THE SEARCHLIGHT.
The electric searchlight, when available, can often be successfully employed for night signaling, frequently affording efficient means of communication between ships and shore stations, when wireless working is impracticable. This system of visual signaling is practicable and especially valuable where the stations are, on account of the terrain, not intervisible.
Methods of employment.—In signaling with the searchlight the usual method of handling the shaft or beam is identical with that employed with the flag. In the first position the beam is shown vertically, while motions to the right, the left, and directly serve to indicate the elements of the alphabet. Chronosemic signals may also be used in searchlight signaling, the shaft of light being directed intermittently on some conspicuous object, such as a cloud, balloon, or high mountain top.