Observe and identify

Developing level, about 2 min. International COLREGs / IRPCS.

The situation

A vessel ahead is showing a daytime shape. Inspect the shape and its vertical arrangement with the binoculars. The vessel’s name and status are withheld until your answer.

Which operation or status does this daytime signal indicate?

Not under command
Engaged in fishing
Restricted ability to manoeuvre

Answers and explanations

Lookout: Two black balls in a vertical line indicate a vessel not under command. Her exceptional circumstance prevents her from manoeuvring as required; this is not a generic label for any stopped ship.

The sound answer

Not under command

Two black balls in a vertical line indicate a vessel not under command. Her exceptional circumstance prevents her from manoeuvring as required; this is not a generic label for any stopped ship.

Why the other options fall short

Engaged in fishing

Engaged in fishing uses cone-down, cone-up. The displayed signal here indicates not under command. Two black balls in a vertical line indicate a vessel not under command. Her exceptional circumstance prevents her from manoeuvring as required; this is not a generic label for any stopped ship.

Restricted ability to manoeuvre

Restricted ability to manoeuvre uses ball, diamond, ball. The displayed signal here indicates not under command. Two black balls in a vertical line indicate a vessel not under command. Her exceptional circumstance prevents her from manoeuvring as required; this is not a generic label for any stopped ship.

Rule 27(a) · Day shapes