Anchor Ball

Have you seen an anchor ball before? Yes, few persons have seen it, but majority has not. It is not the regular football we all know. It is made up a rope's netted together to form a ball shape or spherical plastic material it can be see through or not they can also be inflated and deflated when not in use, this is classified to be a day shape object. The function is to alert other vessels that she is at anchor or not under command.

They are made from high synthetic materials to withstand rough weather at sea. It should be placed where it can be visible.

Maintenance

• Regular checking of the ball and rope and shackles, spirals

• After usage secure properly

• Cleaning

  
  
  
  

  

  Anchor Ball

  
  

  

  Hoisted Anchor Ball Courtesy of dreamsstime.com

  International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREGs) on Rule 30, specifies vessels at anchor shall exhibit all-round white light and vessels or a ball and all-round white light at the stern.

  The anchor ball should be rig during daylight hours when they are at anchor in navigable waters.

  Failure to obey the rule attracts fine/sanction by IMO or a regulatory body in the country the vessel is operating.

  There is different design but the same purpose, don't be afraid when you don't see the one you are familiar with.

  
  

  

  Anchor Ball

  At night the all-round lights are powered to pass a message to other vessel navigating same water that she is at anchor day shape/anchor ball is lowered down to avoid collision.

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