AY Honors/Communications/Semaphore Code

The newer flag semaphore system uses two short poles with square flags, which a flagperson holds in different positions to signal letters of the alphabet and numbers. The flagperson holds one pole in each hand, and extends each arm in one of eight possible directions. Except for in the rest position, the flags cannot overlap. The flags are colored differently based on whether the signals are sent by sea or by land. At sea, the flags are colored red and yellow. While on land, they are red and white.

The following semaphore characters are presented as one would face the signalman (in other words, pretend you can see the signalman's face in the illustrations). The letters almost follow a perfect, regular pattern, but don't be fooled by the first several. J, V, and Y break the pattern. We present them here in alphabetical order, and then again by position in a series of circles.

Alphabetic Order

File:Semaphore Ready.svg Rest position	80px Numerals	80px Attention	File:Semaphore Cancel.svg Cancel
80px A / 1	80px B / 2	80px C / 3 / Ack	80px D / 4	80px E / 5 / Error 9x's	80px F / 6
80px G / 7	File:Semaphore Hotel.svg H / 8	File:Semaphore India.svg I / 9	80px J / Letters	80px K / 0
File:Semaphore Lima.svg L	80px M	File:Semaphore November.svg N	80px O	80px P
File:Semaphore Quebec.svg Q	80px R	80px S	80px T	80px U
80px V	80px W	80px X	80px Y	80px Z

By position

The Grand Circle	80px A	80px B	80px C	80px D	80px E	80px F	80px G
A Circle	80px	File:Semaphore Hotel.svg H	File:Semaphore India.svg I	80px K	File:Semaphore Lima.svg L	80px M	File:Semaphore November.svg N
B Circle	80px	80px	80px O	80px P	File:Semaphore Quebec.svg Q	80px R	80px S
C Circle	80px	80px	80px	80px T	80px U	80px Y	File:Semaphore Cancel.svg Cancel
D Circle	80px	80px	80px	80px	80px Numerals	80px J	80px V
E Circle	80px	80px	80px	80px	80px	80px W	80px X
F Circle	80px	80px	80px	80px	80px	80px	80px Z

Tips

When you are first learning semaphores, a good Bible text to practice with is Philippians 4:8, as it repeats the phrase "whatever is" several times. Since it is so repetitive, You should be able to quickly signal the "whatever is" portion to get your speed up. This verse contains all the letters of the alphabet except j, q, and z which can be learned afterwards.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
— Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Graphically

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File:Semaphore India.svgI

AY Honors/Communications/Semaphore Code

Alphabetic Order

By position

Tips

Graphically

More Tips