Q code



The Q-code is a standardised collection of three-letter codes that each start with the letter "Q". It is an operating signal initially developed for commercial radiotelegraph communication and later adopted by other radio services, especially amateur radio. To distinguish the use of a Q-code transmitted as a question from the same Q-code transmitted as a statement, operators either prefixed it with the military network question marker "$\overline{INT}$" or suffixed it with the standard Morse question mark $\overline{UD}$.

Although Q-codes were created when radio used Morse code exclusively, they continued to be employed after the introduction of voice transmissions. To avoid confusion, transmitter call signs are restricted; countries can be issued unused Q-Codes as their ITU prefix e.g. Qatar is QAT.

Codes in the range QAA–QNZ are reserved for aeronautical use; QOA–QQZ for maritime use and QRA–QUZ for all services.

"Q" has no official meaning, but it is sometimes assigned a word with mnemonic value, such as "question" or "query", for example in QFE: "query field elevation".

Early development
The original Q-codes were created, circa 1909, by the British government as a "List of abbreviations ... prepared for the use of British ships and coast stations licensed by the Postmaster General". The Q-codes facilitated communication between maritime radio operators speaking different languages, so they were soon adopted internationally. A total of forty-five Q-codes appeared in the "List of Abbreviations to be used in Radio Communications", which was included in the Service Regulations affixed to the Second International Radiotelegraph Convention in London (The Convention was signed on July 5, 1912, and became effective July 1, 1913.)

The following table reviews a sample of the all-services Q-codes adopted by the 1912 convention:

Later use
Over the years the original Q-codes were modified to reflect changes in radio practice. For example, QSW / QSX originally stood for, "Shall I increase / decrease my spark frequency?", but in the 1920s spark-gap transmitters were gradually being banned from land stations, making that meaning obsolete. By the 1970s, the Post Office Handbook for Radio Operators listed over a hundred Q-codes, covering a wide range of subjects including radio procedures, meteorology, radio direction finding, and search and rescue.

Some Q-codes are also used in aviation, in particular QNE, QNH and QFE, referring to certain altimeter settings. These codes are used in radiotelephone conversations with air traffic control as unambiguous shorthand, where safety and efficiency are of vital importance. A subset of Q-codes is used by the Miami-Dade County, Florida local government for law enforcement and fire rescue communications, one of the few instances where Q-codes are used in ground voice communication.

The QAA–QNZ code range includes phrases applicable primarily to the aeronautical service, as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The QOA–QQZ code range is reserved for the maritime service. The QRA–QUZ code range includes phrases applicable to all services and is allocated to the International Telecommunication Union. QVA–QZZ are not allocated. Many codes have no immediate applicability outside one individual service, such as maritime operation (many QO or QU series codes) or radioteletype operation (the QJ series).

Many military and other organisations that use Morse code have adopted additional codes, including the Z code used by most European and NATO countries. The Z code adds commands and questions adapted for military radio transmissions, for example, "ZBW 2", which means "change to backup frequency number 2", and "ZNB abc", which means "my checksum is abc, what is yours?"

Used in their formal question / answer sense, the meaning of a Q-code varies depending on whether the individual Q-code is sent as a question or an answer. For example, the message "QRP?" means "Shall I decrease transmitter power?", and a reply of "QRP" means "Yes, decrease your transmitter power", whereas an unprompted statement "QRP" means "Please decrease your transmitter power". This structured use of Q-codes is fairly rare and now mainly limited to amateur radio and military Morse code (CW) traffic networks.

Listing according to service

 * QAA to QNZ – Assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
 * QNA to QNZ – The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has also developed its own QN Signals for message handling located in this range. Even though they overlap with other signals, the ARRL determined that their exclusive use in NTS nets limits confusion.
 * QOA to QQZ – For the Maritime Mobile Service.
 * QRA to QUZ – Assigned by the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R).

Aeronautical Code signals (QAA–QNZ; ICAO)
First defined in ICAO publication "Doc 6100-COM/504/1" and in "ICAO Procedures for Air Navigation Services, Abbreviations and Codes (PANS-ABC)" [Doc8400-4] (4th edition 1989), the majority of the Q-codes have fallen out of common use; for example today reports such as QAU ("I am about to jettison fuel") and QAZ ("I am flying in a storm") would be voice or computerised transmissions. But several remain part of the standard ICAO radiotelephony phraseology in aviation. These are also part of ACP131, which lists all ITU-R Q-codes, without grouping them by aeronautical/marine/general use.

Maritime Mobile Service (QOA–QQZ)
This assignment is specified in RECOMMENDATION ITU-R M.1172.

Q signals are not substantially used in the maritime service. Morse code is now very rarely used for maritime communications, but in isolated maritime regions like Antarctica and the South Pacific the use of Q-codes continues. Q-codes still work when HF voice circuits are not possible due to atmospherics and the nearest vessel is one ionospheric hop away.


 * I can communicate with you in ____.

|- | 0. Dutch   || 5. Italian |- | 1. English || 6. Japanese |- | 2. French  || 7. Norwegian |- | 3. German   || 8. Russian |- | 4. Greek   || 9. Spanish |}
 * QOE 
 * Have you received the safety signal sent by ____ (name and/or call sign)?
 * I have received the safety signal sent by ____ (name and/or call sign).
 * QOF 
 * What is the commercial quality of my signals?
 * The quality of your signals is ____. 1. not commercial 2. marginally commercial 3. commercial.
 * QOG 
 * How many tapes have you to send?
 * I have ____ tapes to send.
 * QOH 
 * Shall I send a phasing signal for ____ seconds?
 * Send a phasing signal for ____ seconds.
 * QOI 
 * Shall I send my tape?
 * Send your tape.
 * QOJ 
 * Will you listen on ____ kHz (or MHz) for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons?
 * I am listening on ____ kHz (or MHz) for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons.
 * QOK 
 * Have you received the signals of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * I have received the signals of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on ____ kHz (or MHz).
 * QOL 
 * Is your vessel fitted for reception of selective calls? If so, what is your selective call number or signal?
 * My vessel is fitted for the reception of selective calls. My selective call number or signal is ____.
 * QOM 
 * On what frequencies can your vessel be reached by a selective call?
 * My vessel can be reached by a selective call on the following frequency/ies ____ (periods of time to be added if necessary).
 * QOO 
 * Can you send on any working frequency?
 * I can send on any working frequency.
 * QOT 
 * Do you hear my call; what is the approximate delay in minutes before we may exchange traffic?
 * I hear your call; the approximate delay is ____ minutes.
 * }
 * On what frequencies can your vessel be reached by a selective call?
 * My vessel can be reached by a selective call on the following frequency/ies ____ (periods of time to be added if necessary).
 * QOO 
 * Can you send on any working frequency?
 * I can send on any working frequency.
 * QOT 
 * Do you hear my call; what is the approximate delay in minutes before we may exchange traffic?
 * I hear your call; the approximate delay is ____ minutes.
 * }
 * I hear your call; the approximate delay is ____ minutes.
 * }

All services (QRA–QUZ)
First defined by the Washington 1927 ITU Radio Regulations. Later defined by ITU-R in Appendix 9 to the Radio Regulations Annex to the International Telecommunications Convention (Atlantic City, 1947). The current callsign table is found in ITU-R Appendix 42. Current interpretation of the Q-code can be found in ITU-R Appendices 14 and 15.

ITU Radio Regulations 1990, Appendix 13: Miscellaneous Abbreviations and Signals to be Used in Radiotelegraphy Communications Except in the Maritime Mobile Service:
 * QRJ 
 * How many radiotelephone calls have you to book?
 * I have ____ radiotelephone calls to book.
 * QRK 
 * What is the intelligibility of my signals (or those of ____)?
 * The intelligibility of your signals (or those of ____) is ____
 * What is the intelligibility of my signals (or those of ____)?
 * The intelligibility of your signals (or those of ____) is ____

|- | 1. bad |- | 2. poor |- | 3. fair |- | 4. good |- | 5. excellent |} or Is my transmission being interfered with? or Your transmission is being interfered with ____.
 * QRL 
 * Are you busy?
 * I am busy (or I am busy with ____). Please do not interfere.
 * QRM 
 * Are you being interfered with?
 * QRM 
 * Are you being interfered with?
 * I am being interfered with

|- | 1. nil |- | 2. slightly |- | 3. moderately |- | 4. severely |- | 5. extremely |}
 * QRN 
 * Are you troubled by static?
 * I am troubled by static (____).
 * I am troubled by static (____).

|- | 1. nil |- | 2. slightly |- | 3. moderately |- | 4. severely |- | 5. extremely |}
 * QRO 
 * Shall I increase transmitter power?
 * Increase transmitter power.
 * QRP 
 * Shall I decrease transmitter power?
 * Decrease transmitter power.
 * QRQ 
 * Shall I send faster?
 * Send faster (____ words per minute).
 * QRR 
 * Are you ready for automatic operation?
 * I am ready for automatic operation. Send at ____ words per minute.
 * QRS 
 * Shall I send more slowly?
 * Send more slowly (____ words per minute).
 * QRT 
 * Shall I stop sending?
 * Stop sending.
 * QRU 
 * Have you anything for me?
 * I have nothing for you.
 * QRV 
 * Are you ready?
 * I am ready.
 * QRW 
 * Shall I inform ____ that you are calling him on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * Please inform ____ that I am calling him on ____ kHz (or MHz).
 * QRX 
 * When will you call me again?
 * I will call you again at ____ hours (on ____ kHz (or MHz)).
 * QRY 
 * What is my turn? (relates to shared communication networks).
 * Your turn is number ____ (or according to any other indication). (relates to shared communication networks).
 * QRZ 
 * Who is calling me?
 * You are being called by ____ (on ____ kHz (or MHz)).
 * QSA 
 * What is the strength of my signals (or those of ____)?
 * The strength of your signals (or those of ____) is ____.
 * I will call you again at ____ hours (on ____ kHz (or MHz)).
 * QRY 
 * What is my turn? (relates to shared communication networks).
 * Your turn is number ____ (or according to any other indication). (relates to shared communication networks).
 * QRZ 
 * Who is calling me?
 * You are being called by ____ (on ____ kHz (or MHz)).
 * QSA 
 * What is the strength of my signals (or those of ____)?
 * The strength of your signals (or those of ____) is ____.
 * QSA 
 * What is the strength of my signals (or those of ____)?
 * The strength of your signals (or those of ____) is ____.

|- | 1. scarcely perceptible |- | 2. weak |- | 3. fairly good |- | 4. good |- | 5. very good |} or Are you a low traffic ship? or I am a low traffic ship. or Are my signals mutilated? or Your signals are mutilated. or Will you inform ____ (call sign) that I have been unable to break in on his transmission (on ____ kHz (or MHz)). or Will you listen to ____ (call sign(s)) on ____ kHz (or MHz), or in the bands ____ / channels ____ ? or I am listening to ____ (call sign(s)) on ____ kHz (or MHz), or in the bands ____ / channels ____.
 * QSB 
 * Are my signals fading?
 * Your signals are fading.
 * QSC 
 * Are you a cargo vessel?
 * QSC 
 * Are you a cargo vessel?
 * I am a cargo vessel.
 * QSD 
 * Is my keying defective?
 * Is my keying defective?
 * Your keying is defective.
 * QSE*
 * What is the estimated drift of the survival craft?
 * The estimated drift of the survival craft is ____ (figures and units).
 * QSF*
 * Have you effected rescue?
 * I have effected rescue and am proceeding to ____ base (with ____ persons injured requiring ambulance).
 * QSG 
 * Shall I send ____ telegrams at a time?
 * Send ____ telegrams at a time.
 * QSH 
 * Are you able to home on your direction-finding equipment?
 * I am able to home on my D/F equipment (on station ____).
 * QSI 
 * I have been unable to break in on your transmission.
 * Are you able to home on your direction-finding equipment?
 * I am able to home on my D/F equipment (on station ____).
 * QSI 
 * I have been unable to break in on your transmission.
 * I have been unable to break in on your transmission.
 * I have been unable to break in on your transmission.
 * QSJ 
 * What is the charge to be collected to ____ including your internal charge?
 * The charge to be collected to ____ including my internal charge is ____ francs.
 * QSK 
 * Can you hear me between your signals and if so can I break in on your transmission?
 * I can hear you between my signals; break in on my transmission.
 * QSL 
 * Can you acknowledge receipt?
 * I am acknowledging receipt.
 * QSM 
 * Shall I repeat the last telegram which I sent you (or some previous telegram)?
 * Repeat the last telegram which you sent me (or telegram(s) number(s) ____).
 * QSN 
 * Did you hear me (or ____ (call sign)) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * I did hear you (or ____ (call sign)) on ____ kHz (or MHz).
 * QSO 
 * Can you communicate with ____ direct (or by relay)?
 * I can communicate with ____ direct (or by relay through ____).
 * QSP 
 * Will you relay to ____ free of charge?
 * I will relay to ____ free of charge.
 * QSQ 
 * Have you a doctor on board (or is ____ (name of person) on board)?
 * I have a doctor on board (or ____ (name of person) is on board).
 * QSR 
 * Shall I repeat the call on the calling frequency?
 * Repeat your call on the calling frequency; did not hear you (or have interference).
 * QSS 
 * What working frequency will you use?
 * I will use the working frequency ____ kHz (or MHz) (in the HF bands normally only the last three figures of the frequency need be given).
 * QSU 
 * Shall I send or reply on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____)?
 * Send or reply on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____).
 * QSV 
 * Shall I send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz))?
 * Send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)).
 * QSW 
 * Will you send on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____)?
 * I am going to send on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____).
 * QSX 
 * Will you listen to ____ (call sign(s)) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * QSU 
 * Shall I send or reply on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____)?
 * Send or reply on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____).
 * QSV 
 * Shall I send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz))?
 * Send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)).
 * QSW 
 * Will you send on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____)?
 * I am going to send on this frequency (or on ____ kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ____).
 * QSX 
 * Will you listen to ____ (call sign(s)) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * QSX 
 * Will you listen to ____ (call sign(s)) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * Will you listen to ____ (call sign(s)) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * I am listening to ____ (call sign(s)) on ____ kHz (or MHz).
 * QSY 
 * Should I change to transmission on another frequency? If so what one?
 * Change to transmission on another frequency [or on ____ kHz (or MHz)].
 * QSZ 
 * Shall I send each word or group more than once?
 * Send each word or group twice (or ____ times).
 * QTA 
 * Shall I cancel telegram (or message) number ____ ?
 * Cancel telegram (or message) number ____.
 * QTB 
 * Do you agree with my counting of words?
 * I do not agree with your counting of words; I will repeat the first letter or digit of each word or group.
 * QTC 
 * How many telegrams have you to send?
 * I have ____ telegrams for you (or for ____).
 * QTD*
 * What has the rescue vessel or rescue aircraft recovered?
 * ____ (identification) has recovered ____.
 * How many telegrams have you to send?
 * I have ____ telegrams for you (or for ____).
 * QTD*
 * What has the rescue vessel or rescue aircraft recovered?
 * ____ (identification) has recovered ____.
 * ____ (identification) has recovered ____.

|- | 1. ____ (number) survivors |- | 2. wreckage |- | 3. ____ (number) bodies |} or What is my TRUE bearing from ____ (call sign)? or What is the TRUE bearing of ____ (call sign) from ____ (call sign)? or Your TRUE bearing from ____ (call sign) was ____ degrees at ____ hours. or The TRUE bearing of ____ (call sign) from ____ (call sign) was ____ degrees       at ____ hours. or Will you request ____ to send two dashes of ten seconds followed by his call sign (repeated ____       times) on ____ kHz (or MHz)? or I have requested ____ to send two dashes of ten seconds followed by his call sign (repeated ____        times) on ____ kHz (or MHz). (Requests the speed of a ship or aircraft through the water or air respectively). (Indicates the speed of a ship or aircraft through the water or air respectively). or Are you airborne? or I am airborne. or Are you going to alight (or land)? or I am going to alight (or land). or Will you send your call sign (and/or name) for ____ seconds? or I will send my call sign (and/or name) for ____ seconds. or Can you speak in ____ (language), – with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies? or I can speak in ____ (language) on ____ kHz (or MHz). or I shall be forced to alight (or land) at ____ (position or place) at ____ hours.
 * QTE 
 * What is my TRUE bearing from you?
 * What is my TRUE bearing from you?
 * Your TRUE bearing from me is ____ degrees at ____ hours.
 * QTF 
 * Will you give me the position of my station according to the bearings taken by the direction-finding stations which you control?
 * The position of your station according to the bearings taken by the D/F stations which I control was ____ latitude, ____ longitude (or other indication of position), class ____ at ____ hours.
 * QTG 
 * Will you send two dashes of ten seconds each followed by your call sign (repeated ____ times) (on ____ kHz (or MHz))?
 * QTG 
 * Will you send two dashes of ten seconds each followed by your call sign (repeated ____ times) (on ____ kHz (or MHz))?
 * I am going to send two dashes of ten seconds each followed by my call sign (repeated ____ times) (on ____ kHz (or MHz)).
 * QTH 
 * What is your position in latitude and longitude (or according to any other indication)?
 * My position is ____ latitude, ____ longitude (or according to any other indication).
 * QTI 
 * What is your TRUE track?
 * My TRUE track is ____ degrees.
 * QTI*
 * What is your TRUE course?
 * My TRUE course is ____ degrees.
 * QTJ*
 * What is your speed?
 * My TRUE course is ____ degrees.
 * QTJ*
 * What is your speed?
 * What is your speed?
 * My speed is ____ knots (or ____ kilometres per hour or ____ statute miles per hour).
 * QTK*
 * What is the speed of your aircraft in relation to the surface of the Earth?
 * The speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the Earth is ____ knots (or ____ kilometres per hour or ____ statute miles per hour).
 * QTL*
 * What is your TRUE heading?
 * My TRUE heading is ____ degrees.
 * QTM*
 * What is your MAGNETIC heading?
 * My MAGNETIC heading is ____ degrees.
 * QTN 
 * At what time did you depart from ____ (place)?
 * I departed from ____ (place) at ____ hours.
 * QTO 
 * Have you left dock (or port)?
 * At what time did you depart from ____ (place)?
 * I departed from ____ (place) at ____ hours.
 * QTO 
 * Have you left dock (or port)?
 * Have you left dock (or port)?
 * I have left dock (or port).
 * QTP 
 * Are you going to enter dock (or port)?
 * Are you going to enter dock (or port)?
 * I am going to enter dock (or port).
 * QTQ 
 * Can you communicate with my station by means of the International Code of Signals (INTERCO)?
 * I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International Code of Signals (INTERCO).
 * QTR 
 * What is the correct time?
 * The correct time is ____ hours.
 * QTS 
 * Will you send your call sign for tuning purposes or so that your frequency can be measured now (or at ____ hours) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * QTS 
 * Will you send your call sign for tuning purposes or so that your frequency can be measured now (or at ____ hours) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * Will you send your call sign for tuning purposes or so that your frequency can be measured now (or at ____ hours) on ____ kHz (or MHz)?
 * I will send my call sign for tuning purposes or so that my frequency may be measured now (or at ____ hours) on ____ kHz (or MHz).
 * QTT 
 * The identification signal which follows is superimposed on another transmission.
 * QTU 
 * What are the hours during which your station is open?
 * My station is open from ____ to ____ hours.
 * QTV 
 * Shall I stand guard for you on the frequency of ____ kHz (or MHz) (from ____ to ____ hours)?
 * Stand guard for me on the frequency of ____ kHz (or MHz) (from ____ to ____ hours).
 * QTW*
 * What is the condition of survivors?
 * Survivors are in ____ condition and urgently need ____.
 * QTX 
 * Will you keep your station open for further communication with me until further notice (or until ____ hours)?
 * I will keep my station open for further communication with you until further notice (or until ____ hours).
 * QTY*
 * Are you proceeding to the position of incident and if so when do you expect to arrive?
 * I am proceeding to the position of incident and expect to arrive at ____ hours (on ____ (date)).
 * QTZ*
 * Are you continuing the search?
 * I am continuing the search for ____ (aircraft, ship, survival craft, survivors or wreckage).
 * QUA 
 * Have you news of ____ (call sign)?
 * Here is news of ____ (call sign).
 * QUB*
 * Can you give me in the following order information concerning: the direction in degrees TRUE and speed of the surface wind; visibility; present weather; and amount, type and height of base of cloud above surface elevation at ____ (place of observation)?
 * Here is the information requested: ____ (The units used for speed and distances should be indicated.)
 * QUC 
 * What is the number (or other indication) of the last message you received from me (or from ____ (call sign))?
 * The number (or other indication) of the last message I received from you (or from ____ (call sign)) is ____.
 * QUD 
 * Have you received the urgency signal sent by ____ (call sign of mobile station)?
 * I have received the urgency signal sent by ____ (call sign of mobile station) at ____ hours.
 * QUE 
 * Can you use telephony in ____ (language), with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies?
 * Can you give me in the following order information concerning: the direction in degrees TRUE and speed of the surface wind; visibility; present weather; and amount, type and height of base of cloud above surface elevation at ____ (place of observation)?
 * Here is the information requested: ____ (The units used for speed and distances should be indicated.)
 * QUC 
 * What is the number (or other indication) of the last message you received from me (or from ____ (call sign))?
 * The number (or other indication) of the last message I received from you (or from ____ (call sign)) is ____.
 * QUD 
 * Have you received the urgency signal sent by ____ (call sign of mobile station)?
 * I have received the urgency signal sent by ____ (call sign of mobile station) at ____ hours.
 * QUE 
 * Can you use telephony in ____ (language), with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies?
 * QUE 
 * Can you use telephony in ____ (language), with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies?
 * Can you use telephony in ____ (language), with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies?
 * I can use telephony in ____ (language) on ____ kHz (or MHz).
 * QUF 
 * Have you received the distress signal sent by ____ (call sign of mobile station)?
 * I have received the distress signal sent by ____ (call sign of mobile station) at ____ hours.
 * QUG 
 * Will you be forced to alight (or land)?
 * I am forced to alight (or land) immediately.
 * Will you be forced to alight (or land)?
 * I am forced to alight (or land) immediately.
 * QUH*
 * Will you give me the present barometric pressure at sea level?
 * The present barometric pressure at sea level is ____ (units).
 * QUI 
 * Are your navigation lights working?
 * My navigation lights are working.
 * QUJ 
 * Will you indicate the TRUE track to reach you (or ____)?
 * The TRUE track to reach me (or ____) is ____ degrees at ____ hours.
 * QUK 
 * Can you tell me the condition of the sea observed at ____ (place or coordinates)?
 * The sea at ____ (place or coordinates) is ____.
 * QUL 
 * Can you tell me the swell observed at ____ (place or coordinates)?
 * The swell at ____ (place or coordinates) is ____.
 * QUM 
 * May I resume normal working?
 * Normal working may be resumed.
 * QUN 
 * 1. When directed to all stations:
 * Will vessels
 * (in my immediate vicinity ____)
 * May I resume normal working?
 * Normal working may be resumed.
 * QUN 
 * 1. When directed to all stations:
 * Will vessels
 * (in my immediate vicinity ____)
 * (in my immediate vicinity ____)

or
 * (in the vicinity of ____ latitude, ____ longitude)

or
 * (in the vicinity of ____)
 * please indicate their position, TRUE course, and speed?

or 2. When directed to a single station:
 * Please indicate your position, TRUE course, and speed.


 * My position, TRUE course and speed are ____.
 * QUO*
 * Shall I search for ____
 * Shall I search for ____

|- | 1. aircraft |- | 2. ship |- | 3. survival craft |} in the vicinity of ____ latitude, ____ longitude (or according to any other indication)?
 * Please search for ____

|- | 1. aircraft |- | 2. ship |- | 3. survival craft |} in the vicinity of ____ latitude, ____ longitude (or according to any other indication).
 * QUP 
 * Will you indicate your position by
 * Will you indicate your position by

|- | 1. searchlight |- | 2. black smoke trail |- | 3. pyrotechnic lights? |}
 * My position is indicated by

|- | 1. searchlight |- | 2. black smoke trail |- | 3. pyrotechnic lights |}
 * QUQ 
 * Shall I train my searchlight nearly vertical on a cloud, occulting if possible and, if your aircraft is seen, deflect the beam up wind and on the water (or land) to facilitate your landing?
 * Please train your searchlight on a cloud, occulting if possible and, if my aircraft is seen or heard, deflect the beam up wind and on the water (or land) to facilitate my landing.
 * QUR*
 * Have survivors ____.
 * QUR*
 * Have survivors ____.

|- | 1. received survival equipment |- | 2. been picked up by rescue vessel |- | 3. been reached by ground rescue party? |}
 * Survivors ____.

|- | 1. are in possession of survival equipment &emsp; dropped by ____. |- | 2.  have been picked up by a rescue vessel |- | 3. have been reached by a &emsp; ground rescue party |}
 * QUS*
 * Have you sighted survivors or wreckage? If so, in what position?
 * Have sighted ____.
 * Have sighted ____.

|- | 1. survivors in water |- | 2. survivors on rafts |- | 3. wreckage &emsp; at position ____ latitude, ____ longitude &emsp; (or according to any other indication) |}
 * QUT*
 * Is position of incident marked?
 * Position of incident is marked by ____.
 * Position of incident is marked by ____.

|- | 1. flame or smoke float |- | 2. sea marker |- | 3. sea marker dye |- | 4. ____ (specify other marking) |}
 * QUU*
 * Shall I home ship or aircraft to my position?
 * Home ship or aircraft ____ (call sign) ____.
 * Home ship or aircraft ____ (call sign) ____.

|- | 1. to your position by transmitting your &emsp; call sign and long dashes &emsp; on ____ kHz (or MHz) |- | 2. by transmitting on ____ kHz (or MHz) &emsp; TRUE track to reach you. |}
 * QUW*
 * Are you in the search area designated as ____ (designator or latitude and longitude)?
 * I am in the ____ (designation) search area.
 * QUX 
 * Do you have any navigational warnings or gale warnings in force?
 * I have the following navigational warning(s) or gale warning(s) in force: ____.
 * QUY*
 * Is position of survival craft marked?
 * Position of survival craft was marked at ____ hours by ____.
 * QUY*
 * Is position of survival craft marked?
 * Position of survival craft was marked at ____ hours by ____.

|- | 1. flame or smoke float |- | 2. sea marker |- | 3. sea marker dye |- | 4. ____ (specify other marking) |}
 * QUZ 
 * May I resume restricted working?
 * Distress phase still in force; restricted working may be resumed.
 * }
 * }

Amateur radio
Amateur radio has adapted two different sets of Q-codes for use in amateur communications. The first set comes from the ITU civil series QRA through QUZ. Most of the meanings are identical to the ITU definitions, however, they must be looked at in the context of amateur communications. For example, QSJ? asks what the charges are for sending the telegraph. Since by regulation amateur communications are without charge, this Q-code couldn't make sense.

The second set is the set of QN Signals, used only in ARRL NTS nets. These operating signals generally have no equivalent in the ACP 131 publication or ITU publications, and are specifically defined only for use in ARRL NTS nets. They are not used in casual amateur radio communications.

Selected Q-codes were soon adopted by amateur radio operators. In December 1915, the American Radio Relay League began publication of a magazine titled QST, named after the Q-code for "General call to all stations". In amateur radio, the Q-codes were originally used in Morse code transmissions to shorten lengthy phrases and were followed by a Morse code question mark if the phrase was a question.

Q-codes are commonly used in voice communications as shorthand nouns, verbs, and adjectives making up phrases. For example, an amateur radio operator will complain about QRM (man-made interference), or tell another operator that there is "QSB on the signal" (fading); "to QSY" is to change your operating frequency, or to break in on a conversation QSK is often used even on VHF and UHF frequencies. (See also Informal usage, below.)

Notes for response to radiotelegraph Q-codes
Responses to a radiotelegraph Q-code query or a Q-code assertion may vary depending upon the code. For Q-code assertions or queries which only need to be acknowledged as received, the usual practice is to respond with the letter "R" for "Roger" which means "Received correctly". Sending an "R" merely means the code has been correctly received and does not necessarily mean that the receiving operator has taken any other action.

For Q-code queries that need to be answered in the affirmative, the usual practice is to respond with the letter "C" (Sounds like the Spanish word "Si"). For Q-code queries that need to be answered in the negative, the usual practice it to respond with the letter "N" for "no". For those Q-code assertions that merely need to be acknowledged as understood, the usual practice is to respond with the prosign $\overline{SN}$ (or $\overline{VE}$) which means "understood". On telegraph cable networks "KK" was often used at the end of a reply to a Q-code to mean "OK" or "Acknowledged". This practice predates amateur radio as telegraph operators in the late 19th century are known to have used it.

Informal usage


QAC - Taken from the Articles of Association of the South Hampshire International Telegraphy Society, para 9: "...and amongst themselves they shall promote the Use of the Code QAC, which shall be taken as implying "All Compliments" and shall include:- VY 73 73 OM CUL BCNU & mni tnx fer nice/FB/rotten QSO GL GB hpe cuagn wid gud/btr/wrse condx mri Xms Hpi Nw Yr mni hpi rtrns gtgs fer Rosh Hoshanah/Id el Fitr/May Day/Tksgvg 88 to XYL/YL/Widow Ciao Cheerio & gud/FB/best DX or any Part or Parts thereof in any Permutation or Combination.

QLF – "Are you sending with your left foot? Try sending with your left foot!" A humorously derogatory comment about the quality of a person's sending.

QNB – QNB? “How many buttons on your radio?” “QNB 100/5” Means there are 100 and I know what 5 of them do.

QSK – "I can hear you during my transmission" – refers to a particular mode of Morse code operating often called QSK operation (full break-in) in which the receiver is quickly enabled during the spaces between the dits and dahs, which allows another operator to interrupt transmissions. Many modern transceivers incorporate this function, sometimes referred to as full break-in as against semi-break-in in which there is a short delay before the transceiver goes to receive.

QSY – "Change to transmission on another frequency"; colloquially, "move [=change address]". E.g., "When did GKB QSY from Northolt to Portishead?"

QTH – "My location is ____"; colloquially in voice or writing, "location". E.g., "The OCF [antenna type] is an interesting build but at my QTH a disappointing performer."

QTHR – "At the registered location ____"; chiefly British use. Historically, the location in the printed Callbook; modernly, "as given in online government records for my callsign". E.g., "You can contact me QTHR".

QBL – “Quit Be'ina Lid” QBL is used among amateur radio operators to indicate humour in their CW transmission. While QBL is generally used by a small subsection of operators who can properly decode, it is available to anyone.

German use during World War II
During World War II, according to Bletchley Park’s General Report on Tunny, German radio teleprinter networks used Q-codes to establish and maintain circuit connections.

In particular: QKP [ought to be 'QEP', not 'QKP' - the print in the source document isn't very clear] was to indicate the Lorenz cipher machine setting for each message and, QZZ to indicate that the daily key change was about to take place at the sender's station.