Boatswain's Pipe

The Navy bosun, or boatswain, carried a brass call on a chain around his neck. With the shrill signals expertly blown on the whistle, he passed along the captain's orders, or paid salute to visiting dignitaries. By vibrating the tongue against the opening, and opening or closing the hand around the buoy, special signals were made. Today, although more sophisticated communications systems exist, the boatswain's call is still used as a mark of respect to pipe the captain or special visitors on board, or for emphasizing important orders.