A boatswain's call or bosun's whistle is a pipe shaped whistle that was used aboard naval ships by the boatswain. The boatswain's call was used to pass orders or commands to the ships crew when the voice could not be heard, because of its high pitch the sound of the whistle could be heard over the activities of the crew and the sound of the wind, sea or battle. The word boatswain has been in the English language since approximately 1450 and the rank of boatswain is the oldest rank in the Royal Navy, its origins can be traced back to the year 1040. The boatswain was the ships officer that was responsible for sailing the ships and passing the sail orders to the crew, he was also responsible for the maintenance of the ship and the care of the rigging, cordage, anchors, sails and ships boats. The bosuns whistle was also used for ceremonial purposes, such as piping aboard Royal Naval officers or an important guests when they board or depart a Navy ship. The whistle was also used to mark the final departure of a sailor retiring from active duty.
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