Pyrotechnic signals. Pyrotechnic signaling devices, signaling, the influence of propulsion on the controllability of a ship, ship control and navigation safety, organization of service on ships of the Ministry of the Navy. Basic VHF channels
Classification of signaling devices. On ships navy The signal service is carried out by the watch mate and the watch sailor.All sea vessels are equipped with internal and external signaling equipment in strict accordance with the Rules of the USSR Register and the Supply Sheet for Marine Vessels. Good condition, constant readiness of ships signaling devices And proper organization signal service - necessary conditions for successful and accident-free navigation.
Internal alarm (emergency, fire, bilge, temperature, service) plays important role in ensuring the safety of the vessel, cargo and people on board. The emergency alarm notifies about a declared general emergency emergency; fire department - about the location of the fire; bilge and temperature - about changes in temperature or the appearance of water in the holds; service allows you to quickly notify any crew member or call him to a designated place.
External signaling means are divided into visual (optical), sound (acoustic) and radio.
Visual communication are:
Flags - International Code of Signals (ICS);
Semaphore - manual and mechanical (semaphore wings); signal figures - balls, cones, cylinders, T-shaped signs and stripes, etc.;
Lighting - distinctive lights, spotlights, flashing lamps, rockets, flares, etc.
Audio communications are: bells, gongs, whistles, sirens, air typhons.
Radio technical means of communication are ship radiotelegraph and radiotelephone stations.
Flag signaling has 40 flags, of which 26 are alphabetic, quadrangular shape; 10 - digital, triangular; 3 - triangular, replacing any of the S6 main flags if they are repeated in the same signal. The last (40th) flag - the code pennant - serves to notify that negotiations are underway under the International Code of Signals (ICS).
International Code of Signals(1965) is intended to maintain communication in an environment caused by the need to ensure the safety of navigation and the protection of human life at sea, especially in cases where language communication difficulties arise. The code is convenient for signal production by all means of communication, including radiotelephone and radiotelegraph, which makes it possible to eliminate the need for a separate radiotelegraph code. Each MCC signal has a complete semantic meaning, which eliminates the need to compose signals according to words.
The signals used in the International Code of Signals consist of:
Single-letter signals intended for very urgent, important or frequently used messages (Table 11);
Two-letter signals that make up the general section: distress - accident, accidents - damage, aids to navigation - navigation - hydrography, maneuvering, miscellaneous (cargo, ballast, crew, people, fishing, pilot, port, harbour), meteorology - weather, communications, international sanitary rules, addition tables;
Table 11
three-letter signals that make up the medical section and begin with the letter M.
The material in the Code is grouped in accordance with the topic and, for ease of analysis of signals, is arranged in alphabetical order of signal combinations, which are placed on the left side of the pages before the meanings of the signals. To facilitate the set of signals, some of them are repeated in different thematic groups. Signals for transmitting messages are observed using qualifier words that reflect the main topic of the message being prepared. Alphabetical index defining words are placed at the end of the Code.
Semaphore signaling (manual, mechanical, semaphore panels) allows you to negotiate via MSS or using a special semaphore alphabet. When negotiating using a special semaphore alphabet, different positions of the hands in relation to the signalman's body or different positions of the wings of a mechanical semaphore in relation to the vertical base correspond to letter values.
Signal figures have their advantages: they are visible at a considerable distance, do not depend on the direction of the wind, and are clearly visible at sunset and sunrise.
In the daytime, signal figures replace signal lights and also serve for negotiations with ships and coastal stations.
On the coasts of the seas and oceans there are numerous coastal signal stations that monitor the movement of ships, transmitted signals, and the weather, warning ships of impending danger. Each signal (a combination of flags, cones, cylinders, balls) is assigned its own number, with the help of which its semantic meaning can be found in the tables of the International System of Signals.
Boatmasters must be well aware of the semantic meaning of shore signals, lights and figures.
Light signaling is carried out using flashing lights, flashing lamps, lanterns, spotlights, heliographs and prisms. Transmission is carried out in short (dot) and long (dash) flashes in Morse code.
Sound communications. For negotiations using sound signals, the same Morse code is adopted as for light. Sound signals can be produced by any sound means, including a ship's horn or siren.
Sound signals may have local or international significance.
Pyrotechnic signaling devices(false flares, rockets, grenades) on sea vessels used as light, sound or explosive signals. They are used both in the dark and in the daytime, but always with good visibility. During daylight hours, only rockets that produce colored lights or stars are used.
Radio engineering communications. The minimum required radio equipment for each ship, depending on the navigation area and destination, is determined by the USSR Register Rules.
§ 63. COMMUNICATIONS AND SIGNALING FACILITIES
On small boats Communications and signaling are necessary to communicate with the shore and other ships to issue distress signals.
All types of communication or signaling equipment on small vessels are divided into three main types: visual, audio, radio.
1. Visual alarm
Means of visual communication include flag and light signaling.
A. Flag signaling
Flag semaphore (Fig. 148, a) is the most common and accessible view communications. Its essence is that each letter of the Russian alphabet corresponds to a certain position of the hands. The semaphore alphabet has 29 alphabetic signs, 8 service signs and 4 place change signs. In order to use a flag semaphore, an amateur navigator must know it well, and on board a vessel while sailing, have two brightly colored flags nailed to the handles for ease of use. It is also necessary to have a spare pair of semaphore flags.
Signal flags (see appendix) are used for communication and signaling with posts, lighthouses and passing ships. If an amateur sailor does not know by heart the meanings of each flag or combination of flags, then the ship needs to have a table where these meanings are written down. The navigator must know the combinations of flags given in the appendix by heart and have the combinations prepared on the ship in order to quickly issue a warning or distress signal at the right time or read a signal raised by another ship.
Single flag signal meanings
A - "I'm doing speed tests"
B - “I am loading (unloading) explosives”
IN - "I need medical care»
G - "I need a pilot"
D - “Stay away from me. I I have a hard time managing it"
E - "I am heading to the right"
AND - "I need help"
Z - Coast Station Call Alert
AND - "I'm going to make a semaphore message"
TO - "Stop your ship immediately"
L - “Stop. I have an important message."
M - "I have a doctor on board"
Rice. 148 a
N - "No", negative
ABOUT - "Man Overboard"
P - At sea: "Your lights have gone out." At the port: “The crew must assemble for the ship”
R - "My ship can't move"
Rice. 148 b- individual signs and techniques
WITH - "My machines are working in full swing back"
T - "Don't cross my course"
U - "You are heading towards danger."
F - “I'm out of control. Keep in touch with me"
X - "I have a pilot on board"
C - "Yes", affirmative
SCH - "My ship is not infected"
b - “Stop your actions, follow me”
Y - "I'm delivering mail"
B. Light signaling
Light signaling is used in dark time days when the message cannot be transmitted by other means of communication. Each letter of the Russian alphabet is assigned a specific combination, consisting of a set of dots and dashes transmitted by a spotlight, signal device or spot.
The point is transmitted by briefly pressing the key, which closes the electrical circuit. The dash must be three times longer than the dot.
In the absence electric lighting the message can be conveyed with an electric flashlight or an oil lantern, covering the light with the palm of your hand or your cap.
Rice. 149.A- combination of sunspots; b - signaling
Light signaling also includes a light-signal mirror (heliograph), which is a device that allows the rays reflected by the mirror to be sent in the form of light signals at a distance of up to 20 miles. This device is based on pointing the reflection of the solar disk (“bunny”) at the object of interest. The signal mirror consists of two metal plates fastened on a hinge, the surface of one of which is chrome-plated and polished. The plate has a sight hole. To give signals, the mirror should be held in the hand in such a way that the ship or aircraft through which the signal is being given can be seen through its sighting hole on the top wing (Fig. 149, a). In order for the “bunny” to fall on the target and your signal to be noticed on a ship or plane, you need to rotate the mirror so that the beam passing through the sighting hole and reflected from the bottom flap is inner surface the upper flap in the form of a light circle, coincides with the sighting hole (Fig. 149.6).
To prevent the mirror from falling into the water, it must have a cord that is worn around the neck when signaling.
Pyrotechnic signaling or pyrotechnic means are used to signal the location of a ship or when a ship is in distress. Pyrotechnics are divided into daytime (thick orange smoke) and nighttime (bright stars or flames).
The RB-40Sh lifeboat parachute rocket takes off to a height of at least 200 m, burns with a bright red fire and slowly descends by parachute. Burning duration 35 sec. Signal visibility range is 10-15 miles.
Night signal cartridge, commonly called a "false flare", when burned, is held in the hands and produces a torch of red, blue or white fire.
The cartridges are respectively designated F-2K, F-2G and F-2B.
Red flares are intended to give distress signals, white flares are used to attract attention, and blue flares are used to call a pilot. The signal duration for red and blue light cartridges is at least 60 seconds, for white light cartridges - 30 seconds. Visibility range 5 miles.
False flares are safe to use and are not blown away by the wind.
When triggered, the daylight signal cartridge emits orange smoke, which is visible from a distance of 3-4 miles. The burning time of the cartridge is at least 30 seconds.
Floating ones are used effectively during daylight hours. smoke bombs. Thick smoke orange color even in clear and calm weather it is visible for at least 5 miles. Smoke formation occurs within 5 minutes. and passes without open flame.
Pyrotechnic cartridges are reliable, and preparation for the action of the above-mentioned pyrotechnics takes no more than 7-10 seconds.
To give a signal, the cartridge cap is unscrewed and the ring with the cord is pulled out with a sharp movement. When giving a signal, all cartridges must be kept away from you and downwind.
Visual signaling also includes dyes on the water surface, clearly visible from an airplane.
Dyes include packages with dyes - fluorescein or uranine grade “A”, which color the surface of the water over an area of up to 50 m 2 in yellow-green color. The visibility range of such a spot from an airplane reaches 15-20 km.
It is not necessary to have all of the above equipment when swimming in open waters. pyrotechnic alarm, but at least 1-2 products from each of the above pyrotechnic groups must be carried on the ship. You can have one remedy that reliably replaces another. This is necessary in case of a distress signal. To avoid fire, pyrotechnic signals should only be lit overboard on the leeward side of the vessel.
2. Sound alarm
On small vessels, to give signals, attract attention, indicate their location in fog (poor visibility), in the absence of visual signaling, all types of car signals, whistles, signal horns, and bells are used. The audibility range of a car signal is 1 mile, a horn - 0.5 miles, a whistle - twice as far as the audibility of a voice, electric, air sirens and steam whistles - 2 km.
The P12 distress signal cartridge produces a signal sound that can be heard in calm weather at a distance of at least 5 miles.
3. Radio alarm
The emergency portable boat radio station "Sloop" and the emergency aircraft radio station "Kedr-S", which can operate both from an automatic alarm and distress signal sensor and from a manual key, can be used as a radio technical signaling device for sending distress signals on small vessels. The receiver of the Sloop radio station has two wave bands: 400-550 kHz and 600-9000 kHz. Signals can be transmitted on waves with frequencies 500, 6273 and 8364 kHz. The station has the shape of a cylinder with a diameter of 280 mm, height 500 mm, weighs 25 kg and is powered by hand generator.
Radio station "Kedr-S" operates on frequencies 500, 2232, 4465, 8928 and 13392 kHz. The set weighs 25 kg There are two types of antennas included. Power is supplied from dry batteries.
As a radio signaling device for small vessels, we can also recommend an emergency portable radio station of the “Raft” type, designed for sending and receiving telegraph and telephone call and distress signals, as well as for receiving signals in the medium bands (100-550 kHz), intermediate (1605-2800 kHz) and short (6000-8000 kHz) waves Available automatic sensor alarm signal.
The radio station is powered by a hand generator. The receiver can also be powered by water-filled batteries of the “Dymok” type, which are included in the supply of rescue equipment. The radio station consumes no more than 35 Tue, and when taken no more than 6 Tue. The amount of electricity consumed from water-filled batteries during reception does not exceed 1.5 Tue.
The "raft" weighs 23 kg, has dimensions 270X300X415 mm and can operate with a 6 meter telescopic antenna, a 9 meter mast antenna and a 100 meter box kite antenna.
Radar passive reflectors installed on sailing, rowing, wooden, and plastic boats are also among the signaling means by which navigators of vessels where ship radar stations are installed detect small vessels. The installation of passive radar reflectors is necessary for the timely detection of small vessels by vessels of a large fleet both in open waters and on inland waterways. There are many cases where the timely detection of a small vessel in poor visibility and fog prevented a collision of small vessels with large ones when the latter changed its course.
The presence of passive radar reflectors on small vessels is crucial in rescue operations to search for vessels swept out to sea.
The passive radar reflector consists of three metal exactly perpendicular disks with a diameter of 240 mm and thickness 1 mm. TO attached to one of the disks steel tube diameter 50 mm and length 130 mm. It is mounted on a two-meter wooden rod, which, together with the reflector, is installed vertically on the mast.
The nature of distress signals largely, sometimes to a decisive extent, depends on the place where they are issued. Even the most powerful signal flare can be launched in such a place and at such a time that no one will ever see the distress signals. First of all, you need to take into account the time of day and weather conditions.
A bright star in the sky during the day is almost invisible, while at night it attracts attention from many kilometers away. Therefore, during daylight hours it is better to use smoke distress signals, saving the rocket for darkness. In the same way, a rocket launched into a cloud that accidentally floats above your head can disappear without any benefit. Therefore, if possible, delay issuing a distress signal for a few seconds, wait for the clouds to pass, or try to get into an area of the sky free of clouds or fog.
To work with flares and smoke bombs, you should choose elevated points of the terrain. In this case, you must try to ensure that on the leeward side, where the smoke will be carried, there is an open space - a reservoir, a glacier, a clearing. When sending a distress signal, any pyrotechnic device should be held at arm's length, with the nozzle facing away from you. There should be no people standing on the leeward side, nor should there be flammable or fire-resistant objects. It is strictly unacceptable to direct flares and cartridges towards rescue aircraft, helicopters, and ships.
When using flares, you should take into account the direction and strength of the wind, which can strongly blow away the parachute with the signal star burning underneath it. If you want the signal to burn above your head, shoot slightly into the wind. Another purely missile mistake is underestimating the force of its recoil. This is especially true for large parachute rockets. If you do not hold the rocket casing tightly enough, it may jerk downward and slip out of your hands when fired. I was once able to verify this by giving a light (not an emergency) signal in the winter taiga. The mittens, frozen to the point of ice, did not allow us to squeeze our fingers with sufficient force, and for this reason the rocket fired in two directions at once: as an asterisk into the sky, and with a cartridge case into the ground.
It was only by miracle that the light charge that did not follow its trajectory did not burn my hair. But it could have been worse, much worse. For example, during a rock concert on Palace Square in St. Petersburg, a rocket unexpectedly fired into the crowd hit the temple and outright killed a spectator standing nearby. That is why the rocket should only be handled with your bare hand, having first wiped your palm and fingers dry. And one more very important advice. Most pyrotechnics have a one-time effect, that is, having given a signal once, it cannot be repeated. Therefore, it is necessary to send a signal from as close a distance as possible and only when there is confidence that it will be noticed. For example, when you see a rescue plane or ship or clearly hear the increasing noise of running engines.
On the other hand, if you have a supply of disposable pyrotechnics, when a still invisible rescue plane or helicopter approaches, it is better not to skimp on rockets. Here stinginess can do a disservice. The aircraft leading the search is not a city tram, which travels the same route several times a day. A search plane does not always return to a place it has already flown over. Therefore, it is better to give distress signals (I repeat once again: if you do not need pyrotechnics!) before it can be detected visually.
Point in the direction of the sound, if possible calculating the direction of flight from its increase or decrease. A rocket, having broken through low clouds, can be seen by pilots, while you will never see the plane. If there is no longer a need to send a signal, the ignition cord with the ring must be carefully placed in the socket intended for the rocket and the protective cap must be screwed on. While driving, signaling devices must be stored in a place protected from impacts and precipitation and at the same time easily accessible. And during halts, keep away from fire. Many pyrotechnics are susceptible to heat, intense friction and impacts, which can cause them to malfunction or even explode.
In addition to their direct purpose, almost all pyrotechnic signaling devices can be successfully used to scare away predatory animals - white and brown bears, wolves, jackals, etc.
Household means for sending distress signals.
Although it’s a stretch, aerosol cans can be considered the simplest pyrotechnic signaling means. Anything from hairspray and other cosmetics to repellents. A jet of aerosol released from a can, if passed through the flame of a match or, flares up with a bright, several tens of centimeters long, torch, visible from the air for several kilometers. The aerosol should be released in short, no more than 1 - 2 seconds, presses with 2 - 5 second pauses. With more long burning an aerosol jet can explode in your hands.
If it is necessary to send a long signal, the canister should be dug into the ground, place a flat stone on the start button or pull it back with an elastic band passed through the bottom, place a small torch in the path of the jet and move a few meters to the side. And if you remember childhood pranks, you can use sulfur match heads, magnesium, cerium and other things. make various “bombs”, firecrackers, “sparklers” and similar homemade, dubious properties, but still pyrotechnic light and sound signaling devices. Their production and use are associated with a certain risk, so I do not provide a specific recipe here. Anyone who was interested in such chemistry before, I think, will be able to use children’s skills not for entertainment, but for business.
Marine international signals disasters.
— Release of puffs of orange smoke.
— Flame on a ship, for example from a burning tar barrel.
- Rockets or grenades that emit red stars, released one at a time at short intervals.
— A red parachute rocket or a red flare.
— Flag signal NC (NC) according to the International Code of Signals.
— A signal consisting of a square flag with a ball above or below it.
- Slow, repeated raising and lowering of arms extended to the sides.
— Cannon shots or explosions made at intervals of about one minute, or a continuous sound produced by any fog signal apparatus.
— SOS distress signal transmitted by radiotelegraph or other signaling system, or the word “mayday”, pronounced over a radiotelephone.
All these signals have one single meaning, known to sailors all over the world - “I am in distress, I need help.”
Smoke and color distress signals in an emergency.
These include (in addition to the daytime signal) various smoke bombs and firecrackers, most often used at sea. Such checkers are triggered after being pulled out pilot cord and burn, emitting orange smoke, from 1 minute (hand bomb) to 4 minutes (floating bomb). The floating smoke bomb used in fleets has a length of 253 mm, a diameter of 80 mm and a weight of 820 g. The estimated visibility range of a smoke signal lasting 3 minutes is one nautical mile. The checker is activated by pulling the ignition cord.
There are other types of smoke bombs. Up to those that one person simply cannot cope with. For example, a large smoke signal bomb has a length of 74 cm, a diameter of 21 cm and a weight of 32 kg. This giant “smoke” burns for 8 minutes, and its signal is visible 20 km away. In addition to color-smoke distress signals, there are special dyes that, when dissolved in water, create a large, colorful spot that is noticeable from afar. These include, for example, uranine, intended for use in the sea or in vast freshwater bodies.
Upon contact with water, uranine spreads over the surface, forming a huge spot of intense green-emerald color (if it gets into cold water) or orange color (if it gets into warm water). The dye remains visible for about 4 - 6 hours in calm water and only 2 - 3 hours in rough water. To some extent, various orange panels, awnings of life rafts and boats, clothes and tents in bright red colors can serve as color distress signals.
Based on materials from the book “School of Survival in Accidents and Natural Disasters.”
Ilyin A.
Pyrotechnics are used to attract attention; Any of the following signals indicates that a vessel or person is in distress and requires immediate assistance.
The parachute flare produces a bright red light, visible both at night and during the day. When launched in a vertical direction, the rocket soars to a height of at least 300 m, and in clear weather its fire is visible at a distance of up to 20-30 miles. The rocket descends on its parachute at a speed of no more than 5 m/s, and the burning duration of the pyrotechnic composition is 40 s.
A flare is a pyrotechnic cartridge that produces a bright red fire. In clear weather, the fire is visible from a distance of about 6 miles. While burning, the flare is held in the hand. Do not look into the fire, as this can cause severe eye injury.
The flare burns for 60 seconds. The flare continues to burn after being immersed in water to a depth of 10 cm for 10 s.
A smoke bomb is used to give a signal during the daytime. It creates a cloud of thick orange smoke. Smoke formation continues for at least 3 minutes and is not interrupted when the checker is immersed in water for 10 s to a depth of 10 cm.
The body of the checker quickly heats up to high temperature, therefore, in order not to burn your hands, the saber must be thrown into the water as soon as the smoke generator starts working. You need to throw the saber downwind relative to the rescue device, so that the wind blows the smoke to the side and there is no danger of suffocating from the smoke.
All pyrotechnics require maximum caution when used. Each such device is supplied with instructions containing instructions on the procedure for giving the corresponding signal and precautionary measures. The instructions are printed on the body (sleeve) of the signaling device. The procedure is illustrated with pictograms, which allows this tool to be used by a person who does not speak the language in which the instructions are written. Under no circumstances should you use pyrotechnics against the wind.
The signal mirror (heliograph) allows you to attract attention at a distance of up to 20 miles during the daytime in clear weather. In order for the “bunny” to hit the appropriate target (ship, plane, coastal post), you can use a sight - a plate or shield with a hole. To do this, you need to hold the shield at arm's length and observe the object through the hole in the shield. Bring the heliograph to your eye and look through the hole in the mirror at the hole in the shield and at the target; by changing the position of the mirror, ensure that the “bunny” hits the hole in the shield, and, consequently, the target.
An electric flashlight is used to provide a distress signal. The signal is the letters SOS in Morse code: three dots, three dashes, three dots.
A distress signal is a square flag raised on a mast (pole, oar, etc.) and a ball or something similar to a ball raised above or below it.
A distress signal is also the slow raising and lowering of arms outstretched to the side.
The radiotelephone distress signal is the word "Mayday" spoken aloud.
For radio communication of collective life-saving equipment with each other and with the abandoned ship, as well as with other ships within visibility, and for sending a radiotelephone distress signal, a portable ultra-short wave (VHF) radio station is used. The ship must have 2-3 stations located at the place of navigation watch. If the stations are used in everyday work, then spare batteries should be stored with them; if daily use of the stations is not allowed, then the stations must be stored in a sealed form. When the ship is abandoned, the radios are transferred to lifeboats and rafts.
Portable VHF radio
The wearable VHF radio is waterproof. The two-way telephone must be capable of operating on VHF channel 16 and at least one additional channel. Battery power is designed to operate for 8 hours with a ratio of 1:1:8 time for transmission, reception and standby listening. The radio station can operate at reduced power (0.25 W), providing communication on board the ship, and full power(2-5 W), used to communicate life-saving appliances with the ship and with each other. Switching on, selecting channels and modes is carried out by button control.
The distance over which communications can be made in the VHF range depends on the power of the transmitting radio station and the height of the antennas of the transmitter and receiver. So, with sufficient transmitter power, its antenna height of 1.5 m and the receiver antenna height of 12 m, this distance is about 9-10 miles.
Signaling is the reception and transmission of signals for communication between ships or between a ship and the shore for the purpose of navigation. The ship's external communications equipment includes:
- radio communication;
- sound;
- visual;
- emergency radio equipment;
- pyrotechnic.
Any of the above means of communication may be used by a sailor on watch only with the permission of the captain or officer of the watch.
Radio communication
Since 1999, all ships have been equipped with Global Radiography equipment. marine system communications in case of distress and to ensure the safety of navigation (GMDSS). The main purpose of the GMDSS is the operational organization of the search and rescue operation of an emergency vessel by the coastal rescue coordination center (RCC) with the involvement of ships and other means located in the disaster area.
As a result, ships have implemented modern means communications based on the widespread use of satellite and advanced conventional (including digital selective calling - DSC) communication methods, allowing automatic transmission and reception alarms at any distance, regardless of meteorological conditions and radio wave propagation conditions (Fig. 2.7). Special communication systems ensure the transmission of information to ships to ensure navigation safety (NAVAREA, NAVTEX).
Rice. 2.7. GMDSS equipment
In addition, the equipment allows you to provide regular radio traffic both in the VHF and MF/HF bands, and using INMARSAT satellite communications. The INMARSAT system provides seafarers with direct dial telephone, telex, fax, email, data transfer mode.
The VHF radio station is designed for operational communication with coastal services and other vessels. The range of a fixed ship radio is approximately 30 miles. The VHF range is also used for organizing intra-ship communications during watch duty, mooring, anchoring, etc.
Main VHF channels:
Each piece of equipment has a so-called “red button” designed to transmit a distress signal. The sailor on watch must be careful not to accidentally press one of them. False transmission of a distress signal threatens an unscheduled inspection of all ship services and penalties.
Audio communications and alarms
Audio communication and signaling equipment is intended, first of all, to provide signals in accordance with COLREG-72. Sound signaling can also be used to transmit messages both via MCC-65 and, for example, for communication between an icebreaker and the ships it guides.
Sound means include: a ship's whistle or typhon (Fig. 2.8), a bell, a fog horn and a gong.
Rice. 2.8. Ship's Typhon
Whistle and typhon are the main means for giving sound signals in accordance with COLREG-72. Sound signals are issued from the wheelhouse and from the bridge wings by pressing the signal button. When sailing in conditions of limited visibility, a special device is turned on (Fig. 2.9), which gives fog signals according to a given program.
Rice. 2.9. Instrument panel for fog signals
The ship's bell is installed in the bow of the ship, near the windlass. It is used to transmit signals to the bridge when the ship is anchoring and unanchoring, to give fog signals when the ship is anchored, aground, to give an additional signal in case of a fire in the port, etc.
The fog horn is a backup fog alarm. It is used to provide fog signals when a whistle or typhon fails.
The gong is used to give fog signals prescribed by rule 35(g) COLREG-72.
Visual communication and signaling devices
Visual aids can be light or object.
Lighting devices include various light-signaling devices - signal lamps, spotlights, ratier, klotik and distinctive lights. The range of signaling devices is usually no more than 5 miles.
Signal figures and signal flags of the International Code of Signals (MCS-65) are used as subject means.
Rice. 2.10. Side light on the left side
Rice. 2.11. Ratier
Signal figures - balls, cylinders, cones and diamonds on ships are used in accordance with the requirements of COLREG-72. The figures are made from tin, plywood, wire and canvas. Their sizes are determined by the Register. They are stored on the upper bridge, except for the anchor ball, which is located on the forecastle.
Rice. 2.12. Signal figures
On ships of the maritime fleet, the International Code of Signals is used, a set of which consists of 40 flags: 26 alphabetic, 14 digital, 3 substitute response pennants. These flags are raised on halyards and stored in the wheelhouse in special honeycomb boxes.
Rice. 2.13. Flags of MSS-65
The code is intended for negotiations on issues of ensuring the safety of navigation and the protection of human life at sea using one-, two-, and three-letter signals.
It consists of six sections:
- Rules of use for all types of communication.
- Single letter signals for urgent, important messages.
- General section of two-letter signals.
- Medical section.
- Alphabetical indexes of defining words.
- Applications on loose-leaf pages containing distress signals, rescue signals and procedures for radiotelephone conversations.
Single letter signals
Digital pennants
Replacement pennants
Arch pennant and counter pennant
Emergency radio equipment
Emergency communications include: emergency beacon of the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, radar beacons (Search And Rescue Transponder - SART) and VHF portable radio stations. Each crew member must be able to independently operate the radio equipment of life-saving craft.
The international satellite system COSPAS-SARSAT is designed to detect and determine the location of ships, aircraft, and other objects that have suffered an accident.
The COSPAS-SARSAT system consists of (Fig. 2.13):
- ship emergency radio beacons (ERB);
- geostationary and low-orbit satellites that allow you to detect signals and determine the location of the EPIRB with an accuracy of up to 5 kilometers;
- rescue coordination centers (RCCs), which receive information from satellites.
Rice. 2.13. COSPAS - SARSAT system
Emergency beacons
The EPIRB is installed on the open deck. When the vessel is immersed to a depth of about 4 meters, the EPIRB floats up freely, for which a special device is designed - a hydrostat, which releases the buoy. The EPIRB is automatically activated after surfacing; the buoy also has a manual activation.
The EPIRB is equipped with a floating line, suitable for use as a tug, and a light that automatically turns on at night. Withstands being dropped into water without damage from a height of 20 meters.
The power supply ensures operation of the EPIRB for 48 hours. On outside EPIRB housing is indicated brief instructions operating instructions and battery expiration date.
Radar beacon - transponder (AIS - SART)
The radar beacon is the main means of detecting the location of rescue equipment directly in the disaster area. The ship must have at least two SARTs, usually located on the navigation bridge.
When leaving the ship, the SART is installed in the boat or raft in special mount, after which it turns on and is in standby mode. When the SART receiver is irradiated by a pulse from the rescue ship's radar station, it begins to emit a response signal, signaling this with an audio and light signal.
The SART signal on the radar screen of the search vessel is indicated by a series of dots (12 or 20) located at equal distances from each other, and is also displayed on electronic map. SART detection range of ship radar is at least 5 miles; Radar of an aircraft located at an altitude of 1 km - 30 miles.
SART can withstand being dropped into water from a height of 20 meters, and is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters. The battery capacity is designed to operate in standby mode – 96 hours, in radiation mode – 8 hours. Easy to operate by untrained personnel.
Portable VHF radio
A portable VHF radio provides communication at a disaster site between rescue equipment and search vessels.
Each ship must have at least three VHF man-portable radios, which are permanently stored on the navigation bridge, from where they can be quickly transferred to the lifeboat or raft.
The battery of the VHF radio must have sufficient power to ensure operation in active mode for 8 hours and 48 hours of operation in receive-only mode.
The ship's muster list must indicate those responsible for delivering emergency radio equipment to life-saving equipment.
Pyrotechnic communication and signaling devices
Each ship must have the following signaling pyrotechnics: flares, flares, smoke bombs, luminous and light-smoke buoys to indicate the location of the lifebuoy on the water in the dark.
Pyrotechnic products are moisture-resistant, safe to handle and store, operate under any hydrometeorological conditions and retain their properties for at least three years.
Pyrotechnics are stored in waterproof metal cabinets and boxes with compartments on the navigation bridge deck or in cabinets built into the bulkheads of the navigation bridge rooms, with a door to the open deck. Drawers and cabinets are always locked. One key should be kept by the senior (third) mate, the other in the chart room.
Pyrotechnic devices of boats and rafts, placed in containers, must be in their regular places in the boats at sea, and when moored at the port they are recommended to be stored in a secure storage facility under lock and key.
Single-star red or green flares are intended for signaling during a rescue operation.
A red distress signal rocket throws out red stars at an altitude of 300–400 meters, which burn for at least 20 seconds.
The parachute flare is designed to send a distress signal. Take-off altitude is 300 – 400 meters, burn time is 45 seconds.
A flare is a sleeve in which a pyrotechnic composition and an incendiary device are located. The flare burns bright red for 1 minute and is a distress signal. White flares are used to attract attention.
The sound rocket is designed to send a distress signal, exploding at a height and simulating a cannon shot. A sound rocket is launched only from launch tubes mounted on the gunwale or railing on both wings of the bridge. If the rocket does not fire, it can be removed from the glass after no less than 2 minutes.
Floating smoke bombs are used to send a distress signal during daylight hours. A checker is a tin box containing an igniter and a mixture that produces thick orange smoke. Smoke emission time is 5 minutes, visibility range is up to 5 miles. Light-smoking buoys are attached to lifebuoys, which are located on the wings of the bridge. The main purpose of lifebuoys with light-smoking buoys is to indicate the location of a person falling overboard.
Distress signals
The following signals, used or displayed together or separately, indicate that a ship is in distress and requires assistance (Appendix IV COLREG-72):
- cannon shots or other explosive signals at intervals of about 1 minute;
- continuous sound from any apparatus designed to produce fog signals;
- rockets or grenades that emit red stars, fired one at a time at short intervals;
- a signal transmitted by radiotelephone or any other signaling system consisting of a combination of sounds ... - - - ... (SOS) in Morse code;
- a signal transmitted by radiotelephone consisting of the word "MAYDAY" spoken aloud;
- International Code of Signals distress signal - NC;
- a signal consisting of a square flag with a ball or something resembling a ball above or below it;
- fire on the ship;
- red light of a rocket with a parachute or red flare;
- smoke signal - release of orange clouds;
- slow and repeated raising and lowering of arms extended to the sides;
- radiotelegraph alarm;
- radiotelephone alarm;
- signals transmitted by emergency position indicating radio beacons;
- established signals transmitted by radio communication systems, including signals from radar transponder beacons lifeboats and rafts;
- an orange panel with a black square or circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);
- colored spot on the water.
It is prohibited to use or display any of the above signals for purposes other than indicating distress and the need for assistance; The use of signals that may be confused with any of the above signals is also not permitted.
