Ship's bell

The bell itself is usually made of brass or bronze, and normally has the ship's name engraved or cast on it.

Each watch would take its turn with the essential activities of manning the helm, navigating, trimming sails, and keeping a lookout.

The larger bell on the forecastle is rung periodically as a fog signal when the ship is at anchor in reduced visibility.

In return, between meals, the cooks would shine the bell, which was traditionally the boatswain's mates' responsibility.

Christening information from the bells held by the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Museum has been entered into a searchable data archive.