Ship Bells Then and Now

Ship Bells go way back to the days of “iron men and wooden ships.” According to the United States Naval History and Heritage Command, a 1495 ship’s inventory for the English sailing ship HMS Regent listed “two watch bells.”

Before accurate chronometers when ships had to measure time through a half-hour glass, one of the ship’s young boys had the job of watching the sand run out. He struck the ship’s bell at the end of the first half hour of the current four-hour watch, twice after the first full hour, and so on. When eight bells were struck, the next shift (or watch) took over and the ship bells became actual timekeepers.

Then accurate timekeeping instruments became standard ship’s equipment, the half-hourly striking of the bell continued, up to the traditional eight bells. Thus, starting from 8 a.m., 12 noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m., one bell would signify either 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Six bells would be 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and so forth.

Ship bells were also used to raise alarm. They have always been a vital element in alerting the crew to danger. In case of fire or flooding, the ship’s bell is sounded rapidly for at least five seconds, then followed by the number of single rings to show where the fire or flooding is: one for forward, two for amidships and three for the aft part of the ship.

Ship bells also had a ceremonial role. They are sounded when dignitaries and senior military officers pay formal visits to naval ships. The bell is sounded in groups of two rings that coincide with the number of posted side boys (naval honor guards posted at the quarterdeck, who salute dignitaries upon arrival and departure as the boatswain’s mate of

 the watch blows his whistle). For example, the President of the United States (or a four-star general or admiral) would be greeted by eight side boys and eight gongs of the ship’s bell upon arrival and departure.

The daily arrival and departure of a ship’s captain in the U.S. Navy is preceded by four bells (no side boys) with an announcement over the ship’s public address system. The ship’s name followed by “arriving” or “departing” accompanies the announcement.

U.S. Navy ships bells are permanent property of the Department of the Navy. While the ship is in commission, the bell remains with the ship. When the ship is no longer in commission, the ship's bell is preserved by the Naval History and Heritage Command. Bells can also be on loan to museums and other Navy organizations for temporary use in historical or ships' namesake displays.

Now, ship bells make wonderful home decorations.

While we don't recommend sounding them on the half hour in the home, ship bells do make ideal retirement or housewarming gifts.Contact us for pricing and see our wide selection of all kinds of ships bells to augment your collection of everything nautical.