Coast Guard Academy (CGA) Indoctrination Practice Test 2026 - Free CGA Indoctrination Practice Questions and Study Guide

In flag signaling, specific flags are assigned to convey urgent messages at sea. The flag that communicates a person is overboard is Oscar. Hoisting Oscar immediately tells the crew and nearby vessels that someone has fallen into the water, triggering a quick, organized rescue response. Its distinctive appearance is designed to be easily recognized from a distance, even in rough conditions, so the message is understood without delay. The other flags signify different situations or information, so they don’t communicate this particular emergency.