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COURSE MODULE
(Paper-Based)

STUDENT’S COPY

I. NAME OF
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
PROGRAM
II. COURSE COURSE CODE
DESCRIPTIVE Maritime Communication
TITLE / CODE Marcom

IV. PRE-REQUISITE / COURSE

CO-REQUISITE / None CREDIT UNIT
CREDIT UNIT 5 units
The course includes the transmitting
VI. COURSE and receiving information and radio
DESCRIPTION service in times of emergencies using
the GMDSS system.
MODULE
VII. MODULE TITLE / NUMBER
Topic 2 International Code of Signals
NUMBER
2
IX. INCLUSIVE WEEK Week 3
CO1: Transmit and receive messages by Morse light,
distress signal SOS in accordance with Annex IV of
International
X. COURSE OUTCOME Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
(COLREGS) 1972 as amended and International Code of
Signals (ICS).

A. Learning Outcome: At the end of the modules, the students should be able
to:
LO1.3:Explain the standard procedures of transmitting and receiving messages
information, distress signal SOS in accordance with International Code of Signals
(ICS)
LO1.4:Perform the standard procedures of transmitting and receiving messages
information, distress signal SOS in accordance with International Code of Signals
(ICS)
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

B. STCW Competence Addressed by the Course Module :

A-II/1 F1.C7: Use the IMO standard Maritime Communication Phrases and use English in
written and oral form

C. STCW KUP Addressed by the Course Module : KUP: A-II/1 F1.C8. KUP1:
Visual signaling.1 Ability to use the International Code of Signals.2 Ability to
transmit and receive, by Morse light, distress signal SOS as specified in Annex
IV of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as
amended, and appendix 1 of the International Code of Signals, and visual
signaling of single-letter signals as also specified in the International Code of
Signal.

XI. MODULE RESOURCES : IMO Publication International Code of

Signals.IAMSAR Vol 111

International maritime signal flags are various flags used to communicate with ships.
The principal system of flags and associated codes is the International Code of
Signals.[1] Various navies have flag systems with additional flags and codes, and other
flags are used in special uses, or have historical significance

The purpose of the International Code of Signals is to provide ways and means of communication in
situations related essentially to safety of navigation and persons, especially when language difficulties
arise. In the preparation of the Code, account was taken of the fact that wide application of
radiotelephony and radiotelegraphy can provide simple and effective means of communication in
plain.
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com


EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com
EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com
EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com
EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

A canton in a flag is a rectangular area, usually at the top hoist corner of a flag, occupying up to a quarter of
the flag's area. The canton of a flag may be a flag in its own right. For instance, British ensigns have the Union
Jack as their canton, as do their derivatives such as the national flags of Australia and New Zealand.

 Canton: This refers to any quadrant of a flag but mostly, the upper left quarter
(one that is hoisted)
 Hoist: The edge of the flag nearest to the flagpole
 Fly: The edge farthest away from the flagpole
 Courtesy Flag: The national flag or the civil ensign of the country you are
visiting
 Dimension: Varies, but usually the fly is twice as long as the hoist

 National Ensign: The flag of the country your ship is registered to

 House Flag: Usually, the company flag
 Tack Line: Length of halyard about 2 metres used to separate group of flags
 Halyard: Ropes used for hoisting flags
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Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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 How to Read Flags

 Mast – Top to Bottom
 Triatic Stay – Forward to Aft (stay connecting mastheads is termed Triatic
Stay)
 Starboard Yardarm – Outer to inner
 Port Yardarm – Outer to inner
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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Gaff-Rigged Flag Poles



EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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 Order (Points Of Honour)

In order of preference:


 Gaff
 Flagstaff at the stern
 Bow staff
 Starboard Yardarm
 Masthead
 Port Yardarm
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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 Half Mast
 The concept of half mast is to denote respect. Flags are flown at half mast when
saluting another vessel (naval vessels of war). The Naval ship reciprocates by
lowering and raising their national ensign after which the own ensign is
returned to full hoist.
 Also, the Ensign is worn at half mast to indicate death. Usually on the day of the
funeral only and from the time the body of the deceased leaves the ship or place
where it has been lying until the time when it is buried

 Dressing The Ship

 On special occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day and the likes,
ships or other vessels may dress their ships in full regal splendour. This includes
displaying a set of 40 flags representing numbers, letters and other signals. A
vessel is dressed only while not underway. This might also be done for a special
time such as her maiden or final voyage.

 Dressing The Ship

 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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 DI S P O S A L
 When your national flag is no longer serviceable oristattered or faded, burn it
in private with dignity.If you are unab let or burn it safely it is okay to bury it
with honors

RECEPTION OF SAFETY MESSAGES

Any message which you hear prefixed by one of the following words concerns
SAFETY:
If you hear these words, pay particular attention to the message and call the master or the
officer on watch.
DISTRESS TRANSMITTING PROCEDURES
To be used only if IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE is required:
USE PLAIN LANGUAGE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. If language difficulties are likely to
arise use Tables 2 and 3 on Page
149, sending the word INTERCO to indicate that the message will be in the International
Code of Signals.
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

Call out letters as in Table 1 on Page 148. Call out numbers figure by figure as in Table 1.
To indicate DISTRESS:
1. If possible transmit the ALARM SIGNAL (i.e., two-tone signal) for 30 seconds to one
minute, but do not delay the message
if there is insufficient time in which to transmit the Alarm Signal.
2. Send the following DISTRESS CALL:
Mayday Mayday Mayday. This is . . . (name or call sign of ship spoken three times).
3. Then send the DISTRESS MESSAGE composed of:
Mayday followed by the name or call sign of ship;
Position of ship;
Nature of distress;
And, if necessary, transmit the nature of the aid required and any other information which
will help the rescue.
EXAMPLES OF DISTRESS PROCEDURE
1. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday
Mayday. This is . . . (name of ship
spoken three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1, on Page 148)
Mayday . . . (name or call sign of ship)
Position 54 25 North 016 33 West I am on fire and require immediate assistance.
2. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday
Mayday . . . (name of ship spoken
three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1) Mayday . . . (name or
call sign of ship) Interco Alfa Nadazero
Unaone Pantafive Ushant Romeo Kartefour Nadazero Delta X-ray. “(Ship) in Distress
Position 015 Degrees Ushant 40
miles I am sinking.”
3. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday
Mayday . . . (name of ship spoken
three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1) Mayday . . . (name or
call sign of ship) Interco Lima Pantafive
Kartefour Bissotwo Pantafive November Golf Nadazero Unaone Soxisix Terrathree
Terrathree Whiskey Charlie Bravo
Soxisix. “(Ship) in Distress Position Latitude 54 25 North Longitude 016 33 West I require
immediate assistance I am on fire.”

SECTION 3.—RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

TABLE 2
Position in Code
(1) By Bearing and Distance from a Landmark
Code letter A (Alfa) followed by a three-figure group for ship’s
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

TRUE bearing from landmark;

Name of landmark:
Code letter R (Romeo) followed by one or more figures for distance
in nautical miles.
or
(2) By Latitude and Longitude
Latitude
Code letter L (Lima) followed by a four-figure group; (2 figures
for Degrees, 2 figures for Minutes) and either—N (November)
for Latitude North, or S (Sierra) for Latitude South.

Longitude
Code letter G (Golf) followed by a five-figure group; (3 figures
for Degrees, 2 figures for Minutes) and either—E (Echo) for
Longitude East, or W (Whiskey) for Longitude West.
TABLE 3

Nature of Distress in Code

Code
Letters
Words to be
transmitted Text of Signal

AE Alfa Echo I must abandon my vessel.

BF Bravo Foxtrot Aircraft is ditched in position indicated and

requires immediate assistance.

CB Charlie Bravo I require immediate assistance.

CB6 Charlie Bravo

Soxisix
I require immediate assistance, I am on fire.

DX Delta X-ray I am sinking.

HW Hotel Whiskey I have collided with surface craft.

Answer to Ship in Distress

CP Charlie Papa I am proceeding to your assistance.

 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

ED Echo Delta Your distress signals are understood.

EL Echo Lima Repeat the distress position.

NOTE: A more comprehensive list of signals may be found in Chapter 2.

EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

Distress Signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex
IV to these Regulations

DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND

RADIOTELEPHONE

SECTION 1: DISTRESS SIGNALS

(PRESCRIBED BY THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING
COLLISIONS AT SEA 1972)
To be used or displayed, either together or separately, by a vessel (or seaplane on the
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

water) in distress requiring assistance from

other vessels or from the shore.
1. A gun or other explosive signal fire at intervals of about a minute.
2. A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus.
3. Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals.
4. A signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signaling method consisting of the
group • • • – – – • • • SOS in the
Morse Code.
5. A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word “MAYDAY”.
6. The International Code Signal of distress indicated by NC.
7. A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything
resembling a ball.
8. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.).
9. A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light.
10. A smoke signal giving off a volume of orange-colored smoke.
11. Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side.
12. The radiotelegraph alarm signal.*
13. The radiotelephone alarm signal.**
14. Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating beacons.***
NOTES: (a) Vessels in distress may use the radiotelegraph alarm signal or the
radiotelephone alarm signal to secure attention
to distress calls and messages. The radiotelegraph alarm signal, which is designed to
actuate the radiotelegraph auto
alarms of vessels so fitted, consists of a series of twelve dashes, sent in 1 minute, the
duration of each dash being 4 seconds
and the duration of the interval between 2 consecutive dashes being 1 second. The
radiotelephone alarm signal consists
of 2 tones transmitted alternately over periods of from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
(b)The use of any of the foregoing signals, except for the purpose of indicating that a vessel
or seaplane is in distress,
and the use of any signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is
prohibited.
(c)Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue
Manual and the following signals:
(i.) a piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other
appropriate symbol (for identification
from the air);
(ii.) a dye marker.

A series of twelve four second dashes at intervals of one second.

** Two audio tones transmitted alternately at frequency of 2200 Hz and 1300 Hz for a
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

duration of 30 seconds to one

minute.
*** Either the signal described in ** above or a series of single tones at a frequency of
1300 Hz.

Scenarios for Rule 37 (Distress signals)

 A gun or other explosive signal

1. A gun or other explosive signal fire at intervals of about a

minute.

 A continuous sounding

2. A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus.

 Rockets or shells, throwing red stars

3. Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals.
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com





 SOS signal in the Morse Code

4. A signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other

signaling method consisting of the group • • • – – – • • • SOS in the
Morse Code.

 Spoken word "MAYDAY"

5. A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken

word “MAYDAY”.

 International Code Signal - N.C.

6. The International Code Signal of distress indicated

by NC

 A square flag having above or below it a ball

 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

7. A signal consisting of a square flag having above or

below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.









 Flames on the vessel

8. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil

barrel, etc.).

 A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light

9. A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red

light.

 A smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke

 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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10. A smoke signal giving off a volume of orange-colored

smoke.

 Raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side

11. Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms

outstretched to each side.

 A distress alert by means of digital selective calling (DSC)

12. The radiotelegraph alarm signal.*





 A ship-to-shore distress alert
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Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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13. The radiotelephone alarm signal.**

 EPIRB

14. Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating

beacons.***

 Approved signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems

15. Search and Rescue Transfonder

 Orange coloured canvas with a black square and circle

(i.) a piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black

square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification
from the air);
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com









 Dye marker

Advanced COLREGs Course - Visit our advanced course for complex multi-rule and
multi-ship scenarios!
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Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
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Deck Department
IAMSAR. ICS .SOLAS
XII. STUDENT ACTIVITY:
 Group illustration and presentation of Medical Code
 Individual recitation for Medical Code
 Send Morse Code Signals

DATE SUBMISSION/
ACTIVITY
DEADLINE
1. Interactive discussion on standard procedures of
transmitting and receiving messages information,
distress signal SOS in accordance with International
Code of Signals (ICS)-Video film showing related to
the standard procedures of transmitting and receiving
messages information, distress signal SOS in
accordance with International Code of Signals (ICS)

2. Conduct demonstration using standard procedures of

transmitting and receiving messages information,
distress signal SOS in accordance with International
Code of Signals (ICS).-Group activity using standard
procedures of transmitting and receiving messages
information, distress signal SOS in accordance with
International Code of Signals (ICS)

XIII. FORMATIVE AND OUTCOME ASSESSMENT

a. Must Learn how to use the medical Tables
b. Group reporting
c. Individual Reporting Medical Code
d. Role Play
e. Written Quiz Oral
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

VIII. STUDENT REFLECTION

Essay/Interactive Discussion – Essay or Oral
IX. REFERENCES
A. ESSENTIAL READINGS
International Code of Signals Chapter 1
B. ADDITIONAL READINGS
v=aJjwoPvobgg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-YNdorKCKM

APPENDIX A
Learning Activity Sheet

Name: ___________________________________________ Score/Map:

_____________

Year & Section: BSMT 3 PORT/STARBOARD Date:______________

 Concept Notes  Laboratory Report

 Essay/Task Report  Skills: Exercise/Drill
Type of
Illustration Other:
Activity Demonstration
 

Activity Title International Code of Signals

At the end of the module the student should be able to

explain the standard procedures of transmitting and
receiving messages information, distress signal SOS in
Learning
accordance with International Code of Signals (ICS)
Outcome(s)
Perform the standard procedures of transmitting and
receiving messages information, distress signal SOS in
accordance with International Code of Signals (ICS)
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

Authors/ Mr. Rafael S. Balagtas

References

3. Interactive discussion on standard procedures of transmitting and

receiving messages information, distress signal SOS in
accordance with International Code of Signals (ICS)-Video film
showing related to the standard procedures of transmitting and
receiving messages information, distress signal SOS in
Learning accordance with International Code of Signals (ICS)
Activity 4. Conduct demonstration using standard procedures of transmitting
and receiving messages information, distress signal SOS in
accordance with International Code of Signals (ICS).-Group
activity using standard procedures of transmitting and receiving
messages information, distress signal SOS in accordance with
International Code of Signals (ICS)
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

WRITTEN ASSESSMENT: Answer should be handwritten and legible. Avoid

erasures an incorrect spelling. Response should be submitted on or before
(specific date).

1. Based on read Course Module No. 2, Please write and explain Module 2
on your test booklet. To be submitted at the end of this module.
 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA
Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Cel No. 0925-870-1013
Email address: exact.colleges@yahoo.com

XI. FORMATIVE AND OUTCOME ASSESSMENT

Illustration of ICS.

You may use any form of media (power point, pictures mosaic, handwritten
graph). Be as creative as you like. Pass as an attachment of a private messenger
to the instructor profile.

XII. Student Reflection: Explain the standard procedures of transmitting and

receiving messages information, distress signal SOS in accordance with
International Code of Signals (ICS)
Perform the standard procedures of transmitting and receiving messages
information, distress signal SOS in accordance with International Code of
Signals (ICS)

This is worth 100 points (This will be graded based on below criteria):
Criteria Points
a. Can Demonstrate explain the standard 50
procedures of transmitting and receiving
messages information, distress signal
SOS in accordance with International
Code of Signals (ICS)
Perform the standard procedures of
transmitting and receiving messages
information, distress signal SOS in
accordance with International Code of
Signals (ICS)

b. Oral 20
c. Contents of the Regions of the body 20
d. Legibility and cleanliness 10
Total 100