640 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AfTD NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE

SEMAPHORE.
Procedure.
1. The person intending to semaphore hoists semaphore flag (»T;
where most convenient and where best seen.
2. The other ship will then hoist the answering pendant at the dip
to indicate that flag (J) has been observed, and when she is ready to
read the message the answering pendant will be hoisted close up.
3. The sender; keeps semaphore flag (J) flying while the message is
being made and hauls it down on completion of the message.
4. All messages are semaphored in plain language and numbers
occurring in a message are spelt out in words.
5. The special signs are, "Attention" and "Break" as per illustrations;
Answering Sign (C) and a "succession of E's (EEEEEEEEEE)
to indicate that an error has been made. The Erase should be followed
by the last word transmitted correctly and the message continued.
A R means "end of message."
6. After sending each word the signalman drops his arms to the
break position and waits until the receiver replies with the answering
sign (C). If the receiver does not do so the sender repeats the word.
When double letters occur in a word the sender drops his arms
momentarily to the break position and carries on.
7. When vessels are a considerable distance apart and perhaps
signalling with a mechanical semaphore, the receiving vessel acknow-
ledges each woid by means of the answering pendant.
8. When ships are close to one another the semaphore flag (J)
and answering pendant need not be hoisted, but if not, the attention
sign and answering sign (0) may be used instead.
0. When a number of ships are together and there is doubt as to
which vessel is intended to answer the signal, the sender will hoist the
particular vessel's signal letters, tack line J.
A man-of-war wishing to semaphore to a particular merchant
vessel will- do the same, viz., hoist signal letters, tack line J
and in addition will hoist the Code pendant in a conspicuous position.