Naval Base

[hptmurphy]

Used to be in the old days if a vessel didn't dip its colours the details were noted in the qms log and passed on..what became of the record I don't know but it was rare enough not to have avessel dip to NS vessel.

[golden rivet]

Thanks GR

Is it because Haulboline is HQ for the Navy

no any place a naval vsl is alongside

[hedgehog]

Thanks GR

Is it because Haulboline is HQ for the Navy

[golden rivet]

Hi Goldie is the VS Tower that ATC like tower in the picture above? Also what does VS stand for? Thanks.

visual signalling tower a flashed message in morse could be seen from this location way beyond roches point... under this tower is a static water tank....

[golden rivet]

Why would a Ship dip its Ensign when passing Haulbowline

and whats dipping the Ensign

its a very old tradition of a mark of respect to a naval warship and is a part of old maritime law...when a ship is passing by haulboline the qm on duty on the ship has to look out for merchant ships as in my day 99 % of them dipped in salute... it basically means the merchant man lowers his flag half way down his mast and then the naval ship does the same.. the naval ship then hoists the flag fully home and the merchant man follows suit.. a simple gesture and nice to see.. if he fails to dip he is supposed to be recorded and reported but alas i dont know if this happens anymore... sadly changing times

[hedgehog]

Why would a Ship dip its Ensign when passing Haulbowline

and whats dipping the Ensign

[Fouga]

All ships should. But I don't know if there is anyone in the VS tower to notice any more.

Hi Goldie is the VS Tower that ATC like tower in the picture above? Also what does VS stand for? Thanks.

[Goldie fish]

All ships should. But I don't know if there is anyone in the VS tower to notice any more.

The Old Skipper of Cill Airne was ex NS, so he was particularly keen that this tradition be maintained. Have not seen any ship do it for some time.

[derfel_ie]

I have a small related question if someone can answer it.
I spent a couple of days on the Cill Airne doing my work experience during transition year (all too long ago). One of my 'jobs' was to dip the ensign when we passed Haulbowline.

What ships have to do this? and how many still do - I think I mean how many still fly the irish flag?

[DeV]

Thanks Goldie

[Goldie fish]

None, the yardarm is the highest point.

[DeV]

Question: What flag would be flown from the highest point?

[golden rivet]

dont ever be afraid to ask us questions,, we will come up with some answer..

[Drylander]

Naval Base

Thanks for that photo Derfel. From the angle that I was looking at it, it really did look like it was at half mast. If you look at the photo I can easily be understood how the mistake was made. Thanks for that

[derfel_ie]

I was down in Cobh for a walk this evening.