How is the Oscar Flag designed?

The Oscar Flag, used primarily in maritime signaling, is distinguished by its design of one yellow triangle pointing upward and one red triangle pointing downward, forming a vertically stacked representation. This specific arrangement of triangles effectively conveys the message of "man overboard" when raised, signaling for immediate attention and assistance. The contrasting colors of yellow and red make it easily recognizable from a distance, enhancing visibility in various weather conditions at sea.

The design of the Oscar Flag adheres to strict international maritime conventions, ensuring that it communicates clearly to all vessels. This emphasis on visibility and clear signaling is critical for safety and coordinating rescue operations on the water. While other flag designs mentioned, such as circles, rectangles, or squares, may be significant in different contexts, they do not have the same meaning or historical significance as the Oscar Flag in maritime communication.