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. 7-10