Explain why sailors use code flags to hoist?

To communicate clearly over long distances

At sea, there is often wind, engine noises, and waves, making it difficult to be heard. Maritime flags (or code flags) provide a simple and effective way to communicate visually over several kilometers without any misunderstanding. Each flag corresponds to a specific letter or message: this way, even from a distance, you can quickly understand the information without complicating things. These flags are specially designed to be easily identifiable: bright colors, strong contrasts, and readable patterns. The result — clear, direct communication, and without unnecessary confusion.

To ensure safety at sea by sending universal signals.

At sea, sailors use international flags, super handy because they all mean the same thing everywhere. It avoids dangerous confusion, like when there's an accident or thick fog. A specific flag can simply indicate "I need medical assistance" or "I am in distress", without needing to speak the same language or struggle with a radio. With these codes, everyone immediately understands the urgency or what needs to be done, quickly and easily, even when it's windy, when there's noise everywhere, or when visibility is poor.

To maintain proven maritime traditions

Nautical flags have been part of the maritime decor for centuries. They embody a true cultural heritage of sailors around the world. Raising these flags is participating in a historical custom that unites navigators across time and oceans. These flags tell a story, testify to a shared belonging to the maritime world, and perpetuate a visual language recognized internationally for generations. Even in the digital age and with satellite communications, nothing completely replaces this simple, traditional gesture, which retains its symbolic value.

To quickly transmit urgent or coded messages.

When there is urgency or a need for confidentiality, maritime flags allow for quick information transmission. Each ensign represents a letter or a number, but some have a predefined complete meaning that is easy to read at a glance. For example, the Oscar flag directly means "man overboard," useful for reacting without losing a second. Similarly, the Bravo flag indicates "I am carrying dangerous goods," a simple but crucial warning. Sometimes, crews also combine multiple flags to create specific, quick, and coded messages that can only be understood by experienced sailors. This allows for discretion in front of other ships or people on shore, while clearly setting priorities in case of trouble at sea.

To ensure effective communication in the event of a technological failure.

Even though maritime communication today usually relies on radio or satellites, a failure of these systems occurs more often than one might think: violent storms, electrical failures, or damaged equipment. In those moments, sailors must be able to understand each other quickly and clearly, and signal flags become essential. These colorful, coded flags do not break down, do not depend on any power source, and remain readable at long distances. In short, it's simple, robust, and effective low-tech, ideal when everything else fails.