The custom of “piping” a distinguished visitor “over the side” dates to the time of wooden ships when senior officers would come alongside a ship in their small launches.
As the launch approached the ship, the Boatswain (the bos’n or bosun is the warrant or petty officer in charge of a ship’s deck crew, rigging, cables, and anchors) would use his pipe to muster a crew of men to assist the senior officer in coming aboard. Hence the term “piping”.
A sling would be lowered to the launch, the officer would be strapped in and hoisted to the quarterdeck of the ship. As the seniority of the officer often was an indication of his bulk, the more senior officer, the larger number of men that would be assigned to hoist him aboard and lift him “over the side” of the ship.
Once on the quarterdeck, the assembled crew would take their stations on either side of the officer, lifting him out of the sling and gently placing him on the deck. Hence, the term “sideboy”. The same procedure was used in reverse when the officer left the ship and returned to his launch.
Today, while distinguished visitors are not hoisted aboard ship, the Bos’n Mate can still be heard piping officers aboard and ashore as assembled crewmembers act as sideboys. Have great Navy day!
