Satellite Radio from area to area offshore. For sailing along
The newest on-board satellite service, most
the East Coast and into the Bahamas, both
satellite radio is a one-way transmission,
services offer reliable signals. Further south,
similar to AM/FM radio stations’ broadcast.
Sirius reportedly enjoys a better reputation
Boats can listen to the service, but can’t re-
for expanded coverage.
spond or interact with it, except to choose
The biggest value to offshore boats is that
a channel. The two major services, Sirius
both services are now also offering access to
(www.sirius.com) and XM-Radio (www.
interactive weather information, including
xmradio.com), offer hundreds of channels
live radar, weather charts, sea conditions,
of specialized news and entertainment, in-
storm tracking and more. These marine
cluding music, talk shows, world news, and
weather services come at additional charges,
sports. Subscriptions to these services are in-
but can transmit information directly to a
expensive, but the quality of coverage varies
computer or specialized display.
Signaling
Although almost all communications be-
can be expanded or made more specific with
tween vessels, and from vessels to shore, are
complements. These may express a variation
accomplished by using radio, there are other
in the meaning of the basic signal; questions
methods that can, and sometimes are, used.
and answers related to the meaning of the
Knowledge of signal communications can be
basic signal; or supplementary, specific or
very valuable if radio equipment is inopera-
more detailed meanings of the basic signal.
tive, or there is no common frequency be-
Most complements consist of a single nu-
tween you and the station you wish to com-
meral, but there may be two, three, four, five,
municate with, or where there is a language
or six numerals when signaling such values nals
difference. Vessels within sight or hearing
as latitude and longitude, time, or date.
of each other may communicate using code
Below are the most common and signifi-
S
ig
flags, flashing lights, or sound signals.
cant signals. For a complete copy of the In-
The International Code of Signals contains
ternational Code of Signals, visit our Website
signals that can be sent by flag hoists, flashing
(www.reedsalmanac.com).
light and sound, and other means. The Inter-
national Morse code is used for flashing light
Single-Letter Signals
and sound signals, as well as radiotelegraphy.
Signals consisting solely of one letter are
omms
Signals basically consist of single letters
used for the most basic messages, and are the
C
and two-letter combinations; three-letter
most commonly seen flag signals. Typical
combinations, all starting with “M,” are used
ones are listed below:
solely for medical messages. Many signals
A I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
B I am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
D Keep clear of me – I am maneuvering with difficulty.
H I have a pilot on board.
K I wish to communicate with you.
L You should stop your vessel instantly.
O Man overboard.
Q My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique.
U You are running into danger.
V I require assistance.
W I require medical assistance.
X Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
Y I am dragging my anchor.
There is also another set of single-letter tude, or time and date.
signals that is used only with numerical Yet another set of single-letter signals, usu-
complements to communicate azimuth or ally made by sound or radiotelephony, is used
bearing, course, speed, latitude and longi- between icebreakers and assisted vessels.
831