HONGKONG FLAGSTAFF.
On a Steamer being sighted from the Peak, a Compass Signal will be hoisted at the Masthead and kept flying until the Nanic or Owner- ship of the Steamer is made out.
To obviate confusion, it is to be noted that the only distance signal made at the Masthead is on the Steamer approaching proving to be the Mail, when a Black Ball is hoisted at the Masthead with the distance signal. All other distance signals are made at the Yard arm.
When the Symbols are hoisted at the Yard Arm, they will indicate Merchant Vessels; at the Quarter Yard they will indicate Men of War. The National Flag will be hoisted over the Symbol, except Merchant Steamers belonging to or frequenting this Port, when the House Flag will be hoisted over the Symbol.
The English Mail will be further distinguished by a Black Ball at the Mast-head.
The Symbols and Signals at the Eastern Yard Arm will refer to Vessels approaching that entrance; at the Western Yard Arm to Vessels approaching the Western Entrance.
The Compass Signal will be made when the Vessels appear in the offing.
In making Signals to the Men of War in the Harbour, the Staff will have a White Ensign at the Mast-head, and the Man of War a White Ensign at the Fore.
The Union will be hoisted at the Masthead on any Vessel coming into the Harbour until she anchors, and in the case of a Foreign Man of War will remain flying till she has saluted the shore. It will also be hoisted on Sundays, Anniversaries, during salutes to British Officials of Rank, and when specially ordered; during a return Salute to a For- eigu Man of War the National Flag of the Stranger will fly at the Masthead.
The Red Ensign at the Mast-head will indicate that a British Fuuc- tionary of Rank is on board a Vessel approaching, and on her entering the Harbour it will fly beneath the Union till the Vessel is quitted.
The Symbol with the National Flag alone will denote that the Man of War is a Steamer; and the first Distinguishing Pendant under the Symbol that it is a Sailing Man of War.
Captain Marryatt's Code of Signals will be used at the Staff.