Which day shape indicates a vessel not under command?

Which day shape indicates a vessel not under command?

• A. Ball
• B. Cone
• C. Cylinder
• D. Diamond

Answer: (A)

Day shapes convey a vessel’s maneuvering status in daylight. A vessel that cannot be maneuvered as required—not under command—signals this with a single black ball. That simple symbol tells other mariners to take extra care and keep well clear because the vessel is unable to steer or change course as needed. The other shapes listed aren’t used standing alone to indicate not under command: a diamond is part of the three-shape RAM signal (ball-diamond-ball) used to show restricted maneuverability, while cone and cylinder aren’t standard day shapes for indicating this condition.

Day shapes convey a vessel’s maneuvering status in daylight. A vessel that cannot be maneuvered as required—not under command—signals this with a single black ball. That simple symbol tells other mariners to take extra care and keep well clear because the vessel is unable to steer or change course as needed. The other shapes listed aren’t used standing alone to indicate not under command: a diamond is part of the three-shape RAM signal (ball-diamond-ball) used to show restricted maneuverability, while cone and cylinder aren’t standard day shapes for indicating this condition.