Choosing the right whistle for marine and aquatic applications

When you're working on or around water, or spend leisure time near inland or coastal waters, it's important to have a reliable whistle on hand. A good whistle can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. At ACME Whistles, we produce a range of whistles which are perfect for use in these challenging environments.


Whistle types


There are two main types of whistles: pea whistles and pealess whistles. Pea whistles have a small, pea-shaped ball inside the whistle's chamber which is made from plastic or cork. When you blow into the whistle, the pea vibrates and rolls within the chamber to produce a trilling sound. 


Pealess whistles, on the other hand, don't have a pea inside. Instead, they use a unique internal chamber design with strategically placed sound holes to produce a strong, attention-grabbing note. Pealess whistles can take a little more puff to operate, but you get an absolutely huge sound for relatively little effort. 


So, which type of whistle is best for marine and aquatic applications?


Pea whistles can be a good choice for some situations, but they're not ideal for every use case in cold, wet environments. For example, the pea inside the whistle can freeze to the inside of the chamber, preventing the whistle from working properly. This can be a serious safety concern in situations where quick and reliable communication is critical.


Pealess whistles, on the other hand, are a much better choice for many marine and aquatic whistle applications. As they don’t contain a “pea”, they're not susceptible to malfunctioning in cold weather, and their plastic construction means they will not rust, and are more comfortable to use in cold, wet conditions. 


If you're looking for a reliable whistle for marine and aquatic environments, our experts will almost always recommend choosing a plastic pealess whistle. We have designed a great line of pealess whistles that are perfect for use in these environments, including the ACME Cyclone and the ACME Tornado. They're made from shatter-resistant plastic that's durable and reliable, and they come in a variety of specifications, as well as a choice of eye-catching colours.


Here are some additional tips for choosing the right ACME whistle for marine and aquatic applications:

  • Consider the environment in which you'll be using the whistle. If you'll be using it in cold weather, choose a plastic whistle that's resistant to freezing and won’t hurt your lips in chilly conditions
  • Choose a pealess whistle for their shrill, attention-grabbing sound
  • Think about the size and pitch of the whistle. You'll want to choose a whistle that's easy to blow and that produces a sound that can be heard over long distances
  • Consider the durability of the whistle. Choose a whistle that's made from durable materials that can withstand the elements. All of our whistles are built to last, from high quality materials but we tend to recommend plastic whistles for wet environments
  • Contact us and speak to our experts for help in choosing the best whistle for your needs


Become an ACME partner


As well as providing individual whistles for retail, we also provide our marine and aquatic whistles on a wholesale basis. Our partners benefit from a scalable pricing structure and enjoy an excellent standard of service from our dedicated, professional team. 


Whether you operate a sailing club, a boat rental fleet, or a sporting goods store, we can help you select the perfect whistles for your needs at the best possible price. For more information on becoming an ACME Whistles partner, please feel free to contact us at your convenience by telephone, email, or fill in our contact form online.