The flotilla is arranged in accordance with the importance, origin and function of each barge in the Royal Barge Procession. In former reigns, the royal barges were classified into two types: 1) the elaborately carved and gilded royal barges and 2) the wooden royal barges. The first type was used for state ceremonies while the second was used for the King’s private functions.
The King’s Royal Barge with covered throne and regalia is the most important barge in the Royal Barge Procession. Even though each royal barge is elaborately carved, gilded and ornamented, the King’s Royal Barge can be differentiated from the other royal barges. The Signalman in the King’s Royal Barge signals the oarsmen by using castanets, while the other royal barges set the tempo by tamping the poles.