- The use of substitutes is to enable the same signal flag-either alphabetical flag or numeral pendant, to be repeated one or more times in the sme group, in case only one set of flags is carried on board.
- The first substitute always repeats the uppermost signal flag of that class of flags which immediately preceeds the substitute.
- The second substitute always repeats the second, and the third substitute repeats the third signal flag, counting from the top of that class of flags which immediately preceeds them.
- No substitute can ever be used more than once in the same group.