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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

    • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
    • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipA great introduction to navigation and basic seamanship.
    • Day Skipper TheoryMany of the best skippers started their journey here.
    • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonEssential preparation for the Yachtmaster® practical exam.
    • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseAn essential course for anyone intending to use a marine radio.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

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      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

    • Nautical Terms & Terminology
      Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
    • Why do we have tides?
      Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
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      A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper u0026 RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
    • Buoyage Flashcards
      Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
    • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
      Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
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Updated on11th May 2025
Free Download | Keeping Safe at Sea | Sailing Essentials

Life Saving Signals Table

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Life Saving Signals Table
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Maritime & Coastguard Agency lifesaving signals table, including pictures and descriptive information on the signals you can use when in distress at sea.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the United Kingdom oversees maritime safety, including the use of life-saving signals. The MCA's life-saving signals are based on internationally recognised standards to ensure effective communication during distress and rescue operations. These signals are essential for ship, aircraft, and rescue personnel coordination. Here are the primary components and categories of these life-saving signals:

Visual Signals

  1. Daytime Signals:
    • Orange Smoke: Indicates distress.
    • Waving Arms: Signifies a need for help.
    • Flag N over C: International code for distress.

  2. Nighttime Signals:
    • Red Flares: Indicates distress.
    • White Flares: Often used to attract attention or as a warning signal.
    • SOS Signal: Using a light to signal "SOS" in Morse code.

Audio Signals

  • Sound Signals: Prolonged sound blasts (horn or whistle) can indicate distress.
  • Mayday Call: The spoken word "Mayday" repeated three times, followed by the distress message.

Radio Signals

  1. Voice Communication:
    • Mayday: The international distress signal indicating grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.
    • Pan-Pan: Urgency signal indicating a situation that is urgent but not immediately life-threatening.
    • Sécurité: Used to convey safety information such as navigational or weather warnings.

  2. Morse Code:
    • SOS: Represented by "···---···" (three short, three long, three short).

Aerial Signals

  • Dye Markers: Colored dyes in the water can signal distress and help rescuers locate individuals or vessels.
  • Handheld Mirrors: Used to reflect sunlight and signal aircraft.

Hand Signals and Flags

  1. Arm Signals:
    • Waving Both Arms Up and Down: Used to attract attention and signal distress.
    • One Arm Raised: Typically signals that assistance is required.

  2. Flags:
    • International Code Flags: Specific flags and combinations, like "N" over "C," indicate distress.
    • Semaphore: Using handheld flags to signal letters of the alphabet.

Pyrotechnic Signals

  • Flares: Red hand-held or parachute flares for distress.
  • Rocket Signals: Rockets with a parachute attached, signaling distress.

Signaling by Aircraft

  1. Day Signals:
    • Circling the Vessel: Indicates that the aircraft has seen the vessel.
    • Dropping Lifebuoys or Equipment: Indicates that help is on the way.

  2. Night Signals:
    • Flashing Lights: Using aircraft lights to signal the vessel.

Coordination and Response Signals

  1. Acknowledgment Signals:
    • White Flare: Indicates acknowledgment of a distress signal.
    • Searchlight: Flashing the searchlight on the distressed vessel.

  2. Directional Signals:
    • Aircraft Making Passes: Directional signals guide vessels or lifeboats towards the location of distress.

These signals are crucial for ensuring clear and effective communication during maritime emergencies. The MCA provides guidelines and training to ensure that mariners are familiar with these signals and can use them appropriately in emergencies.

  • Life Saving Signals Table
  • File Type pdf
  • Categories Free Download, Keeping Safe at Sea, Sailing Essentials
  • Current Version 1.0
  • Date Created 14th November 2022
  • Last Updated 11th May 2025
  • Times Downloaded 460
  • File Size 1.00 MB
  • Download

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