Parts of the Boatswain Call
What is the round part of the Boatswain’s Call called?
Buoy
Wakey Wakey
Used to wake the crew up, usually as the first pipe of the day.
Left side of a vessel (Red)
Port
How long is the Carry On?
2 Seconds
How long is the General Call?
4 Seconds
What is the ring underneath the call called?
Shackle
Dinner Call
Calls the crew to a meal.
Right side of a vessel (Green)
Starboard
What is the purpose of the Carry On?
It is used to negate the Still.
What is the purpose of the General Call?
The General Call is used to precede any broadcast order; to draw attention to the order
What is the long, curved part of the call called?
Gun
Carry On
Tells everyone they can return to their duties after the Still.
Bow
The front part of the vessel.
What position should personnel be in until the Carry On is piped?
Attention
What types of orders are passed using the General Call?
It is used when passing out-of-routine orders or information of general interest
What is the flat metal piece underneath the gun called?
Keel
Still
Calls everyone to attention, shows respect, orders silence,
Stern
The aftermost part of the vessel.
Are any verbal commands required when the Carry On is used?
No, because the pipe itself is an order.
What is another use for the General Call onboard a ship?
To precede the calling away of any boat’s crew.
Name all six parts of the Boatswain’s Call.
Hole, Buoy, Keel, Shackle, Gun, Mouth Piece
General Call
Gets the crew’s attention before an out-of-routine order or announcement.
Midship Part
The middle part of the hull.
How is the Carry On sounded?
The Carry On is produced by blowing a high note for one second, followed by a sharp descent to a one second low note.
How is the General Call sounded?
By blowing the pipe for one second with a short blast of a low to high note, followed by a short pause. A low note is then piped for a half-second with a sharp ascent to a high note, lasting for 2 seconds, followed by a sharp descent to a low note for a half-second.