Data Source & Methodology

Positions follow the International Code of Signals (ICS), 2005 two-flag semaphore standard: eight clock-face positions numbered clockwise. Each card lists the descriptive direction and clock reference so trainees can visualise the pose without a diagram.

• International Maritime Organization — ICS
• USCG Navigation Center: Semaphore basics

Clock Positions

The eight semaphore positions correspond to clock-face angles:

• 1: Up (12 o’clock)
• 2: Up-right (1:30)
• 3: Right (3 o’clock)
• 4: Down-right (4:30)
• 5: Down (6 o’clock)
• 6: Down-left (7:30)
• 7: Left (9 o’clock)
• 8: Up-left (10:30)

Sending Numerals

Results flag digits because semaphore requires a numeral indicator (sometimes called the numeric flag). After showing the indicator, transmit letters A–J to convey 1–9 and 0 respectively. Return to letters by sending the alphabetic indicator (letters, signals, or cancel).

Practise Example

Input: ALPHA

1. A → Right Up (12 o’clock), Left Up-right (1:30)
2. L → Right Up-right (1:30), Left Up-left (10:30)
3. P → Right Right (3 o’clock), Left Left (9 o’clock)
4. H → Right Up-right (1:30), Left Down-right (4:30)
5. A → repeat first position. Rest both flags Down between words.