on voice radio, and hoist flag “OSCAR” by day, and
flash O to ships astern both day and night.
The ship is to put the rudder over to avoid striking
the person; she also will not try to pick the overboard
person up. The last ship in the column will try to pick
up the person. The escort forces will also try to pick
up the person.
PORT EXAMINATION SERVICE
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for
national authorities to control the entrance of ships
into certain ports. The signals in figure 7-4 should be
displayed by signal stations or by port examination
service vessels.
Examination-service vessels will, in addition, fly
by day a distinguishing flag (fig. 7-5).
COMMUNICATION CONFERENCES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain the,
purpose of the convoy communication and
Signalman conferences.
Uniformity of communications procedures is of
the utmost importance in convoy communications.
General communications instructions, radio and radar
watches, electronic emissions, communications
security policies, and recognition and identification
are the minimum that should be covered by all
communications personnel prior to a convoy sailing.
CONVOY COMMUNICATION
CONFERENCE
The NCSO will arrange a conference to be
attended by merchant ship radio officers, naval
communication officers, and senior rating. It will
normally take place immediately after the convoy
conference and will deal with convoy communi-
cations in detail.
CONVOY SIGNALMAN
CONFERENCE
This conference is normally held after the
communication conference for Signalmen.
The communications officer conducting the
conference will ensure that Signalmen are familiar with
visual signaling used in convoys, especially executive
method signaling, identification procedures, and
procedures for sending signals.
SIGNAL
MEANING
RED
RED
RED
FIXED—Do not proceed/Port is closed
FLASHING— Emergency. Do not
proceed/port is closed
GREEN
Port is open
GREEN
You may proceed
GREEN
One-way traffic
GREEN
Port is open
GREEN
You may proceed
WHITE
Two-way traffic
GREEN
Port is open
WHITE
You may only proceed when ordered
GREEN
to do so
Figure 7-4.—Port traffic signals.
Figure 7-5—Examination-service flag.
SUMMARY
In this chapter you learned how to communicate in
a convoy using radiotelephone, flashing light and
flaghoist. You learned the function of the convoy
organization, including that of the OCA, CDSORG, and
the NCSORG. You learned about the different convoy
formations and how to change guides. You learned about
the port examination services and communication
conferences. Review this chapter frequently to become
familiar with convoy communication. To become even
more knowledgable, study ATP 2, volume II.
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