Modern semaphore

The newer flag semaphore system uses two short poles with square flags, which a signalman holds in different positions to signal letters of the alphabet and numbers. The signalman 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 coloured differently based on whether the signals are sent by sea or by land. At sea, the flags are coloured red and yellow (the Oscar flag), while on land, they are white and blue (the Papa flag). Flags are not required, they just make the characters more obvious.

Characters

The following semaphore characters are presented as one would face the signalman:

• 

  Rest / Space
 
• 

  Numerals
 
• 

  Attention
 
• 

  A or 1
 
• 

  B or 2
 
• 

  C or 3
  Acknowledge/Correct
 
• 

  D or 4
 
• 

  E or 5
  (8x) Error
 
• 

  F or 6
 
• 

  G or 7
 
• 

  H or 8
 
• 

  I or 9
 
• 

  J or Letters
  Letters / Position Sign
 
• 

  K or 0 (zero)
  Invitation to Transmit
 
• 

  L
 
• 

  M
 
• 

  N
 
• 

  O
 
• 

  P
 
• 

  Q
 
• 

  R
 
• 

  S
 
• 

  T
 
• 

  U
 
• 

  V
 
• 

  W
 
• 

  X
 
• 

  Y
 
• 

  Z

Numbers can be signaled by first signaling "Numerals". To change back to letters, simply signal "J". (See discussion)

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