Day shapes

Day shapes are mast head signals

visually indicating the status of a vessel
to other vessels on navigable waters
during daylight hours whether making-
way, anchored, or aground. These
signals consist of a set of simple
geometric shapes: ball, cylinder, cone,
and diamond that are displayed, hung
from a mast, in a prescribed manner to
indicate a vessel's operational status;
some of these signals may be somewhat
involved.[1] The meanings of the shapes
are defined by the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at
Sea (ColRegs).

Day shapes from COLREG

Day shapes are black in color and their

sizes are determined by the ColRegs, for
instance the size of the ball is not less
than 0.6 metres (2.0 ft). The vertical
distance between shapes is at least 1.5
metres (4.9 ft). Vessels of less than 20
metres (66 ft) length may use shapes of
smaller size commensurate with the size
of the vessel.[2] Day shapes of standard
and reduced sizes are both
commercially available. Day shapes are
commonly constructed from a light
weight frame covered with fabric and
are designed to be collapsible for ease
of storage.
A US Navy Seaman lowers day shapes: "ball,
diamond, ball" signaling the end of restricted
maneuvering

Day shapes are designed to correspond

to the various navigation lights required
to be shown at night, and are required to
be complied with by day from sunrise to
sunset. The appropriate lights may also
be displayed during the day at times of
restricted visibility or other necessary
circumstances.[3] Vessels under 7
meters are generally not required to
display day shapes even if they are
required to display lights at night.[4]

A square black flag displayed over the

ball may be used as a distress signal.[5]

Some of the most common signals are

as follows:
 Navigation status Day shape Restriction

Vessel under sail &

Cone > 12m
power

Anchored Ball > 7m (not in channel) > 20m (in anchorage)

Constrained by draft Cylinder

Aground 3 balls (vert. line) > 12m

Not under command 2 balls (vert. line) > 12m

Restricted in ability to 1 ball+1

> 12m (except dive boats)
maneuver diamond+1 ball

> 20m (but must display (nets or trawling)

Fishing (commercial) 2 cones (vert. line)
basket shape)

Vessel towing Diamond Tow > 200m

Vessel being towed Diamond Tow > 100m

Minesweeping 3 Balls Naval

See also
Marine navigation lights
International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea
US Coast Guard
International Maritime Organization
References
1. Commandant US Coast Guard (25
March 1999). Navigation Rules:
International and Inland (COMDTINST
16672.2D ed.). PART C—LIGHTS AND
SHAPES: US Department of
Transportation, US Coast Guard. pp. 38–
112. |access-date= requires |url= (help)
2. Commandant US Coast Guard (25
March 1999). Navigation Rules:
International and Inland (COMDTINST
M16672.2D ed.). ANNEX I—
POSITIONING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS
OF LIGHTS AND SHAPES: US
Department of Transportation: US Coast
Guard. p. 140. |access-date= requires
|url= (help)
3. Commandant US Coast Guard (25
March 1999). Navigation Rules:
International and Inland (COMDTINST
M16672.2D ed.). PART C—LIGHTS AND
SHAPES: US Department of
Transportation: US Coast Guard. p. 38.
|access-date= requires |url= (help)
4. Commandant US Coast Guard (25
March 1999). Navigation Rules:
International and Inland (COMDTINST
M16672.2D ed.). PART C—LIGHTS AND
SHAPES: US Department of
Transportation: US Coast Guard. p. 110.
|access-date= requires |url= (help)
5. Commandant US Coast Guard (25
March 1999). Navigation Rules:
International and Inland (COMDTINST
M16672.2D ed.). PART C—LIGHTS AND
SHAPES: US Department of
Transportation: US Coast Guard. p. 126.
|access-date= requires |url= (help)

External links
United States Coast Guard, Navigation
Center, Navigation Rules On-Line
International Maritime Organization:
COLREGS
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