QE2 Whistles

[Bob C.]

Twynkle,
  Not sure exactly what you are asking but ship's whistles are used in the maritime rules for general messages such as 1 prolonged blast (5-7 sec) is change in status (from moored to underway, underway to anchored, etc), 3 short blasts (3-5 sec each) is "I am operating astern propulsion", 5 or more short blasts " you standing into danger' or inother words get out of my way, you are about to be run over with 70,000 tons of QE2.

   

[Andy F]

Rosie

An interesting question and as Bob says, each sequence has a meaning.  There are others but the main ones are as follows:

One short blast means 'I am changing course to starboard'
Two short blasts - 'I am changing course to port'
Three short blasts - 'I am operating astern'
Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast - 'I intend to overtake you on your starboard side'
Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts - 'I intend to over-take you on your port side'
Five or more short blasts - keep clear (although I prefer Bob's version lol)
A long blast every two minutes is used when operating in fog

The one signal you never hope to hear of course is six short blasts followed by one long one (unless of course you are attending the lifeboat drill)!

[Chris]

Wondering about the QE2 whistle...
... has it perhaps changed in the course of the years?

Isabelle - QE2's bow whistle (the air horn on the foredeck) was replaced sometime during the late 1990's. If you look at images it was originally a circular grey horn, and later replaced with a rectangle white horn. This may have modified QE2's voice somewhat.

The most spectacular soundings are when the "Air & Electric" switch is on - sounding both types of horn. QE2's voice seems to resonate within you ... it surrounds you, enters you, fills you with a sense of total comfort... it was, every time, a thrill to hear it... I am sure you all relate.

Chris.

Circular Horn Visible Here (Just):



Rectangular one here:

[Twynkle]

Thank you to you both, Bob, Andy and Chris!

And when we were passing the Norwegian QE2 Supporters' Club as we were sailing out of Geiranger Fjord - there was definitely a sort of 'fanfare' ( ____   ____  ____ .   .   .      ) from the Whistle - it would be good to think this was thank you for the 'rocketing salute' and farewell!

[Chris]

In recent years they enjoyed signalling QE2's horn like:

---------- -- ---------- -- ---------- -- --

Or

---------- -- -- 

Just for fun I expect?

[Twynkle]

Exactly Chris!

BTW - how did you manage to post those wonderful images?  I've just spent ages trying to post a tiny one of the noble Norwegian's and their Rockets only to be told the image was too large!!

We were all enjoying ourselves at the same time as feeling very sad!

[Bob C.]

I think if QE2 could blow her own horn right now it might be something like this:

       * * *  ---- ---- ----  * * *

aka SOS.

[Mauretania1907]

I would agree with that. SOS indeed.

[Andy F]

Nice one Bob!  Of course, she could be thinking that Our Souls (think about it) just aren't worth Saving....lol 

I'll probably get moderated now 

[Avariel]

QE2 sounding her horn before leaving Rotterdam in 2007. Probably one of the few videos where I actually shut up and didn't add any smart alec comments to. I do admit I was waiting for Queen Victoria to 'reply' but sadly I didn't hear anything.

Another slightly off topic question, does anyone use the recording of the whistle for their phone ring tones or anything? I use a recording of the whistle for my Skype ring tone - shocks me every time someone calls. And also as the alarm tone on my iPod. The whistle is the perfect way to get me out of bed. Only because it shocks me and then I can't get back to sleep.

[nigelrob]

As far as i know QE2 whistle was never steam powered, but remember as a lad when she was built reading that the sound was a copy of the old QE 1. Can any one confirm this?

[Chris]

Awesome! 

[KEV]

Great fun!
Someone was enjoying pressing the button-love the interaction in Bilbao (with the tug?)

[Twynkle]

Hi Chris

Yet another great Wake-Up call!
Most mornings there's something new, beatiful and today, it's very good indeed! 
Had the volume up loud. Brilliant!

I haven't mentioned the (now frequent) sound to my neighbour....yet!

[Andy F]

I haven't mentioned the (now frequent) sound to my neighbour....yet!

Probably best not to Rosie eh?