchy.

MLX Rash looks like general redness.

MLY Rash looks like blotches.

MLZ Rash looks like small blisters containing clear fluid.

MMA Rash looks like larger blisters containing pus.

MMB Rash is weeping (oozing).

MMC Rash looks like weals.

MMD Rash consists of rose-colored spots that do not blench on pressure.

MME Skin is yellow.

Patient has an abscess . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MF

MMF Patient has buboes . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MMJ Patient has been isolated.

MMK Should patient be isolated?

MML I have had (indicate number) similar cases.

Diseases of the Heart and Circulatory System
SECTION 2.—REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Code Meaning 

Patient has diarrhea with frequent stools like rice water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient has never been successfully vaccinated against smallpox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient was last vaccinated . . . (date indicated). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Patient has vaccination marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Venereal Diseases (See also Diseases of Genitourinary System.)

MMP Patient has discharge from penis.

MMQ Patient has previous history of gonorrhea.

MMR Patient has single hard sore on penis.

MMS Patient has multiple sores on penis.

Patient has buboes . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MMT Patient has swollen glands in the groin.

MMU End of penis is inflamed and swollen.

Diseases of the Ear

Patient is in pain . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MMW Patient has boil in ear(s).

MMX Patient has discharge of blood from ear(s).

MMY Patient has discharge of clear fluid from ear(s).

MMZ Patient has discharge of pus from ear(s).

MNA Patient has hearing impaired.

MNB Patient has foreign body in ear.

Giddiness (vertigo) is present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MNC Patient has constant noises in ear(s).

Diseases of the Eye

Patient is in pain . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MNG Patient has inflammation of eye(s).

MNH Patient has discharge from eye(s).

MNI Patient has foreign body embedded in the pupil area of the eye.

Infectious and Parasitic Diseases
122

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MNJ Eyelids are swollen.

MNK Patient cannot open eyes (raise eyelids).

MNL Patient has foreign body embedded in the white of the eye.

MNM Patient has double vision when looking at objects with both eyes open.

MNN Patient has sudden blindness in one eye.

MNO Patient has sudden blindness in both eyes.

Pupils are equal in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MK

Pupils are unequal in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MK

Pupils do not contract in a bright light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MK

Patient has a penetrating wound . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130) . . . . . . . . MF

MNP Eyeball is yellow in color.

Diseases of the Skin

See Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Chapter 3, Section 2, Page 120.

Diseases of Muscles and Joints

MNT Patient has pain in muscles of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MNU Patient has pain in joint(s) . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MNV Patient has redness and swelling of joint(s) . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MNW There is history of recent injury.

MNX There is no history of injury.

Miscellaneous Illnesses

Patient has had much alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ML

MOA Patient is suffering from heat exhaustion.

MOB Patient is suffering from heat stroke.

MOC Patient is suffering from seasickness.

MOD Patient is suffering from exposure in lifeboat—indicate length of exposure (number) hours.

MOE Patient is suffering from frostbite . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MOF Patient has been exposed to radioactive hazard.

Diseases of the Eye
SECTION 2.—REQUEST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Code Meaning 

PROGRESS REPORT

Childbirth

MOK I have a patient in childbirth aged . . . (number years).

MOL Patient states she has had . . . (number) children.

MOM Patient states child is due in . . . (number) weeks.

MON Pains began . . . (number) hours ago.

MOO Pains are feeble and produce no effect.

MOP Pains are strong and effective.

MOQ Pains are occurring every . . . (number) minutes.

MOR The bag of membranes broke . . . (number) hours ago.

MOS There is severe bleeding from the womb.

MOT The head is coming first.

MOU The buttocks are coming first.

MOV A foot has appeared first.

MOW An arm has appeared first.

MOX The child has been born.

MOY The child will not breathe.

MOZ The placenta has been passed.

MPA The placenta has not been passed.

MPB I have a nonpregnant woman who is bleeding from the womb.

MPE I am carrying out prescribed instructions.

MPF Patient is improving.

MPG Patient is not improving.

MPH Patient is relieved of pain.

MPI Patient still has pain.

MPJ Patient is restless.

MPK Patient is calm.
124

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MPL Symptoms have cleared.

MPM Symptoms have not cleared.

MPN Symptoms have increased.

MPO Symptoms have decreased.

MPP Treatment has been effective.

MPQ Treatment has been ineffective.

MPR Patient has died.
Code Meaning 

CHAPTER 3

SECTION 3: MEDICAL ADVICE

REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DIAGNOSIS

SPECIAL TREATMENT

MQB I cannot understand your signal; please use standard method of case description.

MQC Please answer the following question(s).

MQE My probable diagnosis is . . . (Table M-2 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 133).

MQF My alternative diagnosis is . . . (Table M-2 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 133).

MQG My probable diagnosis is infection or inflammation . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4,

Page 130).

MQH My probable diagnosis is perforation of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MQI My probable diagnosis is tumor of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MQJ My probable diagnosis is obstruction of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MQK My probable diagnosis is hemorrhage of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MQL My probable diagnosis is foreign body in . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130)

MQM My probable diagnosis is fracture of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MQN My probable diagnosis is dislocation of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MQO My probable diagnosis is sprain of . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MQP I cannot make a diagnosis.

MQT Your diagnosis is probably right.

MQU I am not sure about your diagnosis.

MRI You should refer to your International Ship’s Medical Guide if available or its equivalent.

MRJ You should follow treatment in your own medical guide.

MRK You should follow the instructions for this procedure outlined in your own medical guide.

MRL Commence artificial respiration immediately.

MRM Pass catheter into bladder.
126

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

MRN Pass catheter again after . . . (number) hours.

MRO Pass catheter and retain it in bladder.

MRP Apply ice-cold compress and renew every . . . (number) hours.

MRQ Apply hot compress and renew every . . . (number) hours.

MRR Apply hot-water bottle to . . . (Table M-1 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 130).

MRS Insert ear drops . . . (number) times daily.

MRT Insert antiseptic eye drops . . . (number) times daily.

MRU Insert anesthetic eye drops . . . (number) times daily.

MRV Bathe eye frequently with hot water.

MRW Give frequent gargles one teaspoonful of salt in a tumblerful of water.

MRX Give enema.

MRY Do not give enema or laxative.

MRZ Was the result of the enema satisfactory?

MSA Give rectal saline slowly to replace fluid loss.

MSB Give subcutaneous saline to replace fluid loss.

MSC Apply well-padded splint(s) to immobilize limb. Watch circulation by inspection of color of

fingers or toes.

MSD Apply cotton wool to armpit and bandage arm to side.

MSF Apply a sling and/or rest the part.

MSG Give light movements and massage daily.

MSJ Place patient in hot bath.

MSK To induce sleep give two sedative tablets.

MSL Reduce temperature of patient as indicated in general nursing chapter of Medical Guide.

MSM The swelling should be incised and drained.

MSN Dress wound with sterile gauze, cotton wool, and bandage.

MSO Dress wound with sterile gauze, cotton wool, and apply well-padded splint.

MSP Apply burn and wound dressing and bandage lightly.

MSQ Dress wound and bring edges together with adhesive plaster.

MSR The wound should be stitched.
SECTION 3.—MEDICAL ADVICE

Code Meaning 

TREATMENT BY MEDICAMENTS

MST The wound should not be stitched.

MSU Stop bleeding by applying more cotton wool, firm bandaging, and elevation of the limb.

MSV Stop bleeding by manual pressure.

MSW Apply tourniquet for not more than fifteen minutes.

MSX Induce vomiting by giving an emetic.

MSY You should pass a stomach tube.

MSZ Do not try to empty stomach by any method.

Prescribing

MTD You should give . . . (Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 134 and 135).

MTE You must not give . . . (Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Page 134 and 135).

Method of Administration and Dose

MTF You should give one tablespoon (15 ml or 1/2 oz.).

MTG You should give one dessertspoonful (7.5 ml or 1/4 oz.).

MTH You should give one teaspoonful (4 ml or 1 drachm).

MTI You should give by mouth . . . (number) tablets/capsules.

MTJ You should give a tumblerful of water with each dose.

MTK You should give by intramuscular injection . . . (number) milligrams.

MTL You should give by subcutaneous injection . . . (number) milligrams.

MTM You should give by intramuscular injection . . . (number) ampoule(s).

MTN You should give by subcutaneous injection . . . (number) ampoule(s).

Frequency of Dose

MTO You should give once only.

MTP You should repeat after . . . (number) hours.

MTQ You should repeat every . . . (number) hours.

MTR You should continue for . . . (number) hours.
128

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

Cross

Code Meaning Referen

DIET

CHILDBIRTH

Frequency of External Application

MTT You should apply once only.

MTU You should apply every . . . (number) hours.

MTV You should cease to apply.

MTW You should apply for . . . (number) minutes.

MUA Give nothing by mouth.

MUB Give water very freely.

MUC Give water only in small quantities.

MUD Give water only as much as possible without causing the patient to vomit.

MUE Give ice to suck.

MUF Give fluid diet, milk, fruit, juices, tea, mineral water.

MUG Give light diet such as vegetable soup, steamed fish, stewed fruit, milk puddings, or equivalent.

MUH Give normal diet as tolerated.

MUI Has she had previous children?

MUJ How many months pregnant is she?

MUK When did labor pains start?

Give enema. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MR

MUL Encourage her to rest between pains.

MUM Encourage her to strain down during pains.

MUN What is the frequency of pains (indicate in minutes).

To induce sleep give two sedative tablets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MS

MUO Patient should strain down and you exert steady but gentle pressure on lower part of the abdomen but not on the womb to help expulsion of the placenta.

MUP You should apply tight wide binder around lower part of abdomen and hips.

MUQ You should apply artificial respiration gently by mouth technique on infant.
SECTION 3.—MEDICAL ADVICE

Code Meaning 

VACCINATION AGAINST SMALLPOX

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

MUR Has the patient been successfully vaccinated?

MUS Has the patient been vaccinated during the past three years?

MUT Patient has never been successfully vaccinated against smallpox.

MUU Patient was last vaccinated . . . (indicate date).

MUV Patient has vaccination marks.

MVA I consider the case serious and urgent.

MVB I do not consider the case serious or urgent.

MVC Put patient to bed lying down at absolute rest.

MVD Put patient to bed sitting up.

MVE Raise head of bed.

MVF Raise foot of bed.

MVG Keep patient warm.

MVH Keep patient cool.

MVI You should continue your local treatment.

MVJ You should continue your special treatment.

MVK You should continue giving . . . (Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Pages 134 and 135).

MVL You should suspend your local treatment.

MVM You should suspend your special treatment.

MVN You should cease giving . . . (Table M-3 in Chapter 3, Section 4, Pages 134 and 135).

MVO You should isolate the patient and disinfect his cabin.

MVP You should land your patient at the earliest opportunity.

MVQ Patient should be seen by a doctor when next in port.

MVR I will arrange for hospital admission.

MVS I think I should come on board and examine the case.

MVT No treatment advised.

MVU Refer back to me in . . . (number) hours or before if patient worsens.
130

CHAPTER 3

SECTION 4: TABLES OF COMPLEMENTS

TABLE M-1—REGIONS OF THE BODY

Side of body or limb affected should be clearly indicated—right, left

FIGURE 1 (Front)

1. Frontal region of head 13. Arm upper 25. Scrotum

2. Side of head 14. Forearm 26. Testicles

3. Top of head 15. Wrist 27. Penis

4. Face 16. Palm of hand 28. Upper thigh

5. Jaw 17. Fingers 29. Middle thigh

6. Neck front 18. Thumb 30. Lower thigh

7. Shoulder 19. Central upper abdomen 31. Knee

8. Clavicle 20. Central lower abdomen 32. Patella

*9.

* Indicate side as required.

Chest *21. Upper abdomen 33. Front of leg

10. Chest, mid *22. Lower abdomen 34. Ankle

11. Heart *23. Lateral abdomen 35. Foot

12. Armpit *24. Groin 36. Toes

FIGURE 2 (Back)

37. Back of head 44. Back of hand 51. Buttock

38. Back of neck *45. Lower chest region 52. Anus

39. Back of shoulder 46. Spinal column upper 53. Back of thigh

40. Scapula region 47. Spinal column middle 54. Back of knee

41. Elbow 48. Spinal column lower 55. Calf

42. Back upper arm *49. Lumbar (kidney) region 56. Heel

43. Back lower arm 50. Sacral region

OTHER ORGANS OF THE BODY

57. Artery 69. Lip, lower 81. Tongue

58. Bladder 70. Lip, upper 82. Tonsils

59. Brain 71. Liver 83. Tooth, teeth

60. Breast 72. Lungs 84. Urethra

61. Ear(s) 73. Mouth 85. Uterus, womb

62. Eye(s) 74. Nose 86. Vein

63. Eyelid(s) 75. Pancreas 87. Voice box (larynx)

64. Gall bladder 76. Prostate 88. Whole abdomen

65. Gullet (esophagus) 77. Rib(s) 89. Whole arm

66. Gums 78. Spleen 90. Whole back

67. Intestine 79. Stomach 91. Whole chest

68. Kidney 80. Throat 92. Whole leg
SECTION 4.—TABLES OF COMPLEMENTS

FIGURE 1
132

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

FIGURE 2
SECTION 4.—TABLES OF COMPLEMENTS

TABLE M-2—LIST OF COMMON DISEASES

1. Abscess

2. Alcoholism

3. Allergic reaction

4. Amoebic dysentery

5. Angina pectoris

6. Anthrax

7. Apoplexy (stroke)

8. Appendicitis

9. Asthma

10. Bacillary dysentery

11. Boils

12. Bronchitis (acute)

13. Bronchitis (chronic)

14. Brucellosis

15. Carbuncle

16. Cellulitis

17. Chancroid

18. Chicken pox

19. Cholera

20. Cirrhosis of the liver

21. Concussion

22. Compression of brain

23. Congestive heart failure

24. Constipation

25. Coronary thrombosis

26. Cystitis (bladder

inflammation)

27. Dengue

28. Diabetes

29. Diabetic coma

30. Diptheria

31. Drug reaction

32. Duodenal ulcer

33. Eczema

34. Erysipelas

35. Fits

36. Gangrene

37. Gastric ulcer

38. Gastroenteritis

39. Gonorrhea

40. Gout

41. Heat cramps

42. Heat exhaustion

43. Heat stroke

44. Hepatitis

45. Hernia

46. Hernia (irreducible)

47. Hernia (strangulated)

48. Immersion foot

49. Impetigo

50. Insulin overdose

51. Indigestion

52. Influenza

53. Intestinal obstruction

54. Kidney stone (renal colic)

55. Laryngitis

56. Malaria

57. Measles

58. Meningitis

59. Mental illness

60. Migraine

61. Mumps

62. Orchitis

63. Peritonitis

64. Phlebitis

65. Piles

66. Plague

67. Pleurisy

68. Pneumonia

69. Poisoning (corro

70. Poisoning (nonc

71. Poisoning (barb

72. Poisoning (meth

73. Poisoning (gase

74. Poliomyelitis

75. Prolapsed interv

 disc (slipped di

76. Pulmonary tube

77. Quinsy

78. Rheumatism

79. Rheumatic feve

80. Scarlet fever

81. Sciatica

82. Shingles (herpe

83. Sinusitis

84. Shock

85. Smallpox

86. Syphilis

87. Tetanus

88. Tonsillitis

89. Typhoid

90. Typhus

91. Urethritis

92. Urticaria (nettle 

93. Whooping coug

94. Yellow fever
134

CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

TABLE M-3—LIST OF MEDICAMENTS*

FOR EXTERNAL USE

1. Auristillae Glyceris

Glycerin ear drops

EAR DROPS

2. Guttae Sulfacetamidi

Sulfacetamide eye drops

ANTISEPTIC EYE DROPS

3. Guttae Tetracainae

Tetracaine eye drops

ANAESTHETIC EYE DROPS

4. Linimentum Methylis Salicylatis

Methyl salicylate liniment

SALICYLATE LINIMENT

5. Lotio Calaminae

Calamine Lotion

CALAMINE LOTION

6. Lotio Cetrimidi

Cetrimide lotion

ANTISEPTIC LOTION

7. Naristillae Ephedrine

Norephedrine hydrochloride drops

NASAL DROPS

8. Paraffinum Molle Flavum

Yellow soft paraffin

SOFT PARAFFIN

9. Paraffinum Molle Flavum Carbasi Absorbentis

Tulle gras dressing (Paraffin gauze)

BURN/WOUND DRESSING

10. Unguentum Bacitracini

Bacitracin ointment

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT

11. Unguentum Benzocaini Compositum

Compund benzocaine ointment

PILE OINTMENT

12. Unguentum Xylocaini Hydrochloridi

Mylocaine ointment

LOCAL ANAESTHETIC OINTMENT

FOR INTERNAL USE

Allergic Conditions

13. Compressi Promethazini Hydrochloridi

Promethazine hydrochloride tablets

ANTIHISTAMINE TABLETS

(25 mg per tablet)

14. Injectic Adrenalini

Adrenaline injection

ADRENALINE (1 mg in “Ampins”)

CAUTION: THIS INJECTION NO. 14 TO BE USED ONLY

ON MEDICAL ADVICE BY RADIO EXCEPT IN

CASE OF ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK DUE TO

PENICILLIN INJECTION.

Antibiotics

15. Capsulae Tetracyclini Hydrochloridi

Tetracycline hydrochloride capsules

TETRACYCLINE CAPSULES

(250 mg per capsule)

16. Compressi Phenoxymethylpenicillini

Phenoxymethylpenicillin

PENICILLIN TABLETS

(125 mg per tablet)

17. Compressi Sulfadimidini

Sulfadimidine tablets

SULFONAMIDE TABLETS

(500 mg per tablet)

18. Injectio Benzylpenicillini

Procaine penicillin G

PENICILLIN INJECTION

(600,000 units per ampoule)

19. Injectio Streptomycini Sulfatis

Streptomycin sulfate injection

STREPTOMYCIN INJECTION

(1,000 mg per ampoule)

20. Injectio Tetracyclini hydrochloridi

Tetracycline hydrochloride

TETRACYCLINE INJECTION

(100 mg per ampoule)

* Preparations listed may have been substituted by equivalent preparations in the ship’s medicine chest. For the sake

of uniformity, medicaments are indicated in the first place by their Latin denominations so that a correct translation can be found in each language.
SECTION 4.—TABLES OF COMPLEMENTS

Asthma

21. Compressi Aminophyllini

Aminophylline tablets

ASTHMA RELIEF TABLETS

(300 mg per tablet)

CAUTION: THIS TABLET NO. 21 TO BE USED ONLY

ON MEDICAL ADVICE BY RADIO.

22. Compressi Ephedrini Hydrochloridi

Ephedrine Hydrochloride tablets

EPHEDRINE TABLETS

(30 mg per tablet)

23. Tinctura Benzoini Composita

Tincture of benzoin compound

INHALATION MIXTURE

Cough

24. Compressi Codeini Phosphatis

Codein phosphate tablets

CODEIN TABLETS

(15 mg per tablet)

25. Linctus Scillae Opiata

Linctus of squill, opiate

COUGH LINCTUS

Diarrhea

26. Mistura Kaolini et Morphinae

Kaolin and morphine mixture

DIARRHEA MIXTURE

Heart

27. Compressi Glycerylis Trinitratis

Glycerin Trinitrate tablets

HEART TABLETS

(0.5 mg per tablet)

NOTE: For congestive heart failure the following preparations are available on board ship, but they should be

used only on medical advice transmitted in plain language and not by Code:

Compressi Chlorothiazidi (Chlorothiazide) or equivalent (500 mg per tablet)

Compressi Digoxin (Digoxin tablets) or equivalent

(0.25 mg per tablet)

Indigestion

28. Compressi Magnesii Trisilicas

Magnesium trisilicate

STOMACH TABLETS

Laxatives

29. Compressi Colocynthidis et Jalapae Compositae

Counpound Colocynth and Jalap tablets

VEGETABLE LAXATIVE TABLETS

30. Magnesii Hydroxidum

Magnesium hydroxide mixture

LIQUID LAXATIVE—"Milk of Magne

Malaria

31. Compressi Chloroquini Sulfatis

Chloroquine sulfate tablets

MALARIA TABLETS

(200 mg per tablet)

Pain

32. Compressi Acidi Acetylasalicylici

Acetylsalicylic acid tablets

ASPIRIN TABLETS

(300 mg per tablet)

33. Injectio Morphini

Morphine sulfate injection

MORPHINE INJECTION

(15 mg per ampoule)

Sedation

34. Compressi Butobarbitali

Butobarbitone tablets

SEDATIVE TABLETS

(100 mg per tablet)

35. Compressi Phenobarbitali

Phenobarbitone tablets

PHENOBARBITONE TABLETS

(30 mg per tablet)

36. Compressi Chlorpromazini Hydrochlorid

Chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets

TRANQUILLIZER TABLETS (LARGA

(50 mg per tablet)

CAUTION: THIS TABLET NO. 36 TO BE U

ON MEDICAL ADVICE BY RADIO.

Salt Depletion or Heat Cram

37. Compressi Natrii Chloridi Solv

Sodium chloride tablets

SALT TABLETS

(500 mg per tablet)

Seasickness

38. Compressi Hyoscini Hydrobromidi

Hysocine Hydrobromide tablets

SEASICKNESS TABLETS

(0.3 mg per tablet)
CHAPTER

PA

CHAPTER 4

DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND

RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

SECTION 1: DISTRESS SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SECTION 2: TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SECTION 3: RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CHAPTER 4

SECTION 1: DISTRESS SIGNALS

(PRESCRIBED BY THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTI

COLLISIONS AT SEA 1972)

To be used or displayed, either together or separately, by a vessel (or seaplane on the water) in distress requiring as

other vessels or from the shore.

1. A gun or other explosive signal fire at intervals of about a minute.

2. A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus.

3. Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals.

4. A signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signaling method consisting of the group • • • – – – • • • 

Morse Code.

5. A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word “MAYDAY”.

6. The International Code Signal of distress indicated by NC.

7. A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

8. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.).

9. A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light.

10. A smoke signal giving off a volume of orange-colored smoke.

11. Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side.

12. The radiotelegraph alarm signal.*

13. The radiotelephone alarm signal.**

14. Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating beacons.***

NOTES: (a) Vessels in distress may use the radiotelegraph alarm signal or the radiotelephone alarm signal to sec

to distress calls and messages. The radiotelegraph alarm signal, which is designed to actuate the radiote

alarms of vessels so fitted, consists of a series of twelve dashes, sent in 1 minute, the duration of each dash 

onds and the duration of the interval between 2 consecutive dashes being 1 second. The radiotelephone alar

sists of 2 tones transmitted alternately over periods of from 30 seconds to 1 minute.

(b)The use of any of the foregoing signals, except for the purpose of indicating that a vessel or seaplane 

and the use of any signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited.

(c)Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual and the follo

(i.) a piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symb

fication from the air);

(ii.) a dye marker.

* A series of twelve four second dashes at intervals of one second.

** Two audio tones transmitted alternately at frequency of 2200 Hz and 1300 Hz for a duration of 30 second

minute.

*** Either the signal described in ** above or a series of single tones at a frequency of 1300 Hz.
140

CHAPTER 4

SECTION 2: TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

I LANDING SIGNALS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF SMALL BOATS WITH CREWS OR

PERSONS IN DISTRESS

MANUAL SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS OTHER SIGNALS SIGNIFICATION

Day

Signals

Vertical motion of a white flag or of the

arms

or firing of a green star signal

or code letter K given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

This is the best place to lan

Night

Signals

Vertical motion of a white light or flare or firing of a green star signal

or code letter K given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

A range (indication of direction) may be given by placing a steady white light or flare at a lower level and in line with the observer

Day

Signals

Horizontal motion of a white flag or of

the arms extended horizontally or firing of a red star signal

or code letter S given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

Landing here highly dang

ous

Night

Signals

Horizontal motion of a light or flare or firing of a red star signal

or code letter S given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

Day

Signals

1 Horizontal motion of a white flag, followed by

2 the placing of the white flag in the

ground and

3 by the carrying of another white flag in

the direction to be indicated

1 or firing of a red star signal vertically and

2 a white star signal in the direction

towards the better landing place

1 or signalling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter R (. _ .) if

a better landing place for the craft in

distress is located more to the right

in the direction of approach

2 or signaling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter L (. _ ..)

if a better landing place for the craft

in distress is located more to the left

in the direction of approach Landing here highly dang

ous. A more favorable loca

tion for landing is in the

direction indicated

Night

Signals

1 Horizontal motion of a white

light or flare

2 followed by the placing of the white

light or flare on the ground and

3 the carrying of another white light or

flare in the direction to be indicated

1 or firing of a red star signal vertically and a

2 white star signal in the direction

towards the better landing place

1 or signalling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter R (. _.) if

a better landing place for the craft in

distress is located more to the right

in the direction of approach

2 or signaling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter L (. _ ..)

if a better landing place for the craft

in distress is located more to the left

in the direction of approach
SECTION 2.—TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

II SIGNALS TO BE EMPLOYED IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF SHO

LIFESAVING APPARATUS

III REPLIES FROM LIFESAVING STATIONS OR MARITIME RESCUE UNI

TO DISTRESS SIGNALS MADE BY A SHIP OR PERSON

MANUAL SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS OTHER SIGNALS SIGNIFICATION

Day

Signals

Vertical motion of a white flag

or of the arms

or firing of a green star signal In general: affirmative

Specifically: rocket line is

held — tail block is made fast

— hawser is made fast —

man is in the breeches buoy

— haul away

Night

Signals

Vertical motion of a white light

or flare or firing of a green star signal

Day

Signals

Horizontal motion of a white

flag or of the arms extended

horizontally

or firing of a red star signal

In general: negative

Specifically: slack away -

avast hauling Night

Signals

Horizontal motion of a white

light or flare or firing of a red star signal

Day

Signals

Orange smoke signal

or combined light and sound

signal (thunder-light) consisting of 3 single signals which

are fired at intervals of approximately one minute

You are seen - assistance will

be given as soon as possible

(Repetition of such signal shall

have the same meaning)

Night

Signals

White star rocket consisting of

3 single signals which are fired

at intervals of approximately

one minute

If necessary, the day signals may be given at night or the night signals by day
142

CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

IV AIR-TO-SURFACE VISUAL SIGNALS

Signals used by aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations to direct ships towards an aircraft, ship or person in distress

PROCEDURES PERFORMED IN SEQUENCE BY AN AIRCRAFT SIGNIFICATION

1 CIRCLE the vessel at least once. 2 CROSS the vessel’s projected

course close AHEAD at a low altitude while ROCKING the wings.

(See Note)

3 HEAD in the direction in which

the vessel is to be directed.

The aircraft is directing a vessel

towards an aircraft or vessel in

distress

(Repetition of such signals shall

have the same meaning)

4 CROSS the vessel’s wake close ASTERN at low altitude while ROCKING the wings. (See Note)

NOTE - Opening and closing the throttle or changing the propeller pitch may also be practiced as an alternative means

of attracting attention to that of rocking the wings. However, this form of sound signal may be less effective than the

visual signal of rocking the wings owing to high noise level on board the vessel.

The assistance of the vessel is no

longer required

(Repetition of such signals shall

have the same meaning)

Signals used by a vessel in response to an aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations SIGNIFICATION

Hoist “Code and Answering” pendant Close up; orChange the heading to the required

direction; or

Flash Morse Code signal “T” by signal lamp.

Acknowledges receipt of aircraft’s signal

Hoist international flag “N”

(NOVEMBER); or

Flash Morse Code signal “N” by signal lamp.

Indicates inability to comply
SECTION 2.—TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

V SURFACE-TO-AIR VISUAL SIGNALS

Communication from surface craft or survivors to an aircraft

Use International Code of Signals

or plain language by use of a

torch, signalling lamps or signal

flags.

or

Use the following surface-to-air visual

signals by displaying the appropriate

signal on the deck or on the ground.

Message International Code of

Signals

ICAO* visual symbols

- Require assistance V V

- Require medical assistance W X

- No or negative N N

- Yes or affirmative C Y

- Proceeding in this direction ↑

* ICAO annex 12 — Search and rescue

Reply from an aircraft observing the above signals from surface craft or survivors SIGNIFICAT

Drop a message or

Rock the wings (during

daylight) or

Flash the landing lights

or navigation lights on

and off twice (during

hours of darkness) or

Flash Morse Code signal “T” or “R” by light

or

Use any other suitable

signal

Message underst

Fly straight and level

without rocking wings

or

Flash Morse Code Signal “RPT” by light or

Use any other suitable

signal

Message not und

stood (repeat)
144

CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

VI SIGNALS TO SURVIVORS

Procedures performed by an aircraft SIGNIFICATION

Drop a message or

Drop communication

equipment suitable for

establishing direct contact

The aircraft wishes to

inform or instruct survivors

* High visibility colored streamer

Signals used by survivors in response to a message dropped by an aircraft SIGNIFICATION

Flash Morse Code signal “T” or “R” by light

or

Use any other suitable

signal

Dropped messages is

understood by the

survivors

Flash Morse Code signal “RPT” by light

Dropped messages is

not understood by the

survivors
SECTION 2.—TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

“CONFLICT AND PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION OF RESCUE CRAFT” 

Shape, color, and positioning of emblem for medical transports

1. The following emblems can be used separately or together to show that a vessel is protected as a medical transp

Geneva Convention:

2. The emblem, positioned on the vessel’s sides, bow, stern, and deck, shall be painted dark red on a white backg

a. On the vessel’s sides the emblem shall extend from the waterline to the top of the ship’s hull.

b. The emblems on the vessel’s bow and stern must, if necessary, be painted on a wooden structure so as to be c

to other vessels ahead or astern.

c. The deck emblem must be as clear of the vessel’s equipment as possible to be clearly visible from aircraft

3. In order to provide the desired contrast for infrared film or instruments, the red emblem must be painted on t

primer paint.

4. Emblems may also be made of materials which make them recognizable by technical means of detecting.

Illumination

1. At night and in restricted visibility the emblems shall be illuminated or lit.

2. At night and in restricted visibility all deck and overside lights must be fully lit to indicate that the vessel is eng

ical operations.

Personal equipment

1. Subject to the instructions of the competent authority, medical and religious personnel carrying out their dutie

area shall, as far as possible, wear headgear and clothing bearing the distinctive emblem.

Flashing blue light for medical transports

1. A vessel engaged in medical operations shall exhibit one or more all-around flashing blue lights of the color 

paragraph 4.

2. The visibility of the lights shall be as high as possible and not less than 3 nautical miles in accordance with A

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.

3. The light or lights shall be exhibited as high above the hull as practical and in such a way that at least one light sh

from any direction.

4. The recommended blue color is obtained by using, as trichromatic co-ordinates:

5. The frequency of the flashing light shall be between 60 and 100 flashes per minute.

Radar transponders

1. It should be possible for medical transports to be identified by other vessels equipped with radar by signals from 

* In accordance with Article 27 of the Second Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949, this chapter also app

coastal rescue craft.

green boundary y = 0.065+0.805x

white boundary y = 0.400-x

purple boundary x = 0.133+0.600y
146

CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

sponder fitted on the medical transport.

2. The signal from the medical transport transponder shall consist of the group YYY, in accordance with article 40 of the R

Regulations, followed by the call sign or other recognized means of identification.

Underwater acoustic signals

1. It should be possible for medical transports to be identified by submarines by appropriate underwater signals transmitte

the medical transports.

2. The underwater signal shall consist of the call sign of the ship preceded by the single group YYY transmitted in Morse o

appropriate acoustic frequency, e.g., 5 kHz.

Rescue craft carried by medical transports

1. Every rescue craft should be equipped with a mast on which a Red Cross flag measuring about 2 x 2 meters can be hois

Flashing blue light for medical aircraft

1. The light signal, consisting of a flashing blue light, is established for the use of medical aircraft to signal their identity

other aircraft shall use this signal. The recommended flashing rate of the blue light is between sixty and one hundred fla

per minute.

2. Medical aircraft should be equipped with such lights as may be necessary to make the light signal visible in as many direct

as possible.
CHAPTER 4

SECTION 3: RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

RECEPTION OF SAFETY MESSAGES

Any message which you hear prefixed by one of the following words concerns SAFE

If you hear these words, pay particular attention to the message and call the master or the officer on watch.

DISTRESS TRANSMITTING PROCEDURES

To be used only if IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE is required:

USE PLAIN LANGUAGE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. If language difficulties are likely to arise use Tables 2 a

149, sending the word INTERCO to indicate that the message will be in the International Code of Signals.

Call out letters as in Table 1 on Page 148. Call out numbers figure by figure as in Table 1.

To indicate DISTRESS:

1. If possible transmit the ALARM SIGNAL (i.e., two-tone signal) for 30 seconds to one minute, but do not delay 

if there is insufficient time in which to transmit the Alarm Signal.

2. Send the following DISTRESS CALL:

Mayday Mayday Mayday. This is . . . (name or call sign of ship spoken three times).

3. Then send the DISTRESS MESSAGE composed of:

Mayday followed by the name or call sign of ship;

Position of ship;

Nature of distress;

And, if necessary, transmit the nature of the aid required and any other information which will help the rescue.

EXAMPLES OF DISTRESS PROCEDURE

1. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday Mayday. This is... (

spoken three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1, on Page 148) Mayday... (name or cal

Position 54 25 North 016 33 West I am on fire and require immediate assistance.

2. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday Mayday . . . (name o

three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1) Mayday... (name or call sign of ship) Interco 

ero Unaone Pantafive Ushant Romeo Kartefour Nadazero Delta X-ray. “(Ship) in Distress Position 015 Degre

miles I am sinking.”

3. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday Mayday . . . (name o

three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1) Mayday . . . (name or call sign of ship) Inter

tafive Kartefour Bissotwo Pantafive November Golf Nadazero Unaone Soxisix Terrathree Terrathree Whiskey C

Soxisix. “(Ship) in Distress Position Latitude 54 25 North Longitude 016 33 West I require immediate assistance 

MAYDAY

(Distress)

Indicates that a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle is threatened by grave and

imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.

PAN

(Urgency)

Indicates that the calling station has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, or the safety of a person

SECURITE

(Safety)

Indicates that the station is about to transmit a message concerning the safety

of navigation or giving important meteorological warnings.
148

CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

TABLE 1

PHONETIC ALPHABET AND FIGURE SPELLING TABLES

(May be used when transmitting plain language or code.)

Letter Word Pronounced as Letter Word Pronounced as

A Alfa AL FAH N November NO VEM BER

B Bravo BRAH VOH O Oscar OSS CAH

C Charlie CHAR LEE or P Papa PAH PAH

SHAR LEE Q Quebec KEH BECK

D Delta DELL TAH R Romeo ROW ME OH

E Echo ECK OH S Sierra SEE AIR RAH

F Foxtrot FOKS TROT T Tango TANG GO

G Golf GOLF U Uniform YOU NEE FORM or

H Hotel HOH TELL OO NEE FORM

I India IN DEE AH V Victor VIK TAH

J Juliett JEW LEE ETT W Whiskey WISS KEY

K Kilo KEY LOH X X-ray ECKS RAY

L Lima LEE MAH Y Yankee YANG KEY

M Mike MIKE Z Zulu ZOO LOO

NOTE: The syllables to be emphasized are boldfaced.

Figure or

Mark to be

Transmitted

Word Pronounced as

Figure or

Mark to be

Transmitted

Word Pronounced as

0 NADAZERO NAH-DAH-ZAY-ROH 6 SOXISIX SOK-SEE-SIX

1 UNAONE OO-NAH-WUN 7 SETTESEVEN SAY-TAYSEVEN

2 BISSOTWO BEES-SOH-TOO 8 OKTOEIGHT OK-TOH-AIT

3 TERRATHREE TAY-RAH-TREE 9 NOVENINE NO-VAYNINER

4 KARTEFOUR KAR-TAY-FOWER Decimal

point

DECIMAL DAY-SEE-MAL

5 PANTAFIVE PAN-TAH-FIVE Full stop STOP STOP

NOTE: Each syllable should be equally emphasized.
SECTION 3.—RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

TABLE 2

Position in Code

(1) By Bearing and Distance from a Landmark

Code letter A (Alfa) followed by a three-figure group for ship’s

TRUE bearing from landmark;

Name of landmark:

Code letter R (Romeo) followed by one or more figures for distance in nautical miles.

or

(2) By Latitude and Longitude

Latitude

Code letter L (Lima) followed by a four-figure group; (2 figures

for Degrees, 2 figures for Minutes) and either—N (November)

for Latitude North, or S (Sierra) for Latitude South.

Longitude

Code letter G (Golf) followed by a five-figure group; (3 figures

for Degrees, 2 figures for Minutes) and either—E (Echo) for

Longitude East, or W (Whiskey) for Longitude West.

TABLE 3

Nature of Distress in Code

Code

Letters

Words to be

transmitted Text of Signal

AE Alfa Echo I must abandon my vessel.

BF Bravo Foxtrot Aircraft is ditched in position indicated and

requires immediate assistance.

CB Charlie Bravo I require immediate assistance.

CB6 Charlie Bravo

Soxisix

I require immediate assistance, I am on fire.

DX Delta X-ray I am sinking.

HW Hotel Whiskey I have collided with surface craft.

Answer to Ship in Distress

CP Charlie Papa I am proceeding to your assistance.

ED Echo Delta Your distress signals are understood.

EL Echo Lima Repeat the distress position.

NOTE: A more comprehensive list of signals may be found in Chapter 2.
APPENDIX

US/RUSSIA SUPPLEMENTARY SIGNALS FOR NAVAL VESSELS

IR 1 I am engaged in oceanographic operations.

IR 2 I am streaming/towing hydrographic survey equipment . . . . meters astern.

IR 3 I am recovering hydrographic survey equipment.

IR 4 I am conducting salvage operations.

JH 1 I am attempting to retract a grounded vessel.

MH 1 Request you not to cross my course ahead of me.

NB 1 I have my unattached hydrographic survey equipment bearing in a direction from me as indicated. . . . (Table 3 of IC

PJ 1 I am unable to alter course to my starboard.

PJ 2 I am unable to alter course to my port.

PJ 3 Caution, I have a steering casualty.

PP 8 Dangerous operations in progress. Request you remain clear of the hazard which is in the direction from me as indicat

. . . (Table 3 of ICS).

QF 1 Caution, I have stopped engines.

QS 6 I am proceeding to anchorage on course. . . .

QV 2 I am in a fixed multiple leg moor using two or more anchors or buoys fore and aft. Request you remain clear.

QV 3 I am anchored in deep water with hydrographic survey equipment streamed.

RT 2 I intend to pass you on your port side.

RT 3 I intend to pass you on your starboard side.

RT 4 I will overtake you on your port side.

RT 5 I will overtake you on your starboard side.

RT 6 I am/Formation is maneuvering. Request you remain clear of the hazard which is in the direction from me as indicate

. . (Table 3 of ICS).

RT 7 I shall approach your ship on starboard side to a distance of. . . . 100’s of meters (yards).

RT 8 I shall approach your ship on port side to a distance of. . . . 100’s of meters (yards).

RT 9 I shall cross astern at a distance of. . . . 100’s of meters (yards).

RU 2 I am beginning a port turn in approximately. . . . minutes.

RU 3 I am beginning a starboard turn in approximately. . . . minutes.

RU 4 The formation is preparing to alter course to port.

RU 5 The formation is preparing to alter course to starboard.

RU 6 I am engaged in maneuvering exercises. It is dangerous to be inside the formation.

RU 7 I am preparing to submerge.

RU 8 A submarine will surface within two miles of me within 30 minutes. Request you remain clear.

TX 1 I am engaged in fisheries patrol.

SL 2 Request your course, speed, and passing intention.

UY 1 I am preparing to launch/recover aircraft on course. . . .

UY 2 I am preparing to conduct missile exercises. Request you remain clear of the hazard which is in the direction from me 

indicated. . . . (Table 3 of ICS).

UY 3 I am preparing to conduct gunnery exercises. Request you remain clear of the hazard which is in the direction from m

as indicated. . . . (Table 3 of ICS).

UY 4 I am preparing to conduct/am conducting operations employing explosive charges.

UY 5 I am maneuvering in preparation for torpedo launching exercises. Request you remain clear of the hazard which is in 

direction from me as indicated . . . . (Table 3 of ICS).

UY 6 I am preparing to conduct/am conducting underway replenishment on course. . . . Request you remain clear.

UY 7 I am preparing to conduct extensive small boat and ship to shore amphibious training operations.

UY 8 I am maneuvering to launch/recover landing craft/boats.

UY 9 I am preparing to conduct/am conducting helicopter operations over my stern.

UY 10 I am testing my gun systems.

UY 11 I am testing my missile systems.

UY 12 I am preparing to conduct/am conducting gunnery/bombing exercises from aircraft on a towed target. Request you

remain clear of the hazard which is in the direction from me as indicated . . . (Table 3 of ICS).

ZL 1 I have received and understood you message.

ZL 2 Do you understand? Request acknowledgment.
152

Special Warning Signals.—The following signals are used by Russian naval vessels to warn foreign vessels that they h

violated Regulations for entry, navigating and stopping in Russian Territorial Waters (Territorial Sea) or Russian 

land Waters:

By day these signals will be made by flags of the International Code of Signals. By night they will be in Morse Code by si

lamp. In addition, the signals may be transmitted by RT in plain language on 500 kHz, 2182 kHz and 156.8 MHz, as well a

voice using megaphone or any other amplifying device.

Warning signals to foreign submarines which are submerged:

The signal of two series of explosions with three explosions in each series (where the interval between the explosions 

series is one minute and the interval between the series is three minutes), means: You are in Russian waters. I demand that 

surface immediately. Unless you comply with this order within 10 minutes, a force of arms will be used against you.

An acoustic signal by sonar may be given simultaneously, with the same meaning as described above. The signal will con

of five dashes, each dash three seconds long, interval between dashes, three seconds.

SNG You have violated the Russian borders. I demand that you

leave Russian waters immediately.

SNO I demand that you leave Russian waters immediately.

Unless you do so, a force of arms will be used against you.

SNP You are violating the regulations for navigating and remaining in Russian waters. I demand that you cease violations.

SNR Despite warnings, you continue to violate the regulations

for navigating and remaining in Russian waters. You are to

leave them immediately.
INDEXES

Page

Signaling Instructions and General Signal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Medical Signal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
INDEX

MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE

(Numbers Refer to Pages)

A

Abscess, 113

Accidents, 114–115

Administration and dose method, 127

Alcohol, 119

Animal bite, 115

Answer to questions, 125

B

Bedsores, 119

Bleeding, general symptoms, 113

particular symptoms, 114

Body organs, other, 130

regions, 130–132

Bowels, general symptoms, 113

Breathing, 111

Buboes, 120

Burn, 115

C

Catheter, 118

Childbirth answers, 123

questions, 128

Circulatory system diseases, 119

Complements tables, 130133–135

Concussion, 114

Consciousness, 111

Contusion, 114

Corrosive swallowed, 115

thrown on patient, 115

Cough, diseases of respiratory system,

116

general symptoms, 112

Cramp pains, 117

D

Delirium tremens, 119

Delusions, 119

Diagnosis, 125

Diarrhea, 116

Diet, 128

Digestive system diseases, 116

Diseases, list of common, 133

localization of symptoms, 110

Dislocation, 114

Doctors instructions, 107

Dose administration and method, 127

frequency, 127

E

Ear diseases, 121

External application frequency, 128

Eye diseases, 121

F

Flatulence, 117

Fractures, 114

G

Gangrene, 115

General medical advice, 125

instructions, 107

symptoms, 110–116

Genitourinary system diseases, 118

Giddiness, 119

H

Headache, 118

Health, previous, 110

Heart and circulatory system

diseases, 119

Hemorrhoids, 117

Hernia, 117

Hiccough, 117

Hospital admission, 109

I

Illness, miscellaneous, 122

Infectious and parasitic diseases, 120

Injuries, 114–115

localization of symptoms, 110

Instructions to doctors, 107

masters, 107

Isolation, 120

J

Joints diseases, 122

L

Localization of symptom

injuries, 110

M

Masters instructions, 107

Medical advice, 125–129

additional informat

125

assistance request, 1

Medicaments list, externa

internal use, 134–13

Mental diseases, 118

state, 111

Miscellaneous illness, 12

Muscles and joints diseas

N

Nausea, 117

Nervous system and me

118

Nose and throat diseases

P

Pain, diseases of heart an

system, 119

general symptoms, 1

Parasitic diseases, infecti

Patient description, 109

Poisoning, 115

Poisons, 115

Port, nearest, 109

Prescribing medicaments

Progress report, 123

Pulse, diseases of heart an

system, 120

general symptoms, 1
INDEX

R

Rash, general symptoms, 113

infectious and parasitic diseases,

120

Rendezvous, 109

Reply to questions, 125

Respiratory system diseases, 116

S

Skin diseases, 122

Sleep, unable to, 112

Snake bite, 115

Special treatment, 125

Sputum, 116

Stool, 116

Suicide, 114

Sweating, 111

Swelling, 113

Symptoms, particular, 114–115

T

Table M-1, regions of body, 130

M-2, list of common diseases, 133

M-3, list of medicaments, 134–

135

Temperature, 110

Throat diseases, 115

Treatment by medicaments, 127

U

Urine, diseases of genitourinary system, 118

general symptoms, 1

V

Vaccination, infectious 

diseases, 121

smallpox, 129

Venereal diseases, 121

Vomiting, diseases of d

tem, 117

general symptoms, 1

W

Wind, anus has not passe

Wound, deep, 114
INDEX

SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS AND GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

(SEE SEPARATE INDEX FOR MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE)

(Numbers refer to pages)

A

Abandon vessel, 29

Accident or distress position, 43

signals, 29–30

Adrift, boat-raft, 36

from anchorage, 78

Afloat, aircraft-helicopter, 31

from grounding, 54

Aground assistance, 36

vessel, 36

Ahead, engine maneuvers, 60

maneuvers, 76

Aids to navigation, 62

Aircraft in distress, 39

locate, 41

Alight, aircraft-helicopter, 31

Alongside, boat-raft, 36

maneuvers, 77

Alphabet flags, inside front cover ii

Anchor, underwater operations, 51

Anchorage, 78

port-harbor, 87

towing to, 57

Anchoring, 77–78

Answer, communications, 100

Arms signaling, 15–16

Arrival, estimated time of, 88

Assistance, aircraft-helicopter, 31

declined, not required, 35

given, not given, 35

proceeding to, 43

required, 33

Astern maneuvers, 76

Atmospheric pressure, 94

B

Ballast, 84

Bar, 56

depth-draft, 68–69

Barometer, 94

Beaching, 54

Beacons, aid to navigation, 62

Bearing, aircraft-helicopter magnetic,

33

Bearings, aids to navigation, 62

Berth, 78

Boarding, 79–80

Boats available, 37

rafts, 36

required, 37

search, 38

send, 37

Bodies located, 47

search and rescue, 47

Boom across, caution, 67

Bulkheads, watertight, 56

Bunkers, 89

Buoy, navigating and steering instructions, 73

Buoys, aids to navigation, 62

Burns, severe, 30

C

Cable, hawser, 58

Canal, 63

Cancel message, 100

Carbon tetrachloride fire

extinguishers, 52

Cargo, 84

Cast off, 60

Casualties, radiation, 29

Caution, navigate with, 67

Channel, 63

Circling, aircraft, 32

Close distance, 44

Clouds, 91

Coal, 90

Collision, casualties-damages, 49

mat, diver, 51

leak, 56

Communicate, 100–101

Communications, acknowledge, 100

aircraft, 31

calling, 100

exercise, 102

reception, 102

transmission, 102

Compass, adjusting, 71

Complements tables, 104

Connect, towing, 57

Contact vessel/aircraft in distress, 41

Convoy, 94

Course, aircraft-helicopter magnetic,

33

indicate, 64

search and rescue, 44

Crew, persons on board, 84

D

Damage casualties, 49

received, 49

Dangerous goods, 84

Dangers to navigation, w

Dead, number of persons

reckoning position, 4

Depression, atmospheric 

deep, 94

intense, 94

Depth, water, 68

Derelict, 65

Diesel oil, 89

Disabled, aircraft-helicop

drifting-sinking, 38

Disembark, 36

Distress, 39–41

position, 40, 42–43

signals, 39–40

transmitting procedu

Disturbance, serious, 34

Ditched, 31

Diver, underwater operat

Doctor, 30

Draft, 69

Drift, survival craft, 44

Drifting, disabled, 38

E

Electronic navigation, 70

Emergency signals, 29–4

Engines, 79

Exercise signals, commu

102

Exercises, carrying out, 8

Explanation and general 

signals, 3

Explosion, distress, 40

Explosions, fire, 52

F

Fairway, 63

Fire assistance, 34

explosion, 51

Firefighting appliances, 5

Firing range, 67

Fishcatch carrier boat, 85
156

INDEX—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS AND GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Fishery, 85–86

limits, 86

protection, 86

Fishing, 85

gear, dangers to navigation, 85

vessel, 85

Flag signaling, 9–10

Flares, 42

Flashing light signaling, 11–12

Flight, aircraft, 32

Floating ice, 93

mine, 72

trawl, 85

Flooded, 56

Flying, aircraft, 32

Foam fire extinguisher, 52

Fog, 96

Follow wake, 72

Fuel oil, 89

Fumigation, 90

G

Gale, 91

Give way, 74

Grounding, 53

Groups, transmission signals, 102

Growlers, ice, 93

H

Hand flags signaling, 15–16

Harbor, anchorage, 78

port, 87

Hawser, 58

Headway, maneuvers, 76

towing-tugs, 61

Health clearance, 103

Maritime Declaration of, 103

questions, 103

Health Regulations, International, 103

Heave to, 83

Helicopter signals, 33

High water, 75

Holding ground, anchorage, 78

Hostile aircraft, 68

submarine, 67

vessel, 67

Hydrography, 62–75

I

Ice, 91

accretion, 93

drift, 92

fast, 91

floes, 92

patrol ship, 93

Icebergs, 93

Icebreaker, 93

single letter signals 25

Icefield, 93

Identification signal, 90

Inflatable raft, 32

Information available, no, 89

Injured, number of persons, 30

International Code of Signals

 purpose, 3

K

Keep away, 74

clear, 74

close, 74

L

Landing, aircraft-helicopter, 31

boarding, 80

Lead course, 87

Leak, 56

assistance, 34

Leeward, keep, 73

Lifesaving signals, 140

station, 39

Light, searchlight, 72

Lighthouse, 62

Lights, aids to navigation, 62

Lightvessel, 62

Line, towing, 58

List, assistance, 33

boats-rafts, 36

dangers to navigation, 68

Located, vessel/aircraft wreckage, 41

Long-line fishing, 85

Lost, persons, 47

Loud hailer, voice over, 5, 20

Low water, 75

M

Make fast, navigating and steering

instructions, 73

towing line, 59

Man overboard, search and rescue, 46

Maneuvers, 80

towing-tugs, 60

Maritime Declaration of Health, 103

Mark to be transmitted table, 148

Men on board, 84

Meteorology, 91–98

Minefield, 71

Mines, 71

Minesweeping, 71

Miscellaneous signals, 88

Missing, vessel/aircraft, 45

Morse signaling by hand flags or arm

15

symbols, alphabet and numerals

table, 16

Mother ship, fishing, 85

N

Navigating and steering instructions

Navigation, 62–75

lights, 72

Nets, 85

drift, 85

seine, 85

O

Oil fire, 52

Oily mixture, 84

Overtake, do not, 74

P

Pack ice, 93

Parachute, 32

Pass ahead, 73

Passing signals, 73

Persons on board, 84

saved or lost, 47

Phonetic tables, 17–18, 148

Pick up, persons by aircraft-helicopt

33

Picked up, search and rescue, 47

Pilot, 87

assistance, 87

boat, 87

Pilotage, radar, 70, 87

Plain language communications, 10

Port, harbor, 87

pilot, 87

steer to, navigating and steering 

structions, 73

Position, indicate 41

Pratique, 103

Precautions, tropical storm, 91

Prevailing weather, boats-rafts, 36

Procedure signals, 17, 20

Proceed, damage-repairs, 50

underway, 80
INDEX—SIGNALING INSTRUCTIONS AND GENERAL SIGNAL CODE

Proceeding to assistance, 35

Propeller, engines, 79

shaft, assistance, 33

engines, 79

Propeller, underwater operations, 51

Purse seine, 85

R

Radar 70

Radiation danger, 65

hazard, 68

Radio direction finder, 70

Radioactive material, 65

Radiobeacon, aids to navigation, 62

search and rescue, 44

Radiotelegraphy, 5, 20

Radiotelephone procedures, 147–149

Radiotelephony, 5, 14, 20

Rafts, 36

Read transmission signal, cannot, 100

Receive communications signal, 100–

102

Refloating, 54

Remain where you are, 83

Repairs, 49

Repeat communications signal, 102

Rescue, 46

results, 47

Rocket, fire, search and rescue, 46

line, look out for, 46

Rockets, position by, 42

S

Safety signal, 100

Save vessel, cannot, 46

Sea, 95

conditions, 95

marker dye position, 42

Search, aircraft-helicopter, 32

and rescue, 44–48

information-instructions, 44

assistance 32

authority, 44

results, 45

Searchlight, navigation lights, 72

position, 42

Send, boat-raft, 37

Set and drift, search and rescue, 44

Shallow water, 65

Shelter, anchorage, 78

towing, 58

Shoal, 65

Sick, number of persons, 30

Sight, search and rescue, 41

Signal, cannot read transmission, 100

Signaling methods, 5

Signals appropriate in all transmissions,

definitions and meanings, 4

explanation and general remarks, 3

general instructions, 6–8

miscellaneous, 88

purpose, International Code of, 3

Signals appropriate in all

transmissions, 20

Single letter signals, 22

for icebreaker and

assisted vessels, 25

with complements, 23

Sink-sunk, vessels, 39

Slack, towing, 59

Sludge, ice, 91

Smoke float position, 42

signals position, 42

SOS/MAYDAY, 39, 139–144, 147–149

Sound signaling, 13

signals position, 42

Speed, 82

aircraft-helicopter, 32

towing, 61

Steer, 73

Steering gear, assistance, 33

Sternway maneuvers, 76

towing, 61

Stop, heave to, 83

maneuvers, 83

towing, 61

Storm, 91

Stretcher, 30, 33

Submarine survey, 51

Survival craft, 35

Survivors 47–48

Sweep, net, 86

Swell, 95–96

conditions, 95

Swept channel, 72

T

Take off persons, search and rescue, 46

Temperature, 94

Tide, 74

Towing, 56

line, 58

Toxic effects, explosion, 53

Transmit, communications, 102

Transmitter, 71

Trawl, 85

Tropical storm, 91

Tsunami, 67

Tug assistance, navigation, 

towing, 56

Tugs, 56–61

U

Underwater operations, 51

Underway, 81

V

Veer, towing, 59

Vessel in distress, 39

locate, 41

Visibility, 96

Visual contact, search and 

signals, communicate, 

position, 42

Voice over loud hailer, 5, 2

W

Wake, navigating and steer

tions, 73

steer in my, 73

Warnings, 66–68

Warps, fishery, 86

Water, depth-draft, 68–70

pumps, fire, 52

Weather, 97

forecast, 97

Wind, 97

Windward, navigating and 

structions, 74

Wreck, 65

Wreckage, 46

Z

Zone, dangerous, mines, 71