Färgsignalers

Färgsignalers, often translated as color signals, are a system used for visual communication, primarily in maritime and aviation contexts, to convey information through a series of colored lights or flags. These signals are standardized to ensure universal understanding across different nationalities and organizations. In maritime navigation, colored lights are displayed by vessels at night to indicate their direction of travel, status, and potential hazards. Typically, a red light on the port (left) side and a green light on the starboard (right) side are used to show a vessel's orientation. A white light is often displayed at the stern, visible through an arc of 135 degrees.

In aviation, colored lights are also employed, though less commonly than other signaling methods. Airport runways may use colored lights to indicate taxiways or to demarcate specific zones. Additionally, aircraft may use colored lights for identification or to signal distress. Beyond lights, colored flags have historically played a significant role in signaling. The International Code of Signals (ICS) utilizes a range of flags, each representing a letter or numeral, which can be combined to form messages. Certain single flags also carry specific meanings, such as a red flag indicating danger or a yellow flag signifying caution. The underlying principle of färgsignalers is the consistent association of specific colors with predefined meanings, enabling rapid and clear communication in situations where verbal or written methods are impractical or impossible.