The “Eight Bell” Ceremony

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The “Eight Bells” ceremony is a poignant maritime tradition used during funerals or memorials to signify that a sailor’s duty is complete, their watch on earth has ended, and it is time to rest.

“We are gathered today to honor and remember [Name], a beloved mariner. In the maritime tradition, a ship’s crew is divided into watches, and the ringing of eight bells marks the completion of a four-hour watch. Today, we gather to signify the end of [Name]’s earthly watch, a duty well done, and to wish them fair winds and following seas.”

“No more a watch to stand, old sailor. You are outward bound. Eight bells has rung. The last watch done. A new berth awaits you on the other side. Your ship is anchored in calm waters. May the wind be forever in your sails. Farewell, and Godspeed.”

IN WATERS DEEP     

       by Eileen Mahoney     

In ocean waters no poppies blow,

No crosses stand in ordered row,

There young hearts sleep beneath the wave,

The spirited, the good, the brave,

But stars a constant vigil keep

For them who lie beneath the deep.

‘Tis true you cannot kneel in prayer

On certain spot and think. “He’s there.”

But you can to the ocean go…

See whitecaps marching row on row;

Know one for him will always ride,

In and out with every tide.

And when your span of life is passed,

He’ll meet you at the “Captain’s Mast.”

And they who mourn on distant shore

For sailors who’ll come home no more,

Can dry their tears and pray for these

Who rest beneath the heaving seas…

For stars that shine and winds that blow

And whitecaps marching row on row.

And they can never lonely be

For when they lived… they chose the sea.