THE

UNIVERSAL CODE OF SIGNALS

FOR

The Mercantile Marine

OF

ALL NATIONS,

BY THE LATE CAPTAIN MARRYAT, R.N.

WITH A

SELECTION OF SENTENCES ADAPTED FOR

CONVOYS,

AND SYSTEMS OF

GEOMETRICAL, NIGHT, & FOG SIGNALS.

BY

G. B. RICHARDSON.

London:

RICHARDSON BROTHERS, 23, CORNHILL.

1858.

Price 12s. Cloth.

[The Author of this Work notifies that it is his intention to reserve the right of translating it.]

HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY

GIFT OF

CHARLES H. TAYLOR

June 12, 1937

MARCHANT SINGER AND CO., PRINTERS, INGRAM-COURT, FENCHURCH-STREET.

PREFACE

ΤΟ THE EDITION OF 1856.

THE Copyright in this Code of Signals, by which the Mercantile Marine of the whole world has so greatly benefited, became from a very early period the property of the late Mr. J. M. Richardson. The Edition of 1841 was the last edited by the original inventor, the late Captain Marryat, but since then five large Editions have been issued, each greatly extended and improved. In the preparation of these I endeavoured to enlarge the original Code so as to adapt it to the new emergencies which the extended commerce of the day might demand, and thus to promote a widely extended circulation amongst the mercantile marine of other nations. That this result has been attained is evidenced by the numerous applications for the insertion of the names of foreign vessels and the extensive use of the Code amongst the maritime nations of the continent, for an European vessel is rarely met with unprovided with these Signals. This has induced me to vary the title of the work to that of "The Universal Code of Signals for the Mercantile Marine of all Nations."

To remove the difficulties of telegraphing with flags during light winds and calms, I have adapted to the Code a system of Geometrical Signals. Their simplicity will be apparent on an examination of the Plate giving the details for use. As each number is represented by a corresponding form, every combination of numbers can be made with the same facility as with the flags. They will also be found of great service when telegraphing from a distance, Form being so much more easily distinguished than Colour. They combine, at

the same time, the additional recommendation of very easy construction by any ship's carpenter with the aid of the ordinary ship's stores.

I have also arranged and adapted to the Code a system of Night Signals, capable of being so easily understood that no difficulty can arise either in making the combinations on the one part, or in reading them when made on the other; as they only consist of red and white lights, they offer great facilities for general use, as is explained in the instructions given with the colored plate. On the system employed for the Night Signals, I have also arranged a Code of Fog Signals, which, on an emergency, may prove of great service.

A material alteration has also been introduced in the system of Numerical Substitutes, or Repeating Flags, to admit of every number being made, and it is desirable that substitutes should be more generally used, especially as the recent practice of giving Official Numbers to British Merchant Vessels may probably cause their frequent employment. The explanatory plate and full instructions given hereafter furnish every needful particular.

I have also notified my intention, upon application being made by Owners and Captains, to insert, as an Appendix, the names of British Merchant Vessels, with their official numbers, their tonnage, and port of registry. The hoisting of the British Ensign at another mast-head whilst making the official number will sufficiently distinguish it from those under the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Pendants.

A further improvement has been introduced by the incorporation, to a limited extent, of Part VI.-the Vocabulary, with Part V.-the Sentences. On examination it will be observed, that wheresoever any word or number of words in the Vocabulary have a signification relating to any of the Sentences, a special reference is made at the end of these sentences to the numbers appropriated to the

same word or words in the Vocabulary. Moreover, many additional sentences and words have been added to the two parts, and to admit of the increase of the numbers in Part VI, without introducing those represented by numerals of more than 4 figures, I have inserted the combinations formed with the use of the decimal flag as the first flag in the hoist, thus obtaining the several numbers from 01 to 0987. A Selection of Sentences adapted to vessels sailing under convoy has been introduced, blank spaces being left for the insertion of the numbers in manuscript, thus ensuring that secrecy under many circumstances so imperatively requisite. A Selection of Communications for the use of vessels passing at sea will also be found a great convenience, as saving time and trouble in reference. And, finally, the List of Lighthouses, &c., has been corrected according to the last authorities.

To remove the difficulty which has been experienced in the use of the Code by commanders of foreign vessels unacquainted with the English language, I have translated the Fifth Part into French and Spanish, and expect shortly to have ready the translation into both these languages of the Sixth Part, as well as translations of both Parts into Italian and German. This will render available to the Mercantile Navy of the whole world the practical use of one Universal Code of Signals, the value of which can hardly be overrated when it is considered that many of the numerous casualties constantly occurring in maritime life may thus be averted, or their consequences greatly alleviated.

Lastly, I would renew the suggestion of former Editions, that captains of vessels should thoroughly acquaint themselves with the Sentences in Part V. and the Vocabulary in Part VI., as this will enable them to express their wants and wishes with much greater facility and with less chance of misapprehension.

G. B. RICHARDSON.

London, 1856.