What type of station would be assigned the call sign WAB2174?

The call sign WAB2174 indicates that the station is likely a vessel that operates within U.S. domestic waters, and the “W” at the beginning identifies it as a U.S. vessel. The assignment of three-letter prefixes followed by alphanumeric combinations, like "AB2174," typically represents vessels that are registered for specific functions, which can include commercial operations.

Tug boats often have call signs that begin with “W” and include similar numbering, as their operations are geared toward assisting larger vessels in navigation and maneuvering, especially in areas where shallow waters or confined spaces require specialized handling. This aligns with the nature of tugboat operations, which are essential to maritime transport, particularly in harbors and congested waterways.

For other vessel types, such as container ships, passenger ships, or bulk tankers, their call signs may follow different conventions or prefixes that align with their operational scope or the specific regulatory terms under which they operate. Consequently, while it is possible for any of these vessel types to possess a call sign starting with “W,” the specific formatting and application of WAB2174 suggests that it best corresponds to the operational characteristics associated with a tugboat.