The Ship's Bell

[RiverRat]

My 1780-ish American colonial privateer kit Rattlesnake doesn't include one.

 

Is keeping time with bells a navy thing?

 

Used in privateers or merchantmen?

 

Is there a typical location  for one on the vessel?

 

International use?

 

"Why does the sun keep on shining? Why does the sea rush to the shore?"

 

Brian

[wthilgen]

Because they don't know it is the end of the world.

[Jim Lad]

Brian,

 

It was (and is) usual for a ship to have a bell.  As you say, it ws used for time keeping and was usually located at the break of the forecastle.

 

On modern ships, the ships bell on the forecastle was (is?) traditionally used to signal the recovery of each 'shackle' of anchor cable when heaving up, with a small time keeping bell located on the bridge.

 

John

[realworkingsailor]

A Bell is still required in the collision regulations as part of sound signals given while at anchor in reduced visibility:

 

A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute

ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds. In a vessel of 100

metres or more in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart

of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell the

gong shall be sounded rapidly for about five seconds in the after

part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may in addition sound

three blasts in succession, namely one short, one prolonged and

one short blast, to give warning of her position and of the possibility

of collision to an approaching vessel.

 

A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the

gong signal prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule and shall, in

addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately

before and after the rapid ringing of the bell. A vessel

aground may in addition sound an appropriate whistle signal.

[sudomekh]

... about one hour of time and a lathe ... and you can carve yourself any bell