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BOSUN WHISTLE
BOATSWAIN'S CALL
Bosun (or Bo'sun or Boson) whistle derives its name from 'boatswain', a warrant officer on a warship, or a petty officer on a
merchant vessel, in charge of rigging, anchors, cables, etc.
Historically it was used to pass commands to the crew as its high pitch could be heard over the activities of the crew
and bad weather.
In present days it is used in traditional bugle calls announcing certain events and ceremonies in modern navies.
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It is a standard equipment in military navies all over the world and on each boat there is an Officer or a sailor trained to
the various call codes and in charge of using the whistle.
A boatswain's call or bosun whistle is a pipe or a type whistle without diaphragm consisting of
a narrow tube (the gun) which directs air over a metal sphere (the buoy) with a hole in the top.
The player opens and closes the hand over the hole to change the pitch.
From the middle of the 18th century three sets of rings around the pipe are a traditional ornament of English bosuns
Such instruments are private possessions rather than official equipment and silver calls were in the past suitable gifts
and presentation pieces.
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