International Code of Signals
The International Code is the most recent evolution of a wide variety of maritime flag signalling systems.
"[4] A 1920 meeting of the five Principal Allied and Associated Powers met in Paris and proposed forming the Universal Electrical Communications Union on October 8, 1920 in Washington, D.C.[5] The group suggested revisions to the International Code of Signals, and adopted a phonetic spelling alphabet, but the creation of the organization was not agreed upon.
The 1927 International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington[6] considered proposals for a new revision of the Code, including preparation in seven languages: English, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Norwegian.
The new version introduced vocabulary for aviation and a complete medical section with the assistance and by the advice of the Office International d'Hygiène Publique.
A certain number of signals were also inserted for communications between vessels and shipowners, agents, repair yards, and other maritime stakeholders.
[9] In January 1959, the First Assembly of IMCO decided that the organization should assume all the functions then being performed by the Standing Committee of the International Code of Signals.
The Second Assembly of IMCO 1961 endorsed plans for a comprehensive review of the International Code of Signals to meet the needs of mariners.
[11] "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.
One simply raises the Kilo flag (see diagram at the top), or sends the Morse Code equivalent (dash-dot-dash) by flashing light; this has the assigned message of "I wish to communicate with you."
One practical benefit of using the ICS is that all of the standardized messages come in nine languages (English, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Spanish, Norwegian, and, since 1969, Russian and Greek).
Signals can be sorted into three groups: In some cases, additional characters are added to indicate quantities, bearing, course, distance, date, time, latitude, or longitude.
Even where there are no language problems, the Medical Signal Code is useful in providing a standard method of case description and treatment.
