Practice question

A vessel at anchor shall display what day shape?

  1. Two balls
  2. Diamond
  3. One ball
  4. Ball and diamond

Answer: C — One ball

Day shapes communicate a vessel’s status in daylight. When a vessel is at anchor, it displays a single ball, signaling that it is stationary with the anchor down and not under way. This simple mark helps other vessels gauge your situation quickly and pass with appropriate caution. Other shapes are used for different conditions, so they don’t apply to a vessel that is simply anchored.

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