Boatswain Whistle: description, photo

It is known that in the distant past the oars were used as the engine of the vessel, and the speed and maneuverability of the ship depended on both the number of rowers and their coordinated work. To make the rowing process rhythmic, special sound signals were given. To do this, flutes and gongs were used. With the development of the sailing fleet, another device appeared, which entered the history of navigation as a boatswain whistle.

Origin of the device

In the thirteenth century, the crusaders used special pipes to assemble the crew on the ship's deck. This device is also mentioned in Shakespeare's dress "Tempest" as a symbol and attribute of the supreme power. In Britain, the golden pipe was intended for the Lord Admiral as the oldest rank. Similar English silver admirals were used by English admirals. With the development of the British fleet, the king formulated the requirements for the trumpets, according to which a boatswain whistle made of gold should weigh one ounce (28.35 grams), and the neck chain on which the device was worn should not have a mass greater than one gold ducat (3.4 g).

Construction of modern products

Today, the devices used in the navy of England, in their construction are similar to the pipe removed from the neck of the Scottish pirate Andrew Barton. Before his capture on English boats, various boatswain whistles were used.

The product is a flat nickel-plated box. Its end has the form of a hollow ball into which a slightly bent tube is inserted. It is worn around the neck on special chains of nickel.

What is the name of the boatswain whistle today?

This issue is often worried about fans of solving crossword puzzles. In the history of the British Navy, the trophy became a symbol of victory over the famous Scottish pirate, and the whistles themselves are now officially called the tones of the Barton pattern.

Boatswain Whistle in Russia

For the first time, Barton's model tubes were used in the Russian navy during the reign of Tsar Peter I. The whistles were intended for younger naval officers: non-commissioned officers and boatswain. In 1925, the rules of wearing uniforms and clothes were approved for servicemen of the workers 'and peasants' red fleet. According to this document, the pipes of the Barton sample were introduced into the equipment of Russian Navy employees. Since 1930, they have become indispensable elements of dress uniform ceremonies. Later, the boatswain's whistle got a new name - "signal pipe" - and began to be used by boatswain, combatant sergeants, and also red-fleet men carrying watch on the upper deck.

In the years of the Soviet Union, boatswain whistles were made at the Moscow Musical Wind Instruments Factory, as well as at Kiev Plant No. 37. Each pipe was equipped with the stamp "MZDI" or the number "37".

Wearing rules

According to the Rules approved in 1925 for the servicemen of the RKKF, the boatswain whistles were carried as follows:

• On the jackets or overcoats, the signal pipes were suspended from the right to the loop of the second button.
• If a soldier was wearing a shirt (flannel, uniform or working), then the pipe should be clinging to the edge of the collar.
• When using a gas mask, the chain of the signal pipe had to be arranged in such a way that it overlapped its shoulder strap.

Signal flow

According to the order No. 64, issued in 1948 by the Commander-in-Chief of the USSR Navy, the document "Signals on the sea whistle" was put into effect, in which it was stated how to play the whistle whistle correctly. Since then, the pipe is considered a means of internal communication, designed for sixteen tunes. Each of them is a signal to action. Signaling with a pipe is considered a real art. In order for the sound to be correct, the boatswain whistle should be held in the palm of the right hand, pressing his half-bent fingers with a ball.

After the whistle you need to blow, fingering with your fingers. Depending on the overlap of the hole in the ball and create melodies of different tones. They can be both soft and deep, and piercingly sharp.

Learn the signals of boatswain's whistles, using graphic images, which are very similar to musical notation. But in the case of signal tubes, a five-line, not a five-line, is used.

Conclusion

Now boatswain whistles, as before, are used by the junior command personnel, who carry watch or duty duty on the upper decks. As evidenced by the testimonies of sailors, today it is less and less possible to hear the sound of the boatswain whistle. Now it is an ordinary accessory, representing one of the integral elements of the duty watchman.