The Unique Role Of A Boatswain Whistle in Naval History

The rough ocean pounds against the hull of a small vessel, the crew aboard her struggling to maintain course against the high winds and torrential rain.A boatswain whistle blasts shrilly through the night storm, calling out orders without words to the crew.In this manner, a boatswain whistle is one of the most vital instruments carried about any vessel.In times when voices cannot be heard or would risk the ship’s safety, such as in times of war or during intense, loud storms that cover up sound itself.

Very low decibels and very high decibels, as well as loud volumes, are no match for the boatswain whistle’s ability to reach the ears.This makes boatswain whistles also important for ships passing in fog or adverse weather conditions to alert other boats to their presence.On the vicious waters of the Mediterran Sea, boatswain whistles were very important to sailors for safety and efficiency reasons.The Egyptians first used a crude version of a boatswain whistle by using spliced together reeds that signaled other ships and crew members who didn’t speak the same language.An Egyptian flute was later made off this very design.  In modern times whistles have become a integral part of any nautical wall decor for home or office.

Boatswain whistles of later times were crafted from ceramic, metals like brass or bronze, and soft woods for the body of the flute such as elm or ash.Even the piccolo’s slim body is larger than a boatswain whistle and its slender flute.A boatswain whistle is commonly kept in the breast pocket or some other safe place on an officer’s person, though they may wear it as a necklace by using the chain attached on the end.Officers may also wrap the chain around their wrist so as not to lose the whistle during times of uneven balance such as during a storm, and the loops present on two sides allow for it to be attached to other loops, or a ring of keys.

The imagery of a boatswain whistle comes from the fact it is so valued on a ship for its ability to direct, lead, and coach the crew in ways conducive to the success of the voyage.Keeping one’s boatswain whistle clean is of utmost importance to any officer on a ship who holds one, as it is a symbol of rank, respect, and success.Most commonly, the Quartermaster of a ship will have the boatswain whistle as a badge of his rank.A Quartermaster will also use it to signal shift changes or meal times.

Though there are many dozens of different calls that can be made using the boatswain whistle, the most well known is possibly the All Hands On Deck pattern.A lesser known call is the Pipe Down, which dismisses all crew members who are not currently on watch.Boatswain whistles are commonly used in sea burials.These calls vary from funeral to funeral, though the boatswain whistle is seen accompanying the bugle or drums.