Why China's aircraft carrier deck crews wear different-colored vests

Recent footage released by CMG shows China's KJ-600 early warning and control aircraft being launched from the Fujian aircraft carrier by electromagnetic catapult, conducting flight operations at sea and making an arrested landing.

The footage also drew attention to the carrier's deck crews, many of whom were wearing brightly colored vests.

The KJ-600 is China's first carrier-based fixed-wing early warning and control aircraft, according to Xinhua. 

In September 2025, the Chinese Navy announced that the KJ-600, J-15T and J-35 had completed their first catapult-assisted takeoffs and arrested landings on the Fujian, demonstrating the carrier's ability to operate its electromagnetic catapult and recovery systems.

But what do the different colors worn by the deck crews mean?

The colors are used to distinguish personnel by duty. 

Red identifies hazardous and safety-control duties, including weapons handling.

Yellow is used for command and aircraft-direction personnel, who help guide aircraft on the deck.

Green covers aircraft launch and recovery, equipment operation and aircraft maintenance.

Blue is used for aircraft movement and aviation support, including aircraft handling and related equipment support.

Purple identifies fuel-supply personnel.

Brown is associated with aircraft maintenance duties.

White covers safety, medical and political work, as well as some temporary personnel on the flight deck.

The brightly colored vests are therefore more than a visual feature of the flight deck. They provide a simple way to distinguish personnel performing different roles in an environment where aircraft, equipment and people have to work in close coordination.

On a carrier deck, where aircraft movements and support operations take place within a limited space, quickly identifying who is responsible for what is an important part of keeping operations organized.