Navy Boatswain Call Training

The history of the Boatswain's Call dates to A.D. 1248

The Boatswain's Call is a short, hand-held pipe, traditionally used for signaling certain Naval commands. The pipe was originally used by the English Navy in the days of sail ships. The Boatswain's mate usually carries out piping duties and used today by navies around the world. Using an open or closed hand while blowing into the pipe denotes high or low tones. An open hand produces a high note and a closed hand for a low tone.

Side

"Piping the side" is used as a mark of respect to foreign dignitaries, royalty or high-ranking military personnel while they cross the gangway onto the ship. The pipe has three tones, starting low, then high, then low again. Each note is held for four seconds.

Still

"Piping the Still" is a continuous high tone, lasting for eight seconds. The pipe is used for ceremonial duties such as morning and evening colors, when the ship's flags are hauled up or down. The ship's company must stand at attention until the "Carry On" is sounded.

Carry On

Piping the "Carry On" allows the ship's company to return to duty once ceremonial duties have ceased. The pipe consists of a one second high note followed by a one second low note with a sharp finish.

References

• Chesapeake Picaroons: Boatswains Call or Boatswain's Pipe Instructions
• Sea Cadet Headquarters
• The U. S. Navy Boatswain's Pipe

Resources

• Royal Navy