8. VHF

There are three main methods of communication between ships and shore. These are

1) Radio signals which may be passed using radio-telegraphy or radio-telephone. Radio-telegraphy uses Morse Code signals. Radio-telephonygraphy uses Very High Frequency (VHF) radio and allows spoken messages to be passed.

2) Daylight or night-time flashing equipment (such as Aldis Lamps) in which signals are sent in plain languages using the Morse Code.

3) Flag signaling in which coded messages using hoists of flags are passed.

Besides these methods sound signals may be used by the ship's whistle or siren, or by bells or gongs. Semaphore signaling uses hand flags. Rockets and flares are used for distress and certain other circumstances. Loud hailer uses voice which is amplified.

Messages are most commonly passed in plain languages. When they are so passed between ships of different flags, the English language (the language of the sea) is almost always used. There is, however, an International Code of Signals available in seven languages. This code, printed in two volumes, gives visual coded signals in Volume One and radio-telegraphy signals in Volume Two. By means of the “International Code of Signals” seamen who do not understand each other's language may communicate with each other.

Nowadays, ships to shores communication systems are getting easier and faster as several maritime communication satellites have been deployed for global coverage.

A. Match the words in Column A with Column B.