Day Shapes

Day shapes are masthead signals indicating the status of a vessel at sea to other vessels. For your safety and that of your crew, you need to be able to identify different types of vessels via their day shapes, and know exactly what the day shapes signify.

This section contains the most common day shapes you are likely to come across. We have made the images simple, using using a similar format to that which you’ll find on your Day Skipper, Day Skipper Coastal and Yachtmaster exams. Good luck with your studies, and happy sailing!

diver down 500x400.jpg

Diver down in area. Stay clear.

fishing vessel 500x400.jpg

Fishing vessel.

mine sweeping in operation 500x400.jpg

Mine Sweeper in operation. Keep clear.

sailing vessel under motor 500x400.jpg

Sailing vessel operating under motor.

vessel aground 500x400.jpg

Vessel has run aground.

vessel at anchor 500x400.jpg

Vessel is at anchor.

vessel constrained by draught 500x400.jpg

Vessel is constrained by draught.

vessel not under command 500x400.jpg

Vessel is not under command.

vessel restricted ability to manoeuvre 500x400.jpg

Vessel has restricted ability to manoeuvre.

vessel restricted ability to manoeuvre pass on diamond side 500x400.jpg

Vessel has restricted ability to manoeuvre: Dredging - It's safe to pass on the diamond side.

vessel towing and in tow over 200 metres 500x400.jpg

Vessel is towing another. The overall tow length is over 200 metres.