In 1867, Royal Navy Captain, and later Admiral, Philip Colomb, worked out a system to send signals by a code of dots and dashed using signal lamps. Since then, navies around the world have used only slightly improved versions of signal lamps to send secure messages over short distances between ships. The system has lasted because it relatively simple and effective. Nevertheless, signaling with light is not without its problems. The technique is fairly slow and requires trained personnel skilled in the use of Morse Code to make it work.
Now, the US Navy is testing a high-tech version of the old signal lamps which use computer operated lights to flash signals, potentially much faster and more accurately than the old manual lamps. Sailors will be able to send messages over the updated signal lamp systems in the same way they send text messages over their smart phones. The devices being tested are referred to as Flashing Light to Text Converter (FLTC) systems. The FLTC is, in some respects, an old and proven technology updated for the iPhone generation.
When on the Atlantic crossing out of Halifax Nova Scotia 1981 Jim Cottier Greenpeace skipper and at the time mate in SORLANDET when we were being passed by a tanker said we will have a conversation with the lamp, out came the Aldis lamp I assume we sent CQ the reply came back VHF so it was we found that they were out of Sullom Voe Shetlands, bound for Houston, were some 560 + thousand tons, their bridge was 150 feet above sea level, and they had encountered moderate gales up to 12. Jim replied by radio that it would have been good practice with the lamp, and added we are the Norwegian sail training ship SORLANDET bound for Southampton England, we are 500 tons and comfortably fit into you first three figures, our main mast is 115 feet, our bridge is 15 feet above sea level, and what is moderate weather to you is a howling gale to us. I have sailed with many very good seamen some excellent, but I have never been at sea with a better more consummate seaman that Captain Jim Cottier his attempts at interaction with the old ways was something he was always up for. I have never seen anyone else attempt a call with the lamp at sea.