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Leading Off Maritime Meanings Number (as in "I've got your number") You don't fool me; I can see through your game; I twig. The emphasis is upon recognition, and the usage derives from the fact that each mer- chant vessel from every maritime nation in the world is allocated, by international agreement, a group of four letters that constitutes her recog- nition signal. This signal is made, when necessary, by hoisting flags in the International Code of Signals, and it is called, oddly enough, the ship's "num- ber." Clearly, it was — and still is — impor- tant for a vessel to be able to correctly identify another vessel on the high seas in time of war; indeed, it was a favorite tactic of certain enemy ships to cam- ouflage their outlines, hoist a false number or recognition signal when challenged, and then to attack the unsuspecting victim. To have some- one's number under these circum- stances would be to see through the deception, and to take whatever action was appropriate. Source: An Ocean of Words: A Dictionary of Nautical Words and Phrases, by Peter D. Jeans; Birch Lane Press , 1998 Advanced, Reliable Systems Recognized Worldwide * "don'tBi silly/Noremsr HAS mepwosemm." Celebrate 65 Years with MR Why is JRC a name recognized worldwide in the field of marine electronics? Because of our state-of-the-art technologies and knowhow developed over many years. We offer a host of advanced and reliable systems and equipment: ARPA/radar that will ensure your safe navigation. ECDIS to make your bridge operations more convenient, satellite communications to enable seamless offices, and radio equipment to assist your oceangoing life. HOSF,.Ml(:A>\ ftiiimi™ HI1IM THH'lliiM I I 'jrj f .rn Ihf ,in,i,i[ b.lt - mui ' - \ f [ Ul an '•^•..11- -V.. I-..,- , ISE-McCANN TELEPHONE CO., in PACIFIC SI.. BROOKLYN, N. Y JMA-900 Series C hart RADAR Unique ARPA/radar w ith chart functions; 23-inch color LCD JAN-901 / 701 Series ECDIS Economically designed, multi-functional display: 23/18-inch color LCD JHS-182 Automatic Identification System Large 6-inch screen; transponder integrated w ith GPS/VHR expandable interfacing for radar/ECDIS • IRC •supported Remote Diagnostic System {opt'u •:• AII JRC produi Is .iic of in-house desiqn. JRC) flopon Radio Co..lid. Visit www.jrc.co.jp Circle 266 on Reader Service Card j ~ JUE-410F Inmarsat Fleet F77 Mobile Karth Station Multi-interfacing; mobile packet and high-speed data ser\ ice capability : antenna of unique, robust design MARITIME REPORTER AND ENGINEERING NEWS celebrates its 65th Anniversary with a special DOUBLE SIZED COMMEMORATIVE EDITION in AUGUST 2004. This edition will herald the evolution of the marine industry over the last six and a half decades, with select snippets and advertisements from editions along the way, as well as an exhaustive editorial analysis of the evolution of several key maritime sectors. Special advertising opportunites exist. Contact your sales representative for details or contact MR at: tel: 212 477 6700 or E-mail: grable@marinelink.com 8 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
