Signal Corps Two-Letter Flag Signals and VHF Radio call signsTwo-Letter Flag Signals

Two-Letter Flag Signals

Have you ever seen flags being flown while out on the water that you didn’t recognize? Being familiar with your flags can help you and other boaters stay alert and be safe.

A C: I am abandoning vessel

I T: I am on fire

A N: I need a doctor

J F: I am in distress and need immediate assistance

A Q: I have an injured person who needs to be taken off immediately

J G: I am aground and in danger

C B: I require immediate assistance

J L: You are at risk of running aground

C J: Do you require assistance?

J W: I have sprung a leak

C N: I am unable to give assistance

K F: I require a tug

C P: I am coming to your assistance

K N: I cannot take you in tow

D V: I am drifting

N C: International Distress

D X: I am sinking

N E: Proceed with great caution

G W: Man overboard

N F: You are running into danger

I M: I request to be escorted until further notice

N G: You are in a dangerous position

VHF Channel Markers

Whether you’re very comfortable with using your VHF radio or still figuring things out, knowing how to use your channels is essential to communicating effectively with those around you.

16: Hailing and distress

09: Ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast (for example, when contacting marinas)

68: The same as Channel 9, but this channel is also used for commercial ship-to-ship

06: Ship-to-ship communication for safety only

21A and 83: Coast Guard internal communication only

22A: This is the channel you’ll be switched to if you call the Coast Guard, and your situation isn’t life threatening

13: Navigational (bridges, locks, etc.)

70: Reserved for digital selective calling

12: Port operations

25, 26, 27, and 28: Public telephone-link up with a land-based marine operator

69, 71, and 72: Ship-to-ship communication

WX-1, WX-2, WX-3, and WX-4: Weather broadcasts