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Republic of Singapore Navy

Colours and sounds

Discover ceremonies such as Colours and Ceremonial Sunset that mark the start and end of each day. Be part of these rich naval traditions — practiced by seafarers for generations — when you join the Navy.

Last updated 22 July 2025
Naval officer saluting flag at sunset with cable cars in the background.

Engage your senses through time-honoured naval ceremonies and practices.

Colours and Sounds (Naval Traditions Part I)

This video showcases two of the Navy’s most storied traditions, the Colours ceremony and the practice of piping.

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Dressing Up (Naval Traditions Part II)

Watch how a Republic of Singapore Navy ship is dressed up for special occasions such as cocktail receptions for foreign guests.

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Pipes and meaning

The boatswain’s pipe, a special pipe instrument, is used to signal commands during ceremonies, such as the Colours ceremony and Sunset ceremony, and to pass commands to the crew. The issuing of commands using a boatswain’s pipe is known as piping. Here is a selection of pipes used on board Navy ships, together with the commands they represent.

The Still

The still or alert is used to call the crew to attention, and is also piped as a mark of respect paid to a certain occasion or rank. With certain exceptions, the still is only accorded to persons who are specifically entitled to it.

The Side

Piping the side originates from the tradition of hoisting officers aboard ship in a chair. This call remains in use on board the ship as a mark of respect to officers when embarking or disembarking.

Carry On

Used after the still, to dismiss the crew back to their duties.

General Call

Piped before an announcement.

Pipe Down

This call orders the dismissal of all crew not on watch.

Wakey Wakey

True to its name, this is usually the first pipe of the day to wake the sailors up.