MARINE BAND SCANNER'S COMPANION NO.1 Allen Cole, N4JRI POB 11282 Richmond, VA 23230-1282 By Modem: Blue Ridge Express BBS 804-790-1675 (SCANVA conference) GEnie Mail: A.COLE1 Compuserve: 76217,632 This document is intended to provide the reader with marine information that will enhance the enjoyment of monitoring the marine radio bands. Included are the following: * Listing of US and International VHF Marine Radio Channels * Listing of International Marine HF SSB Voice Channels * Summary of basic buoyage rules * Summary of horn signals * International Flag Code * Selected 1-letter and 2-letter signals * US Navy Speed Signalling * US Navy and Coast Guard Ship Classifications * Navigational Lights and Day Symbols on Ships Info for this document comes from many sources. They include Rules of Navigation (International/COLREGS and US Inland), the International Code of Signals, and the FCC Rules & Regs. Much of this info, especially buoyage, flags, and navigation lights is much better illustrated in the regulations. They are included here in this form so that they can be disseminated electronically. Any updates, additions or corrections to this info are appreciated. VHF MARINE BAND CHANNELS This is a (possibly partial) listing of VHF Marine radio channels configured to reflect both USA and international configurations. The SHIP column contains frequencies on which ships transmit, and the SHORE column contains frquencies on which US coast stations transmit. The INT column is the shore transmit frequency used in the "international" configuration. Channels whose use is marked "international" are not used in the US. Channel numbers - Internationally, a straight channel number (not accompanied by "A" or "B", indicates a pairing of the ship frequency in the SHIP (A) column and the shore freuqency in the INT (B) column. A channel number followed by an "A" indicates simplex operation on the SHIP (A) frequency and a channel number followed by a "B" indicates simplex operation on the INT. (B) frequency. For example Ch-1 would be a pairing of 160.65 (shore) and 156.05 (ship). Ch-1A would be simplex on 156.05 and Ch-1B would be simplex on 160.65. In the US, marine radios are programmed with a "US" mode using the channel configuration in the SHIP and SHORE columns. A and B are rarely used. One of the few exceptions is when the Coast Guard announces broadcasts on Ch-22A (157.100). This is for the benefit of foreign vessels who may not know that US channel 22 is simplex on 157.100. SHIP (A) SHORE INT. (B) CH# USE ------- ------- ------- --- ------------------------------ 156.025 ---- 160.625 60 *** international *** 156.050 156.050 160.650 01 Port Ops (VTS-NO & lower Miss.) Commercial (VTS-NO/lower Miss.) 156.075 ---- 160.675 61 *** international *** 156.100 ---- 160.700 02 *** international *** 156.125 ---- 160.725 62 *** international *** 156.150 ---- 160.750 03 *** international *** 156.175 156.175 160.775 63 Port Ops (VTS-NO/lower Miss.) Commercial (VTS-NO/lower Miss.) 156.200 ---- 160.800 04 *** international *** 156.225 ---- 160.825 64 *** international *** 156.250 156.250 160.850 05 Port Ops (VTS-NO, VTS-HU only) VTS (Seattle) 156.275 156.275 160.875 65 Port Ops 156.300 ------- 156.300 06 Intership safety (SAR also) 156.325 156.325 160.925 66 Port Ops 156.350 156.350 160.950 07 Commercial 156.375 156.375 156.375 67 Navigational (lower Miss. only) Commercial (except lower Miss.) 156.400 ------- 156.400 08 Commercial (intership only) 156.425 156.425 156.425 68 Non-commercial 156.450 156.450 156.450 09 Commercial/Non-commercial secondary Calling (Boston) * SHIP SHORE INT (B) CH# USE ------- ------- ------- --- ---------- 156.475 156.475 156.475 69 Non-commercial 156.500 156.500 156.500 10 Commercial 156.525 156.525 156.525 70 Digital Selective Calling (DSC) 156.550 156.550 156.550 11 Commercial (exceptions below) Ship movement (Great Lakes) VTS (NY, NO, HU) 156.575 156.575 156.575 71 Non-commercial 156.600 156.600 156.600 12 Port Ops Ship movement (Great Lakes) VTS (NY, NO, HU) 156.625 ------- 156.625 72 Non-commercial (intership only) 156.650 156.650 156.650 13 Navigational ** 156.675 156.675 156.675 73 Port Ops 156.700 156.700 156.700 14 Port Ops Ship Movement (Great Lakes) VTS (NO, NY, SE) 156.725 156.725 156.725 74 Port Ops ------- 156.750 156.750 15 Environmental (Coast to ship only) 156.800 156.800 156.800 16 Calling/Safety/Distress 156.850 156.850 156.850 17 State & Local authorities (wx & bulletins on Great Lakes) 156.875 ------- 156.875 77 Port Ops (comms w/pilot, 1 watt) 156.900 156.900 161.500 18 Commercial 156.925 156.925 161.525 78 Non-commercial 156.950 156.950 161.550 19 Commercial 156.975 156.975 161.575 79 Commercial (except Great Lakes) Non-commercial (Great Lakes) 157.000 161.600 161.600 20 Port Ops 157.000 ------- 20A Intership 157.025 157.025 161.625 80 Commercial Non-commercial (Great Lakes only) 157.050 157.050 161.650 21 Coast Guard 157.075 157.075 161.675 81 Coast Guard? 157.100 157.100 161.700 22 Coast Guard (comm's w/civilian vessels) 157.125 157.125 161.725 82 Coast Guard 157.150 157.150 161.750 23 Coast Guard 157.175 157.175 161.775 83 Coast Guard (primary freq for Auxiliary) 157.200 161.800 161.800 24 Public Correspondence 157.225 161.825 161.825 84 Public Correspondence AMS (Great Lakes only) 157.250 161.850 161.850 25 Public Correspondence 157.275 161.875 161.875 85 Public Correspondence AMS (Great Lakes only) Maritime repeaters (Alaska only) 157.300 161.900 161.900 26 Public Correspondence SHIP SHORE INT (B) CH# USE ------- ------- ------- --- ------------- 157.325 161.925 161.925 86 Public Correspondence AMS (Great Lakes only) 157.350 161.950 161.950 27 Public Correspondence 157.375 161.975 161.975 87 Public Correspondence AMS (Great Lakes only) 157.400 162.000 162.000 28 Public Correspondence 157.425 162.025 162.025 88 Public Correspondence (w/in 75 miles of Canada only) 157.425 ------- 88 Commercial (intership) except near Canada Fishing (air/ship) * = Ch-9 (156.45) is being evaluated by the FCC as a possible secondary calling channel in congested areas [July '91] ** = Ch-13 (156.65) is guarded for safety purposes along many rivers, canals, and waterways in lieu of Ch-16 (156.800). This makes it the de-facto calling channel in these instances. The same is true of Ch-67 (156.375) on parts of the lower Mississippi River and environs. VTS = Vessel Traffic Services System (operated by Coast Guard) Houston (HU) & Seattle (SE) New Orleans (NO) and New York (NY) are now deactivated AMS = Automated Multistation System. System operated on the Great Lakes providing automated calling, teleprinter, and facsimile communications. ON-BOARD COMMUNICATIONS FREQUENCIES MOBILE REPEATER CH# 467.750 457.525 1 467.775 457.550 2 467.800 457.575 3 467.825 457.600 4 These frequencies may be used for on-board communications related to the operation of the ship, or for comms with lifeboats. When in port, they're often used for loading and unloading cargo. Repeaters are limited to 2 watts with antenna height limited to 10 feet above the ship's highest working deck. They are mostly used in the loading and unloading of cargo, and the 457 MHz frequencies are also available for simplex operation. These frequencies are also available through the Business Radio Service, and simplex operation on the 467 MHz frequencies can be authorized through a business license. 467.850, 467.875, 467.900, and 467.925 are also available through the Business Radio Service. Ships are also notorious for using marine handhelds on-board in the simplex mode. The "B" channels are reported to be particularly popular. MARINE UTILITY STATIONS Ship and Coast stations may also have mobiles and portables on their assigned frequencies (156.275-157.45 & 161.575-162.025) as long as this use does not cause interference to other licensees. Technically, any handheld radio is a Marine Utility Station. Individual licenses for Marine Utility Stations are granted only to certain individuals with a demonstrated need. MARINE HF SSB VOICE CHANNELS A = Alaska private freq (simplex on SHORE freq) D = Distress C = Calling/Reply L = Low power (150w PEP) M = Mississippi River working freq (simplex) P = available for private use S = available for simplex W = weather and/or coast guard broadcasts CHAN SHORE SHIP CHAN. SHORE SHIP ---- ------- ------- ---- ------- ------- 401 4357.0 M 4065.0 416 AW 4402.0 4110.0 402 4360.0 4068.0 417 4405.0 4113.0 403 4363.0 4071.0 418 M 4408.0 M 4116.0 404 A 4366.0 4074.0 419 4411.0 4119.0 405 A 4369.0 4077.0 420 4414.0 4122.0 406 4372.0 4080.0 421 CDSP 4417.0 & 4125.0 407 4375.0 4083.0 422 AW 4420.0 4128.0 408 4378.0 4086.0 423 A 4423.0 4131.0 409 4381.0 M 4089.0 424 W 4426.0 4134.0 410 W 4384.0 4092.0 425 4429.0 4137.0 411 W 4387.0 4095.0 426 4432.0 4140.0 412 4390.0 4098.0 427 4435.0 4143.0 413 4393.0 4101.0 ---- SP ------- 4146.0 414 A 4396.0 4104.0 ---- SP ------- 4149.0 415 4399.0 4107.0 601 W 6501.0 6200.0 607 6519.0 6218.0 602 6504.0 6203.0 608 6522.0 6221.0 603 6507.0 6206.0 609 6522.0 6221.0 604 M 6510.0 M 6209.0 ---- SP ------- 6224.0 605 M 6513.0 M 6212.0 ---- SP ------- 6227.0 606 CSP 6516.0 D 6215.0 ---- SP ------- 6230.0 801 8719.0 8195.0 818 8770.0 8246.0 802 8722.0 8198.0 819 8773.0 8249.0 803 M 8725.0 M 8201.0 820 8776.0 8252.0 804 8728.0 8204.0 821 C 8779.0 8255.0 805 8731.0 8207.0 822 8782.0 8258.0 806 8734.0 8210.0 823 8785.0 8261.0 807 M 8737.0 M 8213.0 824 8788.0 8264.0 808 W 8740.0 8216.0 825 8791.0 8267.0 809 8743.0 8219.0 826 W 8794.0 8270.0 810 8746.0 8222.0 827 8797.0 8273.0 811 W 8749.0 8225.0 828 8800.0 8276.0 812 8752.0 8228.0 829 8803.0 8279.0 813 8755.0 8231.0 830 8806.0 8282.0 814 8758.0 8234.0 831 8809.0 8285.0 815 W 8761.0 8237.0 832 8812.0 8288.0 816 8764.0 8240.0 ---- DS ------- 8291.0 CHAN. SHORE SHIP CHAN SHORE SHIP ---- ------- ------- ---- ------- ------- 817 8767.0 8243.0 ---- SP ------- 8294.0 ---- SP ------- 8297.0 1201 13077.0 12230.0 1223 13143.0 12296.0 1202 13080.0 12233.0 1224 13146.0 12299.0 1203 W 13083.0 12236.0 1225 13149.0 12302.0 1204 13086.0 12239.0 1226 13152.0 12305.0 1205 W 13089.0 12242.0 1227 13155.0 12308.0 1206 13092.0 12245.0 1228 W 13158.0 12311.0 1207 13095.0 12248.0 1229 13161.0 12314.0 1208 13098.0 12251.0 1230 13164.0 12317.0 1209 13101.0 12254.0 1231 13167.0 12320.0 1210 W 13104.0 12257.0 1232 13170.0 12323.0 1211 W 13107.0 12260.0 1233 13173.0 12326.0 1212 13110.0 12263.0 1234 13176.0 12329.0 1213 13113.0 12266.0 1235 13179.0 12332.0 1214 13116.0 12269.0 1236 13182.0 12335.0 1215 13119.0 12272.0 1237 13185.0 12338.0 1216 13122.0 12275.0 1238 13188.0 12341.0 1217 13125.0 12278.0 1239 13191.0 12344.0 1218 13128.0 12281.0 1240 13194.0 12347.0 1219 13131.0 12284.0 1241 13197.0 12350.0 1220 13134.0 12287.0 ---- SP ------- 12353.0 1221 CD 13137.0 12290.0 ---- SP ------- 12356.0 1222 13140.0 12293.0 ---- SP ------- 12359.0 ---- MS ------- 12362.0 ---- MS ------- 12365.0 1601 17242.0 16360.0 1631 W 17332.0 16450.0 1602 17245.0 16363.0 1632 17335.0 16453.0 1603 17248.0 16366.0 1633 17338.0 16456.0 1604 17251.0 16369.0 1634 17341.0 16459.0 1605 W 17254.0 16372.0 1635 17344.0 16462.0 1606 17257.0 16375.0 1636 17347.0 16465.0 1607 17260.0 16378.0 1637 17350.0 16468.0 1608 17263.0 16381.0 1638 17353.0 16471.0 1609 17266.0 16384.0 1639 17356.0 16474.0 1610 17269.0 16387.0 1640 17359.0 16477.0 1611 17272.0 16390.0 1641 17362.0 16480.0 1612 17275.0 16393.0 1642 17365.0 16483.0 1613 17278.0 16396.0 1643 17368.0 16486.0 1614 17281.0 16399.0 1644 17371.0 16489.0 1615 17284.0 16402.0 1645 17374.0 16492.0 1616 17287.0 16405.0 1646 17377.0 16495.0 1617 17290.0 16408.0 1647 17380.0 16498.0 1618 17293.0 16411.0 1648 17383.0 16501.0 1619 17296.0 16414.0 1649 17386.0 16504.0 1620 W 17299.0 16417.0 1650 17389.0 16507.0 1621 C 17302.0 D 16420.0 1651 17392.0 16510.0 1622 17305.0 16423.0 1652 17395.0 16513.0 CHAN SHORE SHIP CHAN SHORE SHIP ---- ------- ------- ---- ------- ------- 1623 17308.0 16426.0 1653 17398.0 16516.0 1624 17311.0 16429.0 1654 17401.0 16519.0 1625 17314.0 16432.0 1655 17404.0 16522.0 1626 W 17317.0 16435.0 1656 17407.0 16525.0 1627 17320.0 16438.0 ---- SP ------- 16528.0 1628 17323.0 16441.0 ---- SP ------- 16531.0 1629 17326.0 16444.0 ---- SP ------- 16534.0 1630 17329.0 16447.0 1801 19755.0 18780.0 1809 19779.0 18804.0 1802 19758.0 18783.0 1810 19782.0 18807.0 1803 19761.0 18786.0 1811 19785.0 18810.0 1804 19764.0 18789.0 1812 19788.0 18813.0 1805 19767.0 18792.0 1813 19791.0 18816.0 1806 C 19770.0 18795.0 1814 19794.0 18819.0 1807 19773.0 18798.0 1815 19797.0 18822.0 1808 19776.0 18801.0 ---- SP ------- 18840.0 ---- SP ------- 18843.0 2201 22000.0 W 22696.0 2232 22093.0 22789.0 2202 22003.0 22699.0 2233 22096.0 22792.0 2203 22006.0 22702.0 2234 22099.0 22795.0 2204 22009.0 22705.0 2235 22102.0 22798.0 2205 22012.0 W 22708.0 2236 22105.0 W 22801.0 2206 22015.0 22711.0 2237 22108.0 22804.0 2207 22018.0 22714.0 2238 22111.0 22807.0 2208 22021.0 22717.0 2239 22114.0 22810.0 2209 22024.0 22720.0 2240 22117.0 22813.0 2210 22027.0 W 22723.0 2241 22120.0 22816.0 2211 22030.0 22726.0 2242 22123.0 22819.0 2212 22033.0 22729.0 2243 22126.0 22822.0 2213 22036.0 22732.0 2244 22129.0 22825.0 2214 22039.0 22735.0 2245 22132.0 22828.0 2215 22042.0 22738.0 2246 22135.0 22831.0 2216 22045.0 22741.0 2247 22138.0 22834.0 2217 22048.0 22744.0 2248 22141.0 22837.0 2218 22051.0 22747.0 2249 22144.0 22840.0 2219 22054.0 22750.0 2250 22147.0 22843.0 2220 22057.0 22753.0 2251 22150.0 22846.0 2221 C 22060.0 22756.0 2252 22153.0 22849.0 2222 22063.0 22759.0 2253 22156.0 22852.0 2223 22066.0 22762.0 ---- SP 22159.0 ------- 2224 22069.0 22765.0 ---- SP 22162.0 ------- 2225 22072.0 22768.0 ---- SP 22165.0 ------- 2226 22075.0 22771.0 ---- SP 22168.0 ------- 2227 22078.0 22774.0 ---- SP 22171.0 ------- 2228 22081.0 22777.0 2229 22084.0 22780.0 2230 22087.0 22783.0 2231 22090.0 22786.0 CHAN SHORE SHIP CHAN SHORE SHIP ---- ------- ------- ---- ------- ------- 2501 25070.0 26145.0 2507 25088.0 26163.0 2502 25073.0 26148.0 2508 25091.0 26166.0 2503 25076.0 26151.0 2509 25094.0 26169.0 2504 25079.0 26154.0 2510 C 25097.0 26172.0 2505 25082.0 26157.0 ---- SP 25115.0 ------- 2506 25085.0 26160.0 ---- SP 25118.0 ------- DISTRESS & SAFETY FREQUENCIES 2182.0 4125.0 6215.0 8291.0 12290.0 16240.0 SEARCH & RESCUE FREQUENCIES 3023.0 5680.0 OTHER SIMPLEX PHONE FREQUENCIES 2065.0 2079.0 2096.5 2114.0 2638.0 2670.0 2830.0 Basic Rules of US Buoyage The US system of inland buoyage is basically the same as the IALA Lateral System for Region B. This covers both North and South America. The lateral system is used to mark channels. The direction of buoyage is generally one of the following: 1 - INLAND: Headed in from seaward (except Intracoastal Waterway) 2 - INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (ICW): headed southward or westward 3 - OFF THE COAST: Subject to local authorities, but generally working clockwise around a land mass. (i.e. southward when off the Atlantic Coast, westward off the Gulf Coast, etc.) When facing in one of the above directions, channels are marked as follows: PORT: (Left side of channel) Green buoys with flat top or square topmark or square green daymarks. May also have odd numbers and/or flashing green light. (light may flash in any pattern except 2+1) STARBOARD: (Right side of channel) Red buoys with pointed top or triangular topmark or triangular red daymarks. May also have even numbers and/or flashing red light. (light may flash in any pattern except 2+1) PREFERRED CHANNEL: These come at 'forks' where one channel splits in two. Buoys and/or daymarks with red and green horizontal bands. May have light flashing in a 2+1 pattern. Color of topmost band and/or light determines preferred direction. Red indicates that the preferred channel is to port and green indicates that the preferred route is to starboard. These markers are not numbered but may be lettered. SAFE WATER: Red and white buoys or daymarks with colors in vertical bands. May have a spherical red topmark and/or a flashing white lite. Typical flashing pattern is a morse code "A" (1 short + 1 long). Red and white daymarks have an octagonal shape. Not numbered but may be lettered. SPECIAL MARKS: Yellow buoys and/or yellow, diamond-shaped daymarks. Not numbered but may be lettered. May have flashing yellow light. REGULATORY/INFO MARKS: Generally white with an orange shape indicating the type of mark. Diamond shape indicates danger. Circle indicates a controlled area. Crossed diamond indicates an exclusion area (no boats allowed). Rectangle or square indicates information. Type of control, danger, restriction, etc. is normally printed inside the shape. RANGE DAYMARKS: These are usually square daymarks with 3 vertical stripes. The two outer strips are the same color. These marks are used on some waterways in lieu of normal channel markers. If the mariner sails so that he is in a straight line extending from the two marks, he is in safe waters. SPECIAL NOTE ON THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY: Buoys and daymarks are identical to the above, except that a gold band is added. Where the ICW runs jointly with regular waterways, dual-purpose buoys and daymarks are used. These buoys and daymarks use the shapes and colors consistent with the direction of the regular waterway, and bear gold squares (port) and triangles (starboard) which are consistent with the direction of the ICW. HORN AND FOG SIGNALS SOUNDS HORN PITCH/VESSEL LENGTH o = short blast (1 second) 70-200 Hz = Length >= 200m - = long blast (4-6 seconds) 130-350 Hz = Length 75-200m B = rapid bell (5 seconds) 250-525 Hz = Length < 75m G = gong (5 seconds) INTERNATIONAL HORN SIGNALS (COLREGS) o = I am altering my course to starboard o o = I am altering my course to port o o o = I am operating astern propulsion o o o o o = I doubt that you are taking sufficent action to avert collision/I do not understand your intentions - - o = I intend to overtake you on your starboard side (in narrow channel) - - o o = I intend to overtake you on your port side (in narrow channel) - o - o = I agree to your overtaking proposal US INLAND HORN SIGNALS - must be acknowledged by same signal before maneuver can be made (meeting, crossing or overtaking) o = I intend to leave you on my port side or I intend to overtake on starboard side of stand-on vessel o o = I intend to leave you on my starboard side or I intend to overtake on port side of stand-on vessel (all situations) o o o = I am operating astern propulsion o o o o o = Danger exists/I doubt the safety of the proposed maneuver FOG SIGNALS - Ships underway signal at least once every 2 minutes, and ships at anchor or aground sound at least once a minute - = Power vessel underway (way on) - - = Power vessel underway (no way on) - o o = Sailing vessel Towing vessel Vessel not under command, restricted in ability to maneuver, fishing, towing or pushing - o o = Vessel constrained by draft - o o o = Towed vessel o o o o = Pilot vessel on duty B = Anchored vessel B (fore) & G (aft) = Anchored vessel (longer than 100m) o - o = Grounded vessel (may also sound anchored signal with 5-second bell preceded and followed by 3 strokes of bell) NOTE - International morse signals can also be transmitted by sound, but this practice is rare and not generally encouraged. INTERNATIONAL FLAG CODE A = White and blue (swallow-tailed) B = Red (swallow-tailed) C = Horizontal stripes: Blue-White-Red-White-Blue D = Horizontal stripes: Yellow-blue-yellow E = Horizontal halves: Blue over red F = White flag with red diamond G = Vertical stripes: Yellow-Blue-Yellow-Blue-Yellow-Blue H = Vertical halves: White-red I = Yellow flag with solid black circle J = Horizontal stipes: Blue-White-Blue K = Vertical halves: Yellow-blue L = Quarters: Yellow-black over black-yellow M = Blue flag with white "X" N = Checkered: blue and white O = Diagonal halves: yellow and red P = Blue flag with white rectangle Q = Yellow flag (solid) R = Red flag with yellow cross S = White flag with blue rectangle T = Vertical stripes: Red-white-blue U = Quarters: Red-white over white-red V = White flag with red "X" W = Blue flag containing white rectangle containing red rectangle X = White flag with blue cross Y = Diagonal stripes: yellow and red Z = Triangular quarters (clockwise from top): Yellow-blue-red-black 1st Repeater = Blue pennant with yellow notch 2nd Repeater = Pennant w/vertical halves: Blue-white 3rd Repeater = White pennant w/black horizontal stripe 1 = White pennant with solid red circle 2 = Blue pennant with solid white circle 3 = Pennant with vertical strips: Red-white-blue 4 = Red pennant with white cross 5 = Pennant with vertical halves: Yellow-blue 6 = Pennant with horizontal halves: Black-white 7 = Pennant with horizontal halves: Yellow-red 8 = White pennant with red cross 9 = Quarters: White-black over red-yellow 0 = Vertical stripes: Yellow-red-yellow CODE = Red pennant with 2 vertical white stripes (can also function as a decimal point) Flags are read from top to bottom, and can employ the same one-letter, two-letter and three-letter messages that horns and blinking lights can. Letters of the alphabet are represented by square flags (A and B are swallow-tailed), and numbers are represented by pennants with cutoff ends. USE OF REPEATER FLAGS If a ship has only one set of flags, "repeater" flags are used where characters occur more than once. The "first repeater" represents the same character as the topmost flag of its class, the "second repeater" represents the same as the second from the top, and the "third repeater" represents the same character as the third flag from the top. Example - The word SETTLE would be spelled as follows: S E T 3rd Repeater (repeating "T") L 2nd Repeater (repeating "E") It's important to note the repeater flags repeat the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd flags of their CLASS. That means that a 1st repeater among alphabetic flags repeats the topmost ALPHABETIC flag. A 3rd repeater among numeric flags repeats the third NUMERIC flag from the top. Example - Flags spelling CVN 66. The hoist would appear as follows: C V N 6 1st Repeater (repeating "6") CODE/ANSWERING FLAG The code/answering flag is used by the ship which is receiving the message. It is kept at the "dip" (about 3/4 up the mast) while the sender's message flags are being hoisted and read. It is then hauled to the top of the mast, notifying the sender that his message has been received and understood. IDENTITY SIGNALS Large ships generally display their identity signal (same as their radio callsign) while in harbor. This is usually 4 letters with possible some numbers following. INITIATING A COMMUNICATION The sender normally begins by hoisting the identity signal of the ship with whom he wishes to communicate. If the other ships identity is unknown, the following alternative signals may be used: VF - "please hoist your identity signal" CS - "what is your name or identity signal?" YQ - "I wish to communicate" When sending one of these signals, the sender should also hoist his own identity signal. When the signal is completed, the sender hoists the code/answering flag to notify the receiver. Additional codes of interest are: ZL - Signal received but not understood ZQ - Signal appears incorrectly coded. Please check and repeat. YZ - The following is in plain language OTHER USES FOR FLAGS When underway, naval vessels may fly numeric flags at dip to indicate their speed in knots. 1-LETTER & 2-LETTER MORSE SIGNALS (may be sent by flags, lights or sound) A = I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed *B = I am taking in, discharging, or carrying dangerous goods C = Yes (affirmative) *D = Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty *E = I am altering my course to starboard F = I am disabled; communicate with me G = I require a pilot Fishing: I am hauling nets *H = I have a pilot onboard *I = I am altering my course to port J = I am on fire and have dangerous cargo aboard; keep clear K = I wish to communicate with you L = You should stop your vessel instantly M = My vessel is stopped and making no way thru the water N = No O = Man overboard P = In Harbor: All aboard; vessel is about to depart Fishing: My nets have come fast upon an obstruction Q = My vessel is 'healthy' and I request free pratique *R = The way is off my ship; you can feel your way past me *S = My engines are going astern T = Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling U = You are running into danger V = I require assistance W = I require medical assistance X = Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals Y = I am draggin my anchor Z = I require a tug Fishing: I am shooting nets SELECTED TWO-LETTER SIGNALS AC = I am abandoning my vessel AN = I need a doctor CB = I require immediate assistance DV = I am drifting DX = I am sinking FC = You should indicate your position HW = I have collided with surface craft IT = I am on fire JG = I am aground in dangerous situation JH = I am aground; not in danger JW = I have sprung a leak KM = I can take you in tow KP = You should tow me NC = I am in distress and require immediate assistance SO = You should stop your vessel immediately US NAVY SPEED SIGNALLING DAY: Numeric flags hoisted at dip give the speed in knots NIGHT: Flashing yardarm lights WHITE (flashing) = Ahead 1/3 WHITE (flashing in groups of 2) = Ahead 2/3 WHITE (flashing in groups of 4) = Ahead Standard WHITE (flashing in groups of 5) = Ahead Flank RED (fixed) = Stop RED (flashing) = Back 1/3 RED (flashing in groups of 2) = Back 2/3 RED (flashing in groups of 3) = Back Full US NAVY SHIP CLASSIFICATION MARKINGS USN ships often show these markings on their hull near the bow. Individual ships are numbered within these classifications The following prefixes may be added: F = being constructed for foreign gov't T = assigned to Military Sealift Command W = Coast Guard Cutter The following suffixes may be added: N = nuclear propelled N = (service craft) non-self-propelled version of normally self-propelled craft WARSHIPS Aircraft Carrier Type Ships CV multi-purpose aircraft carrier CVA attack aircraft carrier CVN multi-purpose aircraft carrier (nuclear) CVS ASW aircraft carrier Surface Combatant Type Ships BB battleship CA gun cruiser CG guided missle cruiser CGN guided missle cruiser (nuclear) DD destroyer DDG guided missle destroyer FF frigate FFG guided missle frigate Submarine Type Ships SS Submarine SSBN ballistic missle submarine (nuclear) SSN submarine (nuclear) OTHER COMBATANTS Patrol Combatant Type Ships PG patrol gunboat PHM guided missle patrol combatant (hydrofoil) Amphibious Warfare Type Ships LCC amphibious command ship LHA amphibious assault ship (general purpose) LHD amphibious assault ship (multi-purpose) LKA amphibious cargo ship LPA amphibious transport LPD amphibious transport dock LPH amphibious assault ship (helicopter) LSD dock landing ship LST tank landing ship Combat Logistics Type Ships AE ammunition ship AF store ship AFS combat store ship AO oiler AOE fast combat support ship AOR replenishment oiler COMBATANT CRAFT Patrol Type Craft ATC mini-armored troop carrier PB patrol boat PBR river patrol craft PCF patrol craft (fast) Amphibious Warfare Type Craft LCAC landing craft, air cushion LCM landing craft, mechanized LCPL landing craft, personnel, large LCU landing craft, utility LCVP landing craft, vehicle, personnel LSSC light SEAL support craft LWT amphibious warping tug MSSC medium SEAL support craft SDV swimmer delivery vehicle SLWT side-loading warping tug SWCL special warfare craft, light SWCM special warfare craft, medium Mine Warfare Type Craft MSB minesweeping boat AUXILIARIES Mobile Logistics Type Ships AD destroyer tender AR repair ship AS submarine tender Support Type Ships ACS auxiliary crane ship AG miscellaneous AGDS deep submergence support ship AGF misc. command ship AGM missle range instrumentation ship AGOR oceanographic research ship AGOS ocean surveillance ship AGS surveying ship AGSS auxiliary research submarine (no combat capability) AH hospital ship AK cargo ship AKR vehicle cargo ship AOG gasoline tanker AOT transport oiler AP transport ARC cable repairing ship ARL repair ship, small ARS salvage ship ASR submarine rescue ship ATF fleet ocean tug ATS salvage and rescue ship AVB aviation logistic support ship AVM guided missle ship AVT auxiliary aircraft landing training ship SUPPORT CRAFT/SERVICE CRAFT Dry Docks (non-self-propelled) AFDB large auxiliary floating drydock AFDL small auxiliary floating drydock AFDM medium ausiliary floating drydock ARD auxiliary repair dock ARDM medium auxiliary repair drydock YFD yard floating drydock Tugs (self-propelled) YTB large harbor tug YTL small harbor tug YTM medium harbor tug Tankers (self-propelled) YO fuel oil barge TOG gasoline barge YW water barge Lighters and Barges (self-propelled) YF covered lighter YFU harbor utility cart (non-self-propelled) YC open car lighter YCF car float YCV aircraft transportation lighter YFN covered lighter YFNB large covered lighter YFNX lighter (special-purpose) YFRN refrigerated covered lighter YFRT range tender YGN garbage lighter YON gasoline barge YOS oil storage barge YSR sludge removal barge YWN water barge Other Craft (self-propelled) DSRV deep submergence rescue vehicle DSV deep submergence vehicle NR submersible research vehicle (nuclear propelled) YAG misc. auxiliary service craft YFB ferry boat or launch YTT torpedo trials craft YM dredge YP patrol craft, training (non-self-propelled) APL barracks craft YD floating crane YDT diving tender YFND drydock companion craft YFP floating power barge YLC salvage lift craft YMN dredge YNG gate craft YPD floating pile driver YR floating workshop YRB repair and berthing barge YRBM repair, berthing, and messing barge YRDH floating drydock workship (hull) YRDM floating drydock workship (machine) YRR radiological repair barge YRST salvage craft tender Unclassified misc. IX unclassified miscellaneous unit US COAST GUARD CUTTER CLASSIFICATIONS Coast guard vessels do not appear to include these as markings, but I'll put them here for reference. WAGB icebreaker WAGO oceanographic cutter WFCI fast coastal interceptor WHEC high-endurance cutter (30 to 45 days w/out support) WIX training cutter WLB offshore buoy tender (medium endurance) WLI inshore buoy tender (short endurance) WLIC inland construction tender (short endurance) WLM coastal buoy tender (medium endurance) WLR river buoy tender (short endurance) WLV light vessel WMEC medium endurance cutter (10 to 30 days w/out support) WPB patrol boat (multi-mission; 1 to 7 days w/out support) WSES surface effect ship USCG HULL NUMBERS (cutters and boats less than 100' in length) first two digits indicate vessel's overall length NAVIGATIONAL LIGHTS AND DAY SHAPES All vessels more than 7 meters long are required to carry lighting of some kind to help avoid collisions at night. The configuration of these lights allow other mariners to know their relationship to a ship and its course. The lights can indicate whether a ship is stopped, underway, towing, trawling, difficult to maneuver, or even run aground. Below is a list of the various navigation lights with the symbols used to represent them in this document listen in parentheses: MASTHEAD LIGHT (M) = White light mounted on forward masthead with arc of 225 degrees. Visible from dead ahead to 22.5 deg abaft the beam on both sides. (2 or 3 masthead lights generally indicate that the vessel is engaged in towing) RANGE LIGHT (R) = White light mounted on a mast behind and above the masthead light. Has same range of visibility as masthead light. When dead ahead of a vessel, the range light will appear to be directly above the masthead light. [where range column is marked with a "*" range lights are requied only if vessel length is 50m or more] (2 or 3 masthead lights generally indiceate that the vessel is engaged in towing) SIDELIGHTS (S) = Red on the port (left) side and green on the starboard (right side). Each shows from dead ahead to 22.5 deg abaft the beam on its assigned side. Both lights are visible from dead ahead. (Presence of these lights normally incidates that vessel is making way) STERN LIGHT (ST) = White light with 135 deg arc facing aft. Visible from right aft (directly behind the vessel) to 22.5 deg abaft the forward beam. Presence of this light normally indicates that vessel is making way. Do not confuse with 360 degree stern-mounted anchor lights. TOWING MASTHEAD LIGHT = Same type as masthead light. Extras are added to indicate that the vessel is towing. Although referred to specifically in regulations, they are included in the "M" column for our purposes. TOWING RANGE LIGHT (TR) = Same type as range and masthead lights. Extras added to indicate towing. These are more popular than towing masthead lights because they produce less glare for the vessel's pilot. Although refereed to specifically in regulations, they are included in the "R" column for our purposes. YELLOW TOWING LIGHT (TY) = Yellow light with same characteristics as the sternlight. Usually mounted vertically above the sternlight. ALL-AROUND LIGHT (A) = A light which shines in all directions. Several may be mounted in a vertical line, though not necessarily along the ship's centerline. Unless otherwise noted, all-around groups here are expressed from top to bottom, along a vertical line placed where best seen. SPECIAL FLASHING LIGHT (FL) = A forward-facing yellow light with an arc of 180-225 degrees. Flashes 50-70 times per minute. Normally placed on the forward end of a tow which is being pushed ahead. ANCHOR LIGHTS: At bow and stern on vessels 50m or more in length. Stern light is lower than bow. (some other vessels may have a single anchor light if 50m or less) NAVIGATION LIGHT CONFIGURATIONS SITUATION (RULE) M R S ST TY Other/Remarks --------- - - - -- -- -------------- 1 (23) 1 1 Y 1 2 (23) 1 1 Y 1 A (flashing yellow) 3 (23) 1 Y 1 4 (23) 1 Y 1 A (flashing yellow) 5 (23) 1 Y A (white on rear mast) 6 (25) Y 1 A (red over green at top of mast) 7 (24) 2 * Y 1 1 8 (24) 3 * Y 1 1 9 (C24) 2 Y 1 1 10 (I24) 1 2 Y 1 1 11 (C24) 3 Y 1 1 12 (I24) 1 3 Y 1 1 13 (C24) 2 Y 1 14 (I24) 2 Y 2 15 (C24) 2 Y 1 16 (I24) 1 2 Y 2 17 (27) 3 Y 1 1 A (red-white-red) 18 (27) 1 2 Y 1 1 A (red-white-red) 19 (27) 2 Y 1 1 A (red-white-red) 20 (I27) 2 * Y 2 A (red-white-red) 21 (C27) 2 * Y 1 A (red-white-red) 22 (C27) 2 Y 1 A (red-white-red) 23 (I27) 1 2 Y 2 A (red-white-red) 24 (C24) Y (sidelights are at forward end) 25 (I24) Y FL (sidelights are at forward end) 26 (24) Y 1 27 (24) White lights at fore, aft and sides 28 (26) A (red-white at masthead) SITUATION (RULE) M R S ST TY Other/Remarks ---------------- - - - -- -- ---------------- 29 (26) Y 1 A (red-white at masthead) NOTE - 28 or 29 may also have a white all-around light if gear extends more than 150m from the vessel. 30 (26) * A (green-white at masthead) 31 (26) * Y 1 A (green-white at masthead) 32 (27) A (red-red) 33 (27) Y 1 A (red-red) 34 (27) 1 * Y 1 A (3 green. One at foremast head, and one at each end of fore yard) 35 (27) A (red-white-red) (will show anchor lights if anchored) 36 (27) 1 * Y 1 A (red-white-red) 37 (27) A (red-white-red) If obstruction exists, red-red on obstructed side and green-green on clear side. 38 (27) 1 * Y 1 (same as 37) 39 (29) A (white-red on masthead) Anchor light(s) if anchored. 40 (29) 1 * Y 1 A (white-red on masthead) 41 (30) A (red-red) plus anchor light(s) 42 (C28) 1 * Y 1 A (red-red-red) 43 (25) A (having red, green and white sectors, covering port, starboard, and stern respectively) 44 A (red-red at ends with equally spaced yellow lights in between) SITUATIONS: 1 = Power-driven vessel (length >= 50m) 2 = Air-cushion vehicle in non-displacement mode (length >= 50m) 3 = Power-driven vessel (length < 50m) 4 = Air-cushion vehicle in non-displacement mode (length < 50m) 5 = Power-driven vessel (Great Lakes only) 6 = Sailing vessel underway (length < 20m) 7 = Towing astern (tow length <= 200m) 8 = Towing astern (tow length > 200m) 9 = Towing astern (tow length <= 200m) (COLREGS only) 10 = Towing astern (tow length <= 200m) (Inland rules) 11 = Towing astern (tow length > 200m) (COLREGS only) 12 = Towing astern (tow length > 200m) (Inland rules) 13 = Pushing ahead or towing alongside (COLREGS only) 14 = Pushing ahead or towing alongside (Inland only) 15 = Pushing ahead or towing alongside (COLREGS only) 16 = Pushing ahead or towing alongside (Inland only) 17 = Towing astern with severely restricted ability to deviate from course 18 = same as 17 19 = same as 17 & 18 (COLREGS only) 20 = Pushing ahead or towing alongside and severely restricted in ability to deviate from course (Inland Only) 21 = same as 20 (COLREGS only) 22 = same as 20 (COLREGS only) 23 = same as 20 (Inland only) 24 = Vessel being pushed ahead (COLREGS only) 25 = Vessel being pushed ahead (Inland only) 26 = Vessel being towed astern or alongside 27 = Partially submerged vessel or object being towed 28 = Vessel engaged in fishing, at anchor or not making way 29 = Vessel engaged in fishing, making way 30 = Vessel engaged in trawling, at anchor or not making way 31 = Vessel engaged in trawling, making way 32 = Vessel not under command, at anchor or not making way 33 = Vessel not under command, making way 34 = Vessel engaged in minesweeping 35 = Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver, not making way 36 = Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver, making way 37 = Vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, at anchor or not making way 38 = same as 37, making way 39 = Pilot vessel, not making way 40 = Pilot vessel, making way 41 = Vessel aground 42 = Vessel constrained by draft, making way (COLREGS only) 43 = Sailing vessel making way, length < 20m 44 = Dredging pipeline SPECIAL SITUATIONS 1. A towing arrangement which combines the vessel in a rigidly joined composite vessel is lighted as a single vessel. 2. Submarines also display a yellow light which flashes once per second and alternates 3 seconds of flashing with 3 seconds of inactivity. ADDITIONAL SIGNALS FOR FISHING VESSELS In addition to the navigation lights described above, vessels engaged in fishing or trawling may display the following: A (white-white) Shooting nets A (white-red) Hauling nets A (red-red) Net caught on obstruction Vessels using purse seine gear may display 2 alternately flashing yellow lights when hampered by the gear. DAY SHAPES Day shapes are black objects hoisted vertically where they can best be seen. Generally balls (B), cones (C) and diamonds (D) are used. Groups are expressed from top to bottom. Multiple groups joined by a "+" indicate separate (but simultaneous) hoists. DAY SHAPE SITUATION --------- ----------------- D Length of astern tow > 200m B-D-B Severely restricted in ability to deviate from course B-D-B + D Severely restricted in ability to deviate from couse. Astern tow longer than 200m B-D-B + B-B + D-D Dredging or conducting underwater operations. Balls are towards obstructed side and diamonds are toward clear side C-C Vessel engaged in fishing or trawling (cones join at their apexes) Basket Vessel engaged in fishing or trawling, length < 50m C-C + C (apex upward) Added indicate direction of equipment extending more than 150m from vessel Basket + C Same as C-C + C (apex upward) C (apex downward) Sailboat operating under power B-B Vessel not under command B (mast & yardarms) Vessel engaged in minesweeping B Vessel at anchor B-B-B Vessel aground Cylinder Vessel constrained by draft