separated could convey a meaning different from
Signals hoisted at yardarms of different heights are
read beginning at the highest yardarm. When several
the intended meaning.
hoists are displayed simultaneously from different
HOW TO READ FLAGHOISTS
points, they are read in the following order: (1)
masthead, (2) triatic stay, (3) starboard yardarm, and (4)
The flags of a hoist are always read from the top
port yardarm.
down. When a signal is too long to fit on one
Terms used to describe the status of flaghoists are as
halyard--when, in other words, it requires more flags
follows:
than can be made into a single hoist--the signal must be
continued on another halyard. When a signal is broken
Close-up: A hoist is close-up when its top is
into two or more hoists, it must be divided at points
touching the block at the point of hoist-that is,
where there can be a natural space without affecting the
when the hoist is up as far as it will go.
meaning of the signal.
At the dip: A hoist is at the dip (or dipped) when
A complete signal or group of signals--whether on
it is hoisted three-fourths of the way up toward
one hoist or on two or more adjacent hoists flying at the
the point of hoist.
same time--is called a display. When displays of more
than one hoist are raised, the separate hoists are run up,
Hauled down: A hoist is hauled down when it is
one by one, in the correct order. Do not try to run them
returned to the deck.
up simultaneously.
Superior position: Any hoist or portion of a hoist
As a general rule, a signal too long to be shown
that is to be read before another hoist or portion
completely on three halyards is made into two or more
of a hoist is said to be in a superior position.
displays. When two or more displays are used, the
heading must be hoisted on a separate halyard and kept
FLAGS AND PENNANTS
flying while successive displays are made.
Since flaghoist signaling is such a common method
When two or more hoists are flying, they are read
of sending signals, you must learn all of the flags and
from outboard in or from forward to aft. Figure 6-8
pennants well enough to recognize any one of them.
shows how to read a three-hoist display from the top
(See figs. 6-10 and 6-11.)
down and from outboard in.
Memory aids are a big help in learning the flags.
Flags may also be hoisted at the triatic stay. This is a
For example: CHARLIE, TANGO, and WHISKEY are
line extending from the foremast to a stack or another
the only flags that are red, white, and blue. You could
mast. Such signals are read from forward to aft. A
also think of them as WTC--watertight compartment.
triatic stay is shown in figure 6-9. This illustration also
shows hoists at two positions on a yardarm.
Figure 6-8.--Reading flaghoists
Figure 6-9.--Flaghoist positions.
6-8
