The new International Code of Signals came into use on January 1, 1901. and its distinguishing sign will henceforward be the code pennant hoisted in the ordinary way.

Illustrations of the new signals are given in the plate, together with rules for signals of distress in the text.

It is not now necessary to tie the fly of the Code Pennant to the halyards, as was previously required when beginning to signal. When hoisted under the ensign, it denotes a signal taken from the International Code. When hoisted by itself at the masthead it is the Answering Pennant.

Communication may then be commenced, and any message following in this page, or found under the heading "Danger or Distress" in the International Code Signal Book, may be exchanged, strictly following the International Commercial Code and the instructions given above.

The International Code Signal described above, asking to open communication, should be shown in every case of distress by the shore station, for it may be that the vessel has the International Code, but, until seeing this signal, will not know that she can use it.