acknowledge the signal, do so by hoisting the signal
close up, bearing in mind the ship's visual
responsibility. This notifies the originator that your
ship understands the signal and is ready to carry out
any required action. When the originator lowers the
hoist, haul down your hoist smartly and inform the
OOD that the signal has been hauled down.
When an addressee desires to question a signal,
the signal or ANS shall be kept at the dip, and the
INTERROGATIVE pennant hoisted on an adjacent
halyard. Normally, an address over INT will not be
required when communication is only between the
originator and the addressee questioning the signal.
When necessary to refer to the signal of a specific
originator, a call may precede INT.
NOTE
INT signals need not be acknowledged if
the signal in question can be clarified,
hoisted, or canceled immediately. However,
when answered and brought close up on both
ships, INT signals should be hauled down to
free the halyards for additional signals.
In addition to the provisions for the use of the
INTERROGATIVE pennant used alone, it may be
amplified and used as follows:
INT l—Signal now flying not distinguishable.
INT 2—You are repeating signal incorrectly.
INT 3—I am repeating signal incorrectly.
These signals are most effective in expediting
flaghoist signaling when passed by flashing light.
Once a problem has been identified, regardless of ship
(be it the originator, repeating ship, or last ship in
visual chain of responsibility), adherence to the
procedures for canceling or correcting a hoist are of
paramount importance in avoiding early execution or
delay and/or confusion in the receipt of the intended
signal.
Requests may be acknowledged by a senior officer
by hoisting flag CHARLIE or NEGAT below the call
of the ship making the request. Such signals constitute
both receipt and answer.
CANCELING A SIGNAL
Flaghoist signals are canceled by the following
uses of NEGAT:
5-14
When only one flag signal is flying, NEGAT
hoisted on an adjacent halyard cancels the signal.
When two or more flag signals are flying under
the same call, NEGAT hoisted on an adjacent halyard
cancels all signals flying. If only one signal is to be
canceled, it must be repeated preceded by NEGAT.
When “all ships” signals and specifically
addressed signals are flying at the same time, NEGAT
without a call preceding it cancels all signals without
a call, and NEGAT with a call preceding it cancels all
signals under a similar call. If only one signal of
several signals under the same call is to be canceled,
it must be repeated and preceded by NEGAT under the
same call.
The canceling signal and the signal canceled are
to be hauled down together when all addressees have
acknowledged.
CORRECTING A SIGNAL
Flaghoist signals are corrected as follows:
An originating ship cancels the signal in question,
then hoists the correct signal.
A repeating ship hoists the signal meaning “Signal
is repeated incorrectly” on an adjacent halyard, then
hauls down both signals. The correct signal is then
hoisted.
EXPEDITING OF FLAGHOIST
SIGNALING
An originating ship may pass its signal by flashing
light if there is doubt that its flags can be seen clearly.
Directional or nondirectional light, using proper
procedure, can be used. The operating signal ZJL
meaning “Hoist the following signal” can be included.
Directional
If directional procedure is used, the signal will be
receipted for by light and acknowledged in the normal
flaghoist manner. The executive signal need not be
made by light when the signal is hauled down.
Nondirectional
If nondirectional procedure is used and no ship
will answer, the signal may be repeated as often as
necessary, with repetitions being separated by the
prosign IMI. Ships will acknowledge by flaghoist. The
