Ship communications and signaling equipment are classified according to two main criteria: the purpose and nature of the signals. According to their purpose, communication means are divided into external and internal communication means.
External communication means serve to ensure the safety of navigation, communication with other ships, coastal posts and stations, designation of the type of activity of the vessel, its condition, etc.
The ship's external communications equipment includes:
radio communication;
sound;
visual;
emergency radio equipment;
pyrotechnic.
Internal communications and alarm systems are designed to ensure alarms and other signals, as well as reliable communication between the bridge and all posts and services.
These facilities include the ship's automatic telephone exchange (PBX), ship's public address system, engine telegraph, loud chimes, ship's bell, megaphone, portable VHF radios, mouth whistle, sound and light alarm about an increase in temperature, the appearance of smoke, the flow of water into the ship's premises.
The most important part of maritime signaling is the lights, signs, light and sound signals provided for by COLREG-72.
Audio communications and alarms
Facilities audio communication and alarms are intended, first of all, to provide signals in accordance with COLREG-72. An audible alarm can also 
be used to transmit messages both via MCC-65 and, for example, for communication between an icebreaker and the ships it carries.
Sound means include: a ship's whistle or typhon, a bell, a fog horn and a gong.
Whistle and typhon are the main means for giving sound signals in accordance with COLREG-72. Sound signals are issued from the wheelhouse and from the bridge wings by pressing the signal button.
When sailing in conditions of limited visibility, a special device is turned on, which gives fog signals according to a given program.
The ship's bell is installed in the bow of the ship, near the windlass. It is used to transmit signals to the bridge when the ship is anchoring and unanchoring, to give fog signals when the ship is anchored, aground, to give an additional signal in case of a fire in the port, etc.
The fog horn is a backup fog alarm. It is used to provide fog signals when a whistle or typhon fails.
The gong is used to give fog signals prescribed by rule 35(g) COLREG-72.
Audio communications and alarms
Visual communication and signaling devices
Visual aids can be light or object. Lighting devices include various light-signaling devices - signal lamps, spotlights, ratier, klotik and distinctive lights.
The range of signaling devices is usually no more than 5 miles.
Signal figures and signal flags of the International Code of Signals (MCS-65) are used as subject means.
Signal figures - balls, cylinders, cones and diamonds on ships are used in accordance with the requirements of COLREG-72. The figures are made from tin, plywood, wire and canvas.
Their sizes are determined by the Register. They are stored on the upper bridge, except for the anchor ball, which is located on the forecastle.
Marine vessels use the International Code of Signals (MCS-65), a set of which consists of 40 flags: 26 alphabetic, 14 digital, 3 replacement and a response pennant. These flags are hoisted on halyards and stored in the wheelhouse in special honeycomb boxes.
, which was adopted by IMCO in 1965 and put into effect on April 1. 1969, designed for communications different ways and means, especially in cases where language communication difficulties arise. When compiling the international code, it was taken into account that in the absence of language difficulties, the use of maritime radio communication systems provides simpler and more effective communication.
The code is intended for negotiations on issues of ensuring the safety of navigation and the protection of human life at sea using one-, two-, and three-letter signals.
It consists of six sections:
1. Rules of use for all types of communications.
2. Single-letter signals for urgent, important messages.
3. General section of two-letter signals.
4. Medical section.
5. Alphabetical indexes defining words.
6. Applications on loose-leaf pages that contain distress signals, rescue signals and the procedure for radiotelephone conversations.
Each signal of the International Code has a completed semantic meaning. In order to expand the meaning of the main signal, digital additions are used with some of them.
General rules
1. Only one flag signal should be raised at a time.
2. Each signal or group of signals should be left raised until the receiving station responds.
3. When more than one group of signals is hoisted on the same halyard, each of them should be separated from the other by a dividing halyard.
The call sign of the called station should be hoisted simultaneously with the signal on a separate halyard. If the call sign is not raised, this means that the signal is addressed to all stations located within the range of signals.
All stations to which the signals are addressed or indicated in the signals, as soon as they see them, must raise the answering pennant to half, and immediately after clearing the signal - to the place; The response pennant should be lowered to half as soon as the transmitting station lowers the signal, and raised again to its place after parsing the next signal.
End of signal exchange
After the release of the last flag signal, the transmitting station must raise a response pennant indicating that this signal is the last. The receiving station should respond to this in the same way as all other signals.
Actions when the signal is not understood
If the receiving station cannot distinguish the signal transmitted for it, then it must hold the reply pennant at half-mast. If the signal is distinguishable, but its meaning is not clear, then the receiving station can raise the following signals:
Replacement pennants are used when the same flag (or digital pennant) needs to be used multiple times in a signal and only one set of flags is available.
The first replacement pennant always repeats the topmost signal flag of the type of flag (divided by type into alphabetic and digital) that precedes the replacement one. The second substitute always repeats the second, and the third substitute always repeats the third signal flag from the top of the type of flag that precedes the substitute.
A replacement pennant may never be used more than once in the same group.
The answer pennant, when used as a decimal sign, should not be taken into account when determining which substitute to use.
Two-letter signals constitute a general section of the code and serve for negotiations related to the safety of navigation. For example, you need to request “What is your draft at the stern?” NT signal. This signal corresponds to the request “What is your draft?” Below this signal follow the NT signals with digital additions from 1 to 9. From these signals we select NT9, which corresponds to the necessary request.
For ease of analysis, the signals in the International Code are arranged in alphabetical order, and their first letters are indicated on the side flaps. For example, to parse the CZ signal, you need to open the book on the valve of the letter “C”, then find the second letter “Z” and read the meaning of the signal “You must stand upwind to receive a boat or raft.”
Three letter signals used to transmit medical messages. As digital additions to the signals, tables of additions to the medical section are used, in which parts of the body are coded in two-digit numbers (table M l), a list of common diseases (tables M 2.1, M 2.2), and a list of medications (table M 3).
The names of vessels or geographical places in the text of the flag signal should be spelled out. If necessary, the YZ signal can be raised first (The following words are transmitted in clear text).
Special types of signal production
Special types of signal production
State flag Russian Federation
The State Flag of the Russian Federation hoisted on a vessel in the prescribed manner indicates that the vessel belongs to the Russian Federation.
The national flag of the Russian Federation is flown only on ships that have a certificate of the right to navigate under National flag Russian Federation in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Code. The day of the first raising of the flag is considered a ship holiday and is celebrated annually.
The state flag of the Russian Federation is hoisted on the ship while at rest on the stern flagpole, and while underway - on the gaff or stern flagpole. Small vessels and tugboats when stationary or underway are permitted to fly a flag on a gaff.
The national flag of the Russian Federation is raised daily at 8 o'clock on the move and in parking lots and lowered at sunset. Beyond the Arctic Circle in winter, the State Flag of the Russian Federation must be raised daily at 8 o’clock and be in this position within the time limits of its visibility, and in summer time- from 8 to 20 o'clock.
The state flag of the Russian Federation is raised earlier than the established time (up to 8 hours), and also does not fall after sunset when the ship enters and leaves the port.
The raising and lowering of the State Flag of the Russian Federation and other flags is carried out by order of the watch officer.
Flags of foreign countries. Flags indicate that the vessel belongs to the corresponding state.
On Russian ships, while docking in a foreign port, as well as when navigating inland waterways, canals and approach fairways under pilot guidance, simultaneously with the State Flag of the Russian Federation raised on the stern flagpole, the flag of the port country must be hoisted on the bow (signal) mast.
On days of all-Russian and local holidays, while docking in ports, Russian ships are colored with the flags of the International Code of Signals, which are carried from the stem through the tops of the masts to the tailboard.
When coloring flags, the combination of their colors must be done in an alternating order.
For coloring the following should not be used:
state and naval flags of the Russian Federation;
stern flags of auxiliary and hydrographic vessels;
flags of officials;
foreign national and military flags and flags of foreign officials;
flag of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
The raising and lowering of the color flags is carried out simultaneously with the raising and lowering of the State Flag.
Flags of officials. The highest officials of the Russian Federation have their own flags (pennants).
The flags of officials are flown on ships where these officials have their official residence.
Raise and lower flags (pennants) with the permission of the persons to whom they were assigned at the time of entry into force of this official on board the ship.
Vessel's call sign. Each vessel is assigned its own call sign in the form of letters or numbers. By the call sign you can clearly identify the nationality, type, name of the vessel and its main characteristics.
Pyrotechnics alarm
In Annex IV<Сигналы бедствия>COLREG-72 says:<... сигналы, используемые или выставляемые вместе, либо раздельно, указывают, что судно терпит бедствие и нуждается в помощи>. Such signals also include pyrotechnics - rockets, grenades, flares, smoke bombs, luminous and smoking buoys. Supervision of pyrotechnic signaling means is carried out by the USSR Register. Vessels are supplied with pyrotechnic signaling devices depending on the navigation areas. On oil tankers, flares are provided only for lifeboats.
Before launching rockets or using other pyrotechnic devices, you must read the launch instructions. The rockets are fired from special metal cups, which are installed on the railings of the navigation bridge. Rockets must be extinguished at a height of at least 50 m from the surface of the sea.
Pyrotechnics must be moisture-resistant in handling and storage, operate in any climatic conditions, and retain their properties for at least 3 years. The marking is applied with indelible paint on the pyrotechnic product itself (with the exception of one-star rockets), on its packaging and includes the date of issue, service life, purpose and instructions for use.
Parachute distress signal flare - red. Take-off altitude is not less than 300 m, burning duration is not less than 40 s, descent speed is not more than 5 m/s.
The sound grenade rocket is designed to send a distress signal. Range. audibility of at least 5 miles.
Single-star red or green rockets are used in rescue operations; take-off height of at least 80 m; burning duration 6 s.
A flare is a plastic or cardboard sleeve in which a pyrotechnic composition and an incendiary device are located. While burning, it is held in the hands. Purpose of the flare: red - to give a distress signal, burning duration 60 s; white - for attention, burning duration 20 s.
The smoke bomb is intended for lifeboats and produces clearly visible smoke. orange color and serves to send a distress signal during daylight hours. After the bomb is activated, it is thrown overboard, where it should produce smoke for 3 minutes, visible for at least 3 miles.
For storing pyrotechnics, special waterproof metal cabinets are provided, built into the wheelhouse, or metal boxes mounted on the bridge deck. Inside, the boxes are divided into sections and lined with felt. If necessary, the rockets in sections are wedged.
Pyrotechnics for boats must be placed in special containers and stored in boats. While the vessel is at sea, access to pyrotechnics must be locked. One key is located in the chart room in a visible place with markings<Пиротехника>, the second is kept by the chief mate in the cabin. Flare guns are stored by the captain, and pyrotechnic cartridges are stored similarly to rockets.
Everyone on the ship needs to know the rules for handling pyrotechnics, for which training should be conducted with the entire crew.
When handling rockets, shocks and impacts are not allowed. If the rocket does not fire during launch, it should be immediately thrown overboard. It is prohibited to disassemble rockets. When starting, make sure that
There were no people nearby. Before launching missiles using a line-throwing installation, you should carefully study the instructions for its use.
Luminous and light-emitting buoys are attached to lifebuoys, which are located on the wings of the navigation bridge or near it for quickly throwing them overboard in the event of a person falling into the water. The buoy must provide a burning duration of at least 45 minutes. On oil tankers they are powered by electric batteries. Smoke bombs operate automatically and produce orange smoke for 15 minutes with visibility of at least 1 mile at daylight. Self-igniting lights and smoke bombs must be designed in such a way as to prevent damage when dropped from a height of at least 25 m. The maximum service life of luminous and LED buoys on ships, taking into account their storage in a warehouse, should not exceed 10 years.
All pyrotechnics that have expired must be replaced.
It must be remembered that pyrotechnics are classified as fire-hazardous and explosive means, and when handling them, safety regulations must be strictly observed;
The entire ship's crew is required to study and know the instructions for handling pyrotechnics;
The results of testing the knowledge of the ship's crew in the use of pyrotechnics are documented in the protocol of the ship's qualification commission;
When firing missiles, there should be no people nearby and it is prohibited to direct their flight towards ships, structures, buildings, crowds of people, etc.;
Launching sound rockets from hands is prohibited;
A line-throwing missile is launched only with a line attached to it;
Smoking and the use of fire near pyrotechnics or when using them are strictly prohibited;
During the repair period, all pyrotechnics must be removed from the vessel and stored in a warehouse.
Signaling is the reception and transmission of signals for communication between ships or between a ship and the shore for the purpose of navigation. The ship's external communications equipment includes:
- radio communication;
- sound;
- visual;
- emergency radio equipment;
- pyrotechnic.
Any of the above means of communication may be used by a sailor on watch only with the permission of the captain or officer of the watch.
Radio communication
Since 1999, all ships have been equipped with Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio equipment. The main purpose of the GMDSS is the operational organization of search and rescue operations of an emergency vessel by coastal rescue focal point(SCC) with the involvement of ships and other means located in the disaster area.
As a result, ships have implemented modern means communications based on the widespread use of satellite and advanced conventional (including digital selective calling - DSC) communication methods, allowing for automatic transmission and reception of emergency signals at any distance, regardless of meteorological conditions and radio wave propagation conditions (Fig. 2.7). Special communication systems ensure the transmission of information to ships to ensure navigation safety (NAVAREA, NAVTEX).
Rice. 2.7. GMDSS equipment
In addition, the equipment allows for regular radio traffic both in the VHF and MF/HF bands, and using INMARSAT satellite communications. The INMARSAT system provides seafarers with direct dial telephone, telex, fax, email, data transfer mode.
The VHF radio station is designed for operational communication with coastal services and other vessels. The range of a fixed ship radio is approximately 30 miles. The VHF range is also used for organizing intra-ship communications during watch duty, mooring, anchoring, etc.
Main VHF channels:
Each piece of equipment has a so-called “red button” designed to transmit a distress signal. The sailor on watch must be careful not to accidentally press one of them. False transmission of a distress signal threatens an unscheduled inspection of all ship services and penalties.
Audio communications and alarms
Audio communication and signaling equipment is intended, first of all, to provide signals in accordance with COLREG-72. Sound signaling can also be used to transmit messages both via MCC-65 and, for example, for communication between an icebreaker and the ships it guides.
Sound means include: a ship's whistle or typhon (Fig. 2.8), a bell, a fog horn and a gong.
Rice. 2.8. Ship's Typhon
Whistle and typhon are the main means for giving sound signals in accordance with COLREG-72. Sound signals are issued from the wheelhouse and from the bridge wings by pressing the signal button. When sailing in conditions of limited visibility, a special device is turned on (Fig. 2.9), which gives fog signals according to a given program.
Rice. 2.9. Instrument panel for fog signals
The ship's bell is installed in the bow of the ship, near the windlass. It is used to transmit signals to the bridge when the ship is anchoring and unanchoring, to give fog signals when the ship is anchored, aground, to give an additional signal in case of a fire in the port, etc.
The fog horn is a backup fog alarm. It is used to provide fog signals when a whistle or typhon fails.
The gong is used to give fog signals prescribed by rule 35(g) COLREG-72.
Visual communication and signaling devices
Visual aids can be light or object.
Lighting devices include various light-signaling devices - signal lamps, spotlights, ratier, klotik and distinctive lights. The range of signaling devices is usually no more than 5 miles.
Signal figures and signal flags of the International Code of Signals (MCS-65) are used as subject means.
Rice. 2.10. Side light on the left side
Rice. 2.11. Ratier
Signal figures - balls, cylinders, cones and diamonds on ships are used in accordance with the requirements of COLREG-72. The figures are made from tin, plywood, wire and canvas. Their sizes are determined by the Register. They are stored on the upper bridge, except for the anchor ball, which is located on the forecastle.
Rice. 2.12. Signal figures
On ships of the maritime fleet, the International Code of Signals is used, a set of which consists of 40 flags: 26 alphabetic, 14 digital, 3 substitute response pennants. These flags are raised on halyards and stored in the wheelhouse in special honeycomb boxes.
Rice. 2.13. Flags of MSS-65
The code is intended for negotiations on issues of ensuring the safety of navigation and the protection of human life at sea using one-, two-, and three-letter signals.
It consists of six sections:
- Rules of use for all types of communication.
- Single letter signals for urgent, important messages.
- General section of two-letter signals.
- Medical section.
- Alphabetical indexes of defining words.
- Loose-leaf attachments containing distress signals, rescue signals and procedures for radiotelephone conversations.
Single letter signals
Digital pennants
Replacement pennants
Arch pennant and counter pennant
Emergency radio equipment
Emergency communications include: emergency beacon of the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, radar beacons (Search And Rescue Transponder - SART) and VHF portable radio stations. Each crew member must be able to independently operate the radio equipment of life-saving craft.
The international satellite system COSPAS-SARSAT is designed to detect and determine the location of ships, aircraft, and other objects that have suffered an accident.
The COSPAS-SARSAT system consists of (Fig. 2.13):
- ship emergency radio beacons (ERB);
- geostationary and low-orbit satellites that allow you to detect signals and determine the location of the EPIRB with an accuracy of up to 5 kilometers;
- rescue coordination centers (RCCs), which receive information from satellites.
Rice. 2.13. COSPAS - SARSAT system
Emergency beacons
The EPIRB is installed on the open deck. When the vessel is immersed to a depth of about 4 meters, the EPIRB floats freely, which is what it is intended for. special device- a hydrostat that releases the buoy. The EPIRB is automatically activated after surfacing; the buoy also has a manual activation.
The EPIRB is equipped with a floating line, suitable for use as a tug, and a light that automatically turns on at night. Withstands being dropped into water without damage from a height of 20 meters.
The power supply ensures operation of the EPIRB for 48 hours. On outside EPIRB housing is indicated brief instructions operating instructions and battery expiration date.
Radar beacon - transponder (AIS - SART)
The radar beacon is the main means of detecting the location of rescue equipment directly in the disaster area. The ship must have at least two SARTs, usually located on the navigation bridge.
When leaving the ship, the SART is installed in a boat or raft in a special mount, after which it turns on and is in standby mode. When the SART receiver is irradiated by a pulse from the rescue ship's radar station, it begins to emit a response signal, signaling this with an audio and light signal.
The SART signal on the radar screen of the search vessel is indicated by a series of dots (12 or 20) located at equal distances from each other, and is also displayed on electronic map. SART detection range of ship radar is at least 5 miles; Radar of an aircraft located at an altitude of 1 km - 30 miles.
SART can withstand being dropped into water from a height of 20 meters, and is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters. The battery capacity is designed to operate in standby mode – 96 hours, in radiation mode – 8 hours. Easy to operate by untrained personnel.
Portable VHF radio
A man-portable VHF radio provides communication at a disaster site between rescue equipment and search vessels.
Each ship must have at least three VHF man-portable radios, which are permanently stored on the navigation bridge, from where they can be quickly transferred to the lifeboat or raft.
The VHF radio battery must have sufficient power to operate in active mode within 8 hours and 48 hours of operation in receive-only mode.
The ship's muster list must indicate those responsible for delivering emergency radio equipment to life-saving equipment.
Pyrotechnic communication and signaling equipment
Each ship must have the following signaling pyrotechnics: flares, flares, smoke bombs, luminous and light-smoke buoys to indicate the location of the lifebuoy on the water in the dark.
Pyrotechnic products are moisture-resistant, safe to handle and store, operate under any hydrometeorological conditions and retain their properties for at least three years.
Pyrotechnics are stored in waterproof metal cabinets and boxes with compartments on the navigation bridge deck or in cabinets built into the bulkheads of the navigation bridge rooms, with a door to the open deck. Drawers and cabinets are always locked. One key should be kept by the senior (third) mate, the other in the chart room.
Pyrotechnic devices of boats and rafts, placed in containers, must be kept at sea regular places in boats, and when moored at the port it is recommended to put them in a secure storage facility under lock and key.
Single-star red or green flares are intended for signaling during a rescue operation.
A red distress signal rocket throws out red stars at an altitude of 300–400 meters, which burn for at least 20 seconds.
The parachute flare is designed to send a distress signal. Take-off altitude is 300 – 400 meters, burn time is 45 seconds.
A flare is a sleeve in which a pyrotechnic composition and an incendiary device are located. The flare burns bright red for 1 minute and is a distress signal. White flares are used to attract attention.
The sound rocket is designed to send a distress signal, exploding at a height and simulating a cannon shot. A sound rocket is launched only from launch tubes mounted on the gunwale or railing on both wings of the bridge. If the rocket does not fire, it can be removed from the glass after no less than 2 minutes.
Floating smoke bombs are used to send a distress signal during daylight hours. A checker is a tin box containing an igniter and a mixture that produces thick orange smoke. Smoke emission time is 5 minutes, visibility range is up to 5 miles. Light-smoking buoys are attached to lifebuoys, which are located on the wings of the bridge. Main purpose lifebuoys with light-smoking buoys - marking the place where a person fell overboard.
Distress signals
The following signals, used or displayed together or separately, indicate that a ship is in distress and requires assistance (Appendix IV COLREG-72):
- cannon shots or other explosive signals at intervals of about 1 minute;
- continuous sound from any apparatus designed to produce fog signals;
- rockets or grenades that emit red stars, fired one at a time at short intervals;
- a signal transmitted by radiotelephone or any other signaling system consisting of a combination of sounds ... - - - ... (SOS) in Morse code;
- a signal transmitted by radiotelephone consisting of the word "MAYDAY" spoken aloud;
- International Code of Signals distress signal - NC;
- a signal consisting of a square flag with a ball or something resembling a ball above or below it;
- fire on the ship;
- red light of a rocket with a parachute or red flare;
- smoke signal- release of orange clubs;
- slow and repeated raising and lowering of arms extended to the sides;
- radiotelegraph alarm;
- radiotelephone alarm;
- signals transmitted by emergency position indicating radio beacons;
- established signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including signals from radar transponders on lifeboats and liferafts;
- an orange panel with a black square or circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);
- colored spot on the water.
It is prohibited to use or display any of the above signals for purposes other than indicating distress and the need for assistance; The use of signals that may be confused with any of the above signals is also not permitted.
The detection range of pyrotechnic distress signals largely (sometimes to a decisive extent!) depends on the location of their origin. Even the most powerful rocket can be launched in such a place and at such a time that no one will ever see it. First of all, you need to take into account the time of day and weather conditions.
A bright star in the sky during the day is almost invisible, while at night it attracts attention from many kilometers away. Therefore, during daylight hours it is better to use smoke signals, saving the rocket for the dark. In the same way, a rocket launched into a cloud that accidentally floats above your head can disappear without any benefit. Therefore, if possible, delay the signal for a few seconds, wait for the clouds to pass, or try to get into a part of the sky free of clouds or fog.
To work with flares and smoke bombs, you should choose elevated points of the relief. In this case, you must try to ensure that on the leeward side, where the smoke will be carried, there is an open space - a reservoir, a glacier, a clearing.
When giving a signal, any pyrotechnic device should be held at arm's length, with the nozzle facing away from you. There should be no people standing on the leeward side, nor should there be flammable or fire-resistant objects. It is strictly unacceptable to direct missiles and ammunition towards rescue planes, helicopters, ships!
When using rockets, you should take into account the direction and strength of the wind, which can strongly blow away the parachute with the signal star burning underneath it. If you want the signal to burn above your head, shoot slightly into the wind.
Another purely “missile” mistake is to underestimate the force of its recoil. This is especially true for large parachute rockets! If you do not hold the rocket casing tightly enough, it may jerk downward and slip out of your hands when fired.
And one more very important advice. Most pyrotechnics have a one-time effect, that is, having given a signal once, it cannot be repeated. Therefore, it is necessary to send a signal from as close a distance as possible and only when there is confidence that it will be noticed. For example, when you see a rescue plane or ship or clearly hear the increasing noise of running engines.
While driving, signaling devices must be stored in a place protected from impacts and precipitation and at the same time easily accessible. And during rest stops, keep away from fire. Many pyrotechnics are afraid of heat, intense friction and impacts, from which they can fail or even explode!
In addition to their direct purpose, almost all pyrotechnic signaling devices can be successfully used to scare away predatory animals - polar and brown bears, wolves, jackals, etc.
Although a stretch, but the simplest pyrotechnic signaling device it could be considered aerosol cans. Anything - from hairspray and other cosmetics to repellents. A jet of aerosol released from a can, if passed through the flame of a match or lighter, flares up with a bright torch several tens of centimeters long, visible from the air for several kilometers. The aerosol should be released in short, no more than 1 - 2 s, presses with 2 - 5 second pauses. With more long burning an aerosol jet can explode in your hands!
Marine international signals disasters:
releasing puffs of orange smoke (1);
flame on the ship (for example, from a burning tar barrel) (2);
rockets or grenades that emit red stars, fired one at a time at short intervals (3);
red parachute flare or red flare (4);
flag signal NC (NC) according to the International Code of Signals (5);
a signal consisting of a square flag with a ball above or below it (6);
slow, repeated raising and lowering of arms extended to the sides (7);
cannon shots or explosions made at intervals of about one minute, or a continuous sound produced by any fog signal apparatus (8);
an SOS distress signal transmitted by radiotelegraph or other signaling system, or the word "mayday" spoken by radiotelephone (9).
All these signals have one single meaning, known to sailors all over the world - "I'm in trouble and need help".
4. Smoke and color distress signals.
These include various smoke bombs and firecrackers, most often used at sea. Such bombs are triggered after the ignition cord is pulled out and burn, emitting orange smoke, from 1 minute (hand bomb) to 4 minutes (floating bomb).
The floating smoke bomb used in domestic fleets has a length of 253 mm, a diameter of 80 mm and a weight of 820 g. The estimated visibility range of a smoke signal lasting 3 minutes is one nautical mile. The checker is activated by pulling the ignition cord.
In addition to color-smoke signals, there are special dyes that, when dissolved in water, create a large, colorful spot that is noticeable from afar.
These include, for example, uranine, intended for use in the sea or in vast freshwater bodies. Upon contact with water, uranine spreads over the surface, forming a huge spot of intense green-emerald color (if it gets into cold water) or orange (if found in warm water).
The dye remains visible for about 4 - 6 hours in calm water and only 2 - 3 hours in rough water.
Each ship must have the following signaling pyrotechnics: flares, flares, smoke bombs, luminous and light-smoke buoys to indicate the location of the lifebuoy on the water in the dark.
Pyrotechnic products are moisture-resistant, safe to handle and store, operate under any hydrometeorological conditions and retain their properties for at least three years.
Pyrotechnics are stored in waterproof metal cabinets and boxes with compartments on the navigation bridge deck or in cabinets built into the bulkheads of the navigation bridge rooms, with a door to the open deck. Drawers and cabinets are always locked. One key should be kept by the senior (third) mate, the other in the chart room.
Pyrotechnic devices of boats and rafts, placed in containers, must be in their regular places in the boats at sea, and when moored at the port they are recommended to be stored in a secure storage facility under lock and key.
Single star rockets red or green are intended for signaling during a rescue operation.
Red single shot rocket launcher
Distress flare red in color it throws out red stars at an altitude of 300 - 400 meters, which burn for at least 20 seconds.
Parachute rocket designed to provide a distress signal. Take-off altitude is 300 - 400 meters, burn time is 45 seconds.
False flare- this is a sleeve in which the pyrotechnic composition and incendiary device are located. The flare burns bright red for 1 minute and is a distress signal. White flares are used to attract attention.
Designed to send a distress signal, exploding at a height and simulating a cannon shot. A sound rocket is launched only from launch tubes mounted on the gunwale or railing on both wings of the bridge. If the rocket does not fire, it can be removed from the glass after no less than 2 minutes.
Sending a distress signal using a sound flare Floating smoke bombs used to send a distress signal during daylight hours. A checker is a tin box containing an igniter and a mixture that produces thick orange smoke. Smoke emission time is 5 minutes, visibility range is up to 5 miles.
Light-smoking buoys attached to lifebuoys, which are located on the wings of the bridge. The main purpose of lifebuoys with light-smoking buoys is to mark the location of a person falling overboard.
Distress signals
The following signals, used or displayed together or separately, indicate that a ship is in distress and requires assistance (Appendix IV COLREG-72):
| Distress signals | |
|---|---|
 |  |
| 1. cannon shots or other shots fired by bursting signals at intervals of about 1 minutes; | 4. a signal transmitted by radiotelephone or using any other signaling system, consisting of a combination of sounds ... - - - ... (SOS) in Morse code; |
| 2. continuous sound by any device designed designed for sending fog signals; | 5. signal transmitted via radiotelephone, co- spoken word "MAYDAY"; |
| 3. rockets or grenades that release red stars released one by one through short time intervals; |
|
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| 6. distress signal according to the International Code of Signals catch - NC; | 7. signal consisting of a square flag with a ball or something located above or below it or, similar to a ball; |
| 8. flame on the ship | |
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| 9. red light rocket with parachute or false- red marshmallow; | 12. radiotelegraph alarm; |
| 10. smoke signal - release of puffs of orange colors; | 13. radiotelegraph alarm; |
| 11. Slow and repeated raising and lowering arms extended to the sides; |
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| 14. signals transmitted by emergency beacons - we indicate the position; | 16. orange cloth with black square rath or circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air); |
| 15. established signals transmitted by the system mothers of radio communications, including radar signals tion responder beacons for rescue boats and rafts; | 17. colored spot on the water. |
Suggested reading.
