SHIP OR AUTHORITY
COMMODORE
VICE COMMODORE
REAR COMMODORE
CONVOY (COLLECTIVELY)
TEAM
THIS, OR SECTION . . .
OTC
ESCORT SHIPS (COLLECTIVE)
ESCORT SHIPS (INDIVIDUAL)
RESCUE SHIPS
GUIDED MISSILE SHIP
ESCORTING AIRCRAFT
STRAGGLERS
VOICE RADIO/
FLASHING LIGHT
BULL
CALF
COLT
SACK
BOSS
GANG
SODA
CORK*
SHOT
PLANK
LAZY
*followed by 1,2,3, etc. as necessary
Figure 7-3.Convoy special call signs.
execution, the text may be repeated prior to sending
STANDBY-EXECUTE.
FLAG SIGNALING
Flag signaling procedures are based on those
found in Pub 102, with the following additional rules:
A flaghoist without a call is addressed to the
commodore when made by a ship in the convoy,
or it is addressed to the convoy when made by
the commodore.
The moment of execution is the moment when
the hoist is hauled down.
When hoisted by a warship, signals from ATP
2, volume II, will be preceded by the 4TH
substitute.
Signals from Pub 102 will be preceded by the
code pennant.
All flag signals are to be repeated flag for flag.
Remember flags, merchant ships do not carry
4TH substitute.
FLASHING LIGHT
Flashing light should be restricted to minimum
use. Both directional and non-directional light may be
used.
These procedures are based on those found in the
International Code of Signals, except for the
following procedure signs:
FFFFUsed preceding a call to order the called
station not to answer this transmission.
IXAction on the message or signal which follows
is to be carried out upon receipt of the prosign IX 5
SECOND FLASH.
IX 5 SECOND FLASHCarry out the purpose of
this message or signal to which this applies.
Executive method is normally used for
transmitting a maneuvering signal or other signals
requiring simultaneous actions.
PYROTECHNICS
Pyrotechnics are designed for use at night in case
of extreme urgency, threat of enemy attack, or when
thick weather justifies their use for maneuvering.
The use of pyrotechnics for maneuvering in
convoy is left entirely to the commodore's discretion,
and if used, they are for emphasizing the urgent nature
of the maneuver.
With the possible danger of cargo explosion from
fumes, masters with dangerous cargos should exercise
their discretion in regard to the firing of rockets and
pyrotechnics.
Independently routed merchant ships are to fire
NO LESS THAN TWO WHITE ROCKETS if they are
damaged by enemy action between dusk and dawn.
This should, in good visibility, serve to attract the
attention of naval vessels and aircraft, as well as warn
other merchant ships in the area. Masters of
independently routed ships should turn directly away
upon sighting this signal.
A ship in convoy that sighted a previously
undetected enemy submarine or surface craft or which
is torpedoed must immediately fire at least TWO
WHITE ROCKETS IN QUICK SUCCESSION.
If a ship in convoy accidentally fires a rocket or
other pyrotechnic device, that ship should
immediately make the colored signal for negative
(white over red over green). In addition, the letters NO
may be sounded on the ship's siren (ship's whistle).
This should prevent the escort from taking the usual
countermeasure against enemy attack.
Rocket and pyrotechnic signals and their
meanings are contained in ATP 2, volume II, table
II-V.
7-8