The call sign consisted of 4 four signal letters making it possible to distinguish them for from other ships in the Commercial Code of signals used all over the world. The ensign was visible at the peak over the so-called doe pendant when the signal letters were showed.
GQBC=Aboukir, 90 guns
GQBD=Achille
GQBF=Acorn, 78 guns
GQBH=Actaeon, survey vessel, 12 guns
GQBJ=Active, 40 guns
GQBK=Active, revenue vessel
GQBL=Acute, depot
GQBM=Adder, steam vessel
GQBN=Adder, revenue vessel
GQBP=Adelaide, tender
GQBR=Adventure screw steam schooner
GQBS=Advice, tender
GQBT=AEolus, store ship
GQBV=Aetna, 16 guns
GQBW=Africaine, 44 guns
