A Guide To Marine Signal Flags On Its Significance In The Marine World

There is an international code system when two ships decide to communicate with each other. This can also mean that a ship wants to signal the other in case of an emergency. These codes are nothing but nautical flags or marine signal flags. These flags can be used alone or in combinations with other flags.

Marine signal flags are made up of 26 square flags which are the various letters of the English alphabet along with 10 numbered pendants. Since flags can interact mostly at sea, for easy recognition, a combination of colors such as red and white, blue and white and, black and white are used. 

Marine Signal Flags

  Since these flags are used to communicate so, it is essential to have knowledge on the various flags and their signals.

1. One-flag signals are used for as an urgent signal

2. Two-flag signals are used at times of distress and maneuvering.

3. Three flags are used for point of the compass, standard times, and also general code and decode signals.

4. Four-flag signals are used as geographical signals.

5. The five flags are used to relate time and position.

6. Six and seven flags are used to indicate latitude and longitude directions.

Few international meaning for marine signal flags:

* A: Alpha - Diver down; keep clear

* B: Bravo - Carrying dangerous cargo

* C: Charlie - Yes

* I: India - I am altering course to port

* O: Oscar - Man overboard

* Z: Zulu – I require a tug

In case you are interested to purchase these flags as a hobbyist collector or to use it on a ship, there are a few on-line stores which can cater to your needs. These stores can also provide you information on the marine industry.

Ensure Compliance With This Latest Edition Of CFR 33

Maritime discipline is a critical aspect navigating naval ships. The Department of Homeland Security takes a special interest in the maritime disputes and sovereignty of territorial waters. Furthermore, regulations that bind the system of docking and setting sail have to monitored closely to prevent loopholes. The latest edition of CFR 33 is the book for all knowledge pertaining to jurisdiction and security of vessels. Conditions have to be met to make sure all the facets of the law are complied by. Furthermore, inadequate fire protection, unsafe machinery and internal disturbance may be enough for a CFR violation. 

CFR 33 Latest Edition

 The violation of CFR code can be serious since it disrupts the sovereignty of the maritime relations between countries. Let us look at the South China Sea incident as an interesting to understand the latest addition in violation of any maritime codebook. Anyone familiar with the latest edition of CFR 33 will understand the following points since international maritime definitions are similar the US definitions.

Diplomacy In The South China Sea

The diplomatic relations for the South China Sea have risen the concern for China's to reduce its propaganda to introduce oppressive security in domestic territories. Introducing measures have become highly difficult for the UN in light such ambivalence. Apparently, the domestic law terms have made it ambiguous to blame China of any maritime rights violations.

• They claim legal coherence, but, it is the domestic judiciary that often imposes on the substantive measures provided to foreigners under maritime law.

As a result, it is evident that some subversion is in play here.

• Although not recognized in international law, China uses the term “jurisdictional seas” to describe inland waters, the territorial sea, its contiguous zones, its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf (as well as other sea areas that China claims).

Furthermore, China has managed to procure ways to reduce compliance with International Law by employing its apex courts umbrella term for "jurisdictional seas."

• In fact, historical rights have been used as a means to lay claim to the South China Sea. The question arises is when will China stop obfuscating and come to term with international law?

The Reassessment

• Clearly, they are evading abiding by the distance rule and using aged definitions to push their claims across as innocuous. However, imagery has shown that there is an increase in militarization.
• Thus, a note verbale submitted to the United Nations in 2009 states: “China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters, and enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters as well as the seabed and subsoil thereof.”
• Therefore, war may be underway due to such disputes in maritime policy. Subversion is being levied, however, China seems to slip under the radar with its vast military proliferation.