A boatswain's pipe is a whistle-like instrument traditionally used on ships to give orders to the crew. Synonyms for this term include bosun's whistle, bosun's call or bosun's flute. The instrument produces a high-pitched sound that can be heard over the noise of the sea, and was often used to signal the beginning or end of a watch or other important events onboard. Other nautical terms for the boatswain's pipe include the calls, the call, boatswain's mate, bosun and whistle. Despite the many different terms used to describe this instrument, they all refer to the same essential tool used on ships for centuries.