Yachtmaster - Flags

[laika]

As a mathematician I'd fly a Q flag with a bar above it. Is that the right answer or should I be thinking of Winter Holiday?

I only got as far as Peter Duck so I apologise for not getting the reference.

otherwise...close.
QQ
Or
Q<first substitute>
...if you're not a complete...errr..Vexillophile with more than one set of signal flags...

 

[alant]

I was asked (although my YM was 12 years ago). My impression from what instructors asked, what others I've spoken to were asked, and the order in which my exam questions were asked, the most important to know are:
- NC because it's one of the recognised distress signals
- N and C because you're frankly a bit of a dullard if you know NC but never asked yourself what they mean individually
- The common ones
"common ones" seem to be, (as others have mentioned), A, B, H and Q. You see the two flag RY ("You should proceed at slow speed when passing me") a fair bit too.

Having memorized the single flag codes (flip cards were helpful here) I was caught out when the examiner asked me what I'd fly if my vessel *wasn't* healthy and I required health clearance. Never forgotten that since of course....

The International Code of Signals can be found online if you're interested in more than just the single flag codes.

Well, my YM was much further back than 12 years & neither flags or morse were on the syllabus.
Morse only got slightly involved when considering some sound signals.

 

[dunedin]

Both B and H are used regularly on the Clyde in addition to A

Are they? Never noticed them.

Was Bravo used for the lovely steamer trips on SS Shieldhall?

 

[laika]

Well, my YM was much further back than 12 years & neither flags or morse were on the syllabus.

I think I see the confusion. You're talking about the theory syllabus which yes, the OP was probably talking about too. I was talking about the random questions asked in the YM practical. I don't remember any flag questions in the theory exam although aren't distress signals in there?

 

[LittleSister]

Good luck with the morse code test

I had to learn Morse Code for my Yachtmaster's (a little while back now). I'm waiting for it to come back into style so I can use it!

p.s. I've also just remembered that I wanted those sets of flip cards for learning the code flags, lights, shapes, sound signals, etc., but couldn't afford them, so I made my own. I think colouring in the code flags probably helped learn them (most now forgotten, sadly).

 

[Uricanejack]

Do RYA YMs get to have a special flag or burgee?

My Dan Buoy has an Oscar on it. Never used but its on the back of the boat. If I practice I tie it up JIK. does having it ready count as use?

I suppose in theory I should use Q when I cross the border. I never do. No complaint's yet.

Is Q required now with the EU rules? Do they care?

Is recognising what I see on an other vessel use. At least use of knowledge. is it Useful?

I would say the YM isn't all its cracked up to be if a YM is not expected to know the meaning of A. I am sure most other divers would think the same.
Or again someone claiming to be a YM not recognising what the O on my dan bouy means.?
NC already mentioned.

Other common ones B, Q, G, H, do they matter? maybe not. useful knowledge? doesn't hurt.

I would have thought a YM would be expected to know maneuvering signals E, I, S, even if they don't recognise the flag.
And Sound signals T, M, D.

I suppose you could argue I am out of date.

 

[alant]

I think I see the confusion. You're talking about the theory syllabus which yes, the OP was probably talking about too. I was talking about the random questions asked in the YM practical. I don't remember any flag questions in the theory exam although aren't distress signals in there?

Can't remember any in my practical either.

 

[alant]

Do RYA YMs get to have a special flag or burgee?

My Dan Buoy has an Oscar on it. Never used but its on the back of the boat. If I practice I tie it up JIK. does having it ready count as use?

I suppose in theory I should use Q when I cross the border. I never do. No complaint's yet.

Is Q required now with the EU rules? Do they care?

Is recognising what I see on an other vessel use. At least use of knowledge. is it Useful?

I would say the YM isn't all its cracked up to be if a YM is not expected to know the meaning of A. I am sure most other divers would think the same.
Or again someone claiming to be a YM not recognising what the O on my dan bouy means.?
NC already mentioned.

Other common ones B, Q, G, H, do they matter? maybe not. useful knowledge? doesn't hurt.

I would have thought a YM would be expected to know maneuvering signals E, I, S, even if they don't recognise the flag.
And Sound signals T, M, D.

I suppose you could argue I am out of date.

Well, I got a Boatmaster ticket & no flags used then either.
The only sounds were the standard turning to port/starboard, engines in astern, abandon ship (passengers).
Can't think of many others, although did get a . . - from a ship heading towards us down a narrow channel in Holland, when an 'experienced' BT Challenge skipper ignored the rules & headed across its path almost causing a collision.

 

[EdWingfield]

Fly Q if you carry clap, clam, siff or AIDS.

Don't want you infecting the local population

 

[Daydream believer]

Fly Q if you carry clap, clam, siff or AIDS.

Don't want you infecting the local population

I am sure that we are all really glad that you flagged that point up

 

[laika]

My Dan Buoy has an Oscar on it. Never used but its on the back of the boat. If I practice I tie it up JIK. does having it ready count as use?

I'm only commenting with bloke-in-the-pub "I would have thought.." authority (ie none based only on anecdotal evidence half remembered from more than a decade ago) but I'd say "yes" and edited my earlier list of "common" ones which I vaguely remember being mentioned by instructors or examiners. We need a real examiner here....

Is Q required now with the EU rules? Do they care?

Not when arriving from another EU country. It *is* required when arriving from the channel islands (not part of the EU). I've posted before about my experience of trying to follow the rules. I don't think most people bother.

I would have thought a YM would be expected to know maneuvering signals E, I, S, even if they don't recognise the flag.

You need to know the sound signals because they're basic colregs. I don't believe I've seen or would expect to see a vessel hoisting "E" before turning to starboard.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The current RYA theory syllabus does not include the code flags. As previously mentioned, those which are distress signals would be included. Knowledge of flag A would also be required, as it features in Colregs.

 

[[163233]]

I almost daren't ask now the idea that signal flags are obsolete has been so comprehensively debunked, but what's H for?

 

[JumbleDuck]

I almost daren't ask now the idea that signal flags are obsolete has been so comprehensively debunked, but what's H for?

Have a pilot on board, as opposed to

Guide required.

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Well, my YM was much further back than 12 years & neither flags or morse were on the syllabus.
Morse only got slightly involved when considering some sound signals.

Or when trying to use an RDF! A most sick making experience!

 

[[163233]]

Have a pilot on board, as opposed to

Guide required.

I meant what use is it rather than what it means, why would I want to know they had or want a pilot on board?
Do the pilots still race out to meet incoming ships?

 

[Mariner69]

Missing two tack lines but otherwise OK.

The International Code Book, downloadable from the internet via the US sources (Google is your friend) is useful. Making your own flip cards was how I learnt it in the 70's but semaphore exam would have been disastrous if the examiner hadn't been mouthing the letters to the examinees.

 

[alant]

I meant what use is it rather than what it means, why would I want to know they had or want a pilot on board?
Do the pilots still race out to meet incoming ships?

They do in the Solent, meet ships south of the Nab.

 

[[163233]]

They do in the Solent, meet ships south of the Nab.

Really? Those ruddy great container ships don't just call them up on the wireless?

Hmmm.. .ABP Southampton's website suggests otherwise:-

Pilotage

The Port of Southampton is responsible for providing pilots throughout the East and Central Solent, Southampton Water and Rivers Itchen and Test. (Pilots are not available in the West Solent/Needles).

Ships requiring a pilot must inform Southampton VTS not less than 12 hours and then verified 3 hours in advance of ETA. Ship owners, Masters or agents may order a pilot by telephone 023 8060 8208. Destination, draught and BOARDING POINT must be indicated.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

I meant what use is it rather than what it means, why would I want to know they had or want a pilot on board?
Do the pilots still race out to meet incoming ships?

It is information and what you do with it is up to you. I would use it to determine if a vessel requiring a pilot was being approached by a launch that had a pilot aboard and would therefore be transferring people at sea, underway, that may determine my actions. Much the same as spotting Flag A.