Ball

A spherical shape or object used as a day signal to indicate a vessel’s status or condition, such as being anchored or aground.

In maritime operations, a “ball” is a critical visual signal used to communicate specific conditions of a vessel to other mariners. It is typically a black, spherical object that is hoisted on a mast or other visible location on the vessel. The use of day shapes, including the ball, is governed by international regulations, specifically the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) – ANNEX I: Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes, Section 6. These signals are essential for ensuring safety at sea by providing clear, visible indications of a vessel’s operational status during daylight hours. For example, when a vessel is anchored, it is required to display a single black ball in the forepart of the vessel where it can be clearly seen. If a vessel is aground, it must display three black balls in a vertical line. These signals help other vessels understand the situation and take appropriate action to avoid collisions or other dangerous encounters. The simplicity of the ball shape makes it easily recognisable from a distance, even in less-than-ideal visibility conditions, such as fog or haze.