British naval ships have been painted yellow and black for centuries. There are a few reasons for this color choice that date back to historical and practical reasons.
The first reason is visibility. In the early days of sailing, naval ships often sailed in fleets and it was important for them to be visible to their fellow fleet members. The color yellow was often used as it was a bright color that stood out against the blue of the sea. Black was added to provide a sharp contrast that would make the ships more visible from a distance.
Another practical reason for this color scheme was to protect against insects. Yellow paint contained a chemical called arsenic that repelled wood-boring insects like termites and shipworms. These insects could cause significant damage to a ship’s wooden hull and so preventing them from boarding was essential. The black color was also useful as it absorbed heat, making it less likely for the insects to invade the ship’s wood.
The use of the yellow and black color scheme also helped to distinguish British naval ships from other national fleets. This made it easier for friendly ships to recognize them and avoid misidentifying them as enemy vessels.
Over time, the use of yellow and black became a naval tradition in the Royal Navy, which is why it is still used to this day. While modern ships are made of steel and do not require the same insect protection as wooden ships, the traditional color scheme is still used as a nod to the past and a symbol of the British naval tradition.
British naval ships were painted yellow and black for practical reasons, including visibility and protection against wood-boring insects. This color scheme has become a symbol of the British naval tradition and is still used today.