10 Interesting Facts About Ship's Bells

Ever since at least the early Renaissance period, ship's bells have been used to tell time aboard ship. We thought it was about time to share some interesting facts we've learned about ship's bells and their significance.

1. The "ship's boys" were the lowest ranking and often the youngest members of the crew; they were responsible for keeping time aboard the ship. Every time they turned the "hourglass" (which actually held just 30 minutes worth of sand) they would ring the ship's bell in a distinct pattern. That pattern told sailors how far they were into their watch.

2. There were eight half-hour periods in a typical four-hour watch so "eight bells and all's well" meant that the sailors had uneventfully reached the end of their watch.

3. Eight bells can also be a nautical euphemism meaning a sailor has "finished his final watch" or died.

4. Each twenty-four hour period was traditionally divided into seven watches. Starting at midnight, each watch lasted for four hours except for the dog watches (from 4 to 6 and6 to 8 PM) which were only two hours each. Splitting up one watch made an uneven number so everyone rotated through the watches rather than being stuck with the same one.

5. Before the advent of time zones, the only way to be sure of accurate time at sea was to confirm "high noon" by using a sextant and the sun. The bell ringing pattern for noonis: 2 bells, pause, 2 bells, pause, 2 bells, pause, 2 bells.

6. Bells were always rung in sets of two with any odd bells coming at the end of the sets. This pattern made it easy to count the bells and know what time it was.

7. Ship's bells are traditionally engraved or embossed with the name of the ship and often the year it was launched. In the event of a shipwreck, the bell was often the only positive means of identifying the ship.

8. It's a maritime tradition that even if a ship's name is changed, the original, unchanged bell should remain with the ship.

9. Bells are also rung as an honor salute to announce visiting officers or other dignitaries. The number of rings is equivalent to the number of guns that would be used to salute that person.

10. In modern usage, the bell's most important function may be to announce a ship's position during heavy fog.

We hope you've enjoyed the time you've spent learning about ship's bells. If you would like to have your own ship's bell, contact us. We have a nice selection to choose from, along with many other types of great nautical décor. We also have a nice selection of sailing watches and nautical clocks for your favorite sailor!