To many people, they never even notice them. But some sharp-eyed cruise passengers may see what look like strange hieroglyphics dotting the hull of the ship along the waterline.
The weird shapes don’t look like anything you’ve ever seen before. In fact, they don’t really look like anything at all. Most just look like random lines or drawings that don’t resemble anything most of us can imagine.
But these markings are extremely important to those that need to know what they mean. They give important clues that can keep others safe and avoid accidents that could potentially disable the ship.
So what exactly are those markings and what do they tell you?
“X” Inside of a Circle (Or a Wide Cross)
Without a doubt if you start to look on the hull of the ship, the most common symbol you’ll see is an “X” inside of a circle. Sometimes you’ll see what looks like a picture of four curved blades instead of an X.
Either way, they mean the same things and you’ll usually see them in groups of three or four, usually near the front of the ship.
These symbols are for the location of the ship’s hull thrusters, commonly known as bow thrusters.
Cruise ships are massive and need to be able to maneuver in tight spaces. Having control is crucial. These thrusters are built into the hull and can push a ship left or right. With these engaged, the ship can gently move right up to the dock or push away when it’s time to leave.
But it’s important that other boats know where these are located. Being caught in the wash of these thrusters could be dangerous.
A “Keyhole” in the Middle of the Ship
A sideways keyhole? A spatula? Or maybe something else? It’s hard to describe exactly what this symbol is, but what it represents is easy.
Not every cruise ship has this symbol, but if yours does, it will always be located in the middle of the ship.
That’s because this symbol marks the location of stabilizer fins under the water.
Cruise ships are surprisingly stable given that they sail over a surface that’s constantly in motion. One reason for that is stabilizer fins. These fins sit in the middle of the ship under the water. In rougher seas, they can be extended out from the hull (similar to a short, underwater airplane wing) to help stop any back and forth rocking motion.
Given they they protrude from the ship, it’s important that any other boat alongside knows where they are located so they don’t accidentally hit them if they were to come alongside.
A Hieroglyphic That Looks Indescribable at the Ship’s Front
The last strange symbol is one that you’ll see at the very front of any ship you sail, right next to the waterline. But even after seeing it, it’s nearly impossible to describe its shape. It looks more like an abstract line drawing than anything else.
But it’s an unmistakable shape and one that you can’t mistake.
The symbol is identifying that the ship has what’s known as a “bulbous bow.” This looks like a large nose on the bow of the ship that helps push the water out of the way and makes it move through the water more efficiently. And the shape is just like the drawing you see on the hull.
With this marking, it lets others know not to cross too close in front of the bow or risk hitting the bulbous bow that sits just below the surface of the water.
