The use of the Boatswain’s pipe is almost lost in antiquity, but we know that the ancient
galley slaves of Greece and Rome kept stroke by the flute or whistle.
The Pipe or Call was originally used as a badge of rank also and as such was worn by the Lord
High Admiral of the Royal Navy and was known as the Whistle of Honor. It was made of gold and suspended from the neck by a
gold chain.
These officers also carried a Whistle of Command, which was of silver, and was used for passing
orders and blown as a salute to certain personages. It was enjoined that it should be blown on these occasions “three
several times.”
The first time it can be found being used to actually to pass an order was during the Crusade
of 1248, when the Cross-bowmen were piped to come on deck and engage the enemy.
The present form of the bosun's pipe is actually a facsimile of that taken from the body of the
infamous pirate Andrew Barton by Admiral Lord Howard.
At times the whistle seems to have been a somewhat weighty instrument. It is believed that
it was Henry VIII who laid down the names of the parts of the whistle, and the weight of the Whistle of Honor was put at 12
“Oons““ or ounces of gold, while the chain was to be of a certain value of golden ducats."
Boatswain's Pipe in the U.S.
Navy
The boatswain’s pipe (originally
termed a
call) dates back to the days of sail. It had definite practical uses in those days, many
of which have now ceased to exist. Men high on the royal and top gallant yards could hear the pipe under weather conditions
that would cause the human voice to be inaudible or unintelligible.
Although the days of sail are gone,
the boatswain’s pipe is still very much a part of the Navy. Since the pipe or call is a device distinctive to the sea
and particularly to the Boatswain’s Mate rating, all the Boatswain’s Mates should take special pride in knowing
how to use it correctly and effectively. The use of the call implies the right to pass and to issue orders, and thus it continues
a symbol of authority.
In learning to
use the boatswain’s pipe, you should have the benefit of instruction by an experienced BM.
Tuning a Boatswain's Pipe
Whether you use a Navy-issue or a
commercial pipe, the first thing you have to do is tune it. Pipes are stamped out when manufactured; therefore, both the hole
and the pee are often misshapen. Most pipes are too open at the pee and have to be flattened and soldered at the sides of
the pee to fill the space between the pee and the bowl; otherwise, a hissing sound of escaping air will interfere with the
clearness of the call. Lets not forget the "beeswax"...Instead of solder, you can also add beeswax to the sides of the pee.
Adding a small amount of beeswax into the bowl; holding the pipe at a 45 angle and melting will also improve the sound of
the pipe.
Some pipes are improved by filing
the wind edge, which is the edge of the bowl farthest from the pee. The hole should be filed down until the blast of air from
the pee is split exactly by the sharp edge of the bowl. A test of this can be made by pushing a broom straw through the reed.
The edge of the hole should split the straw. At times it is necessary to flatten the part of the reed projecting over the
bowl to accomplish this. Once tuned, the pipe should sound when held with its mouth to a gentle breeze.
Click
below to download Boatswain's Pipe Information
You must use the customary phraseology of
the service when passing the word as BMOW through the ship’s general announcing system. Pages from the shipboard standard
organization and regulations listing the watch routine are generally available somewhere near the watch station. Any word
listed that is enclosed in quotation marks must be passed exactly as written. Here are some examples selected from a typical
list: (Ref: BM NAVEDTRA 14343 Page 1-10)
Air Bedding
“All Divisions Air Bedding”
Arrivals and Departures
Title of Officer proceeded by proper number
of boat gongs
Boats
“Away the Motor whaleboat (Gig) (Barge),
away!”
Church Call
“Divine Services are now held (location).
Maintain quite about the decks during Divine Services.”
Collision
“Collision, collision, port side frame
twenty (or other location).”
8 O’clock Reports
In Port: “On deck all eight o’clock
reports.”
At Sea: “Lay before the mast all eight
o’clock reports.”
Extra Duty Personnel
“Lay below to the Master-At-Arms Office
(or designated area) all extra duty personnel” (also used for restricted personnel).
Fire
“Fire, fire, fire, there is a class
(A, B, C, D) fire in compartment give noun name of compartment if known). Away the nucleus (or in port) fire party”.
Flight Quarters
“Flight quarters, flight quarters,
Man all flight quarters stations to launch (recover) aircraft (helicopters).”
General Quarters
“General quarters, general quarters,
all hands man your battle stations”.
Hoist in Boats
“First division, stand by to hoist
in (out) number __motor launch (gig).”
Inspection (material)
“Stand by all lower deck and topside
spaces for inspection.”
Inspection (Personnel)
“All hands to quarters for Captain’s
inspection.”
Knock off work
“Knock off ship’s work.”
Late Bunks
“Up all late bunks.”
Liberty
“Liberty commences for sections ___
and ___, to expire onboard at (hour, date, month, year).”
Mail Call
“Mail Call.”
Mess Gear
“Mess gear, clear the mess decks till
pipe down.” “ Early (breakfast, dinner, supper) for messmen, cooks and watch reliefs.”
Mistake or error
“Belay my last.”
Muster on station
“All Divisions muster on station.”
Pay
“Pay day will be held in accordance
with the Plan of the Day.”
Preparations for getting underway
“Make all preparations for getting
underway.”
Quarter for muster
“All hands to quarters for muster,
inspection and instruction.”
Reveille
“Reveille, Reveille, All hands heave
out and trice up. The smoking lamp is lighted (in all authorized spaces) (out in all specific areas).”
Smoking Lamp
“The smoking lamp is out throughout
the ship (or between certain frames) while taking on fuel (handling ammunition).”
“The smoking lamp is lighted in all
authorized spaces.”
Sweepers
“Sweepers, sweepers man your brooms.
Make a clean sweep down fore and aft. Sweep down all decks, ladders and passageways. Throw all sinkable trash clear of the
fantail (or throw all trash and garbage in the receptacles provided for on the pier).
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