What day shape indicates "restricted in ability to maneuver"?

• A. Ball alone
• B. Ball, Diamond, Ball arranged vertically
• C. Diamond alone
• D. Ball, Diamond, Ball arranged horizontally

Answer: (B)

Day shapes are used at daylight to communicate a vessel’s current status to others. The arrangement of three shapes in a vertical line—ball at the top, diamond in the middle, ball at the bottom—clearly signals that the vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver. The middle diamond marks the constraint, while the two balls frame that status. This specific vertical pattern is the standardized signal for restricted maneuverability, so it’s the best answer. The other configurations shown do not convey this restriction. When you encounter this, give the vessel the room required by the rules and proceed with caution.