I did manage to dig up some information on the history of the boatswain's pipe via the internet but so far nothing on tunes. If you are interested:

BOATSWAIN'S PIPE ~~~ The Boatswain's pipe, or whistle, is an article of nautical equipment of great antiquity. Originally employed to "call the stroke" in ancient row-galleys, it became, in the early English Navy, a badge of office and of honor. Later, the pipe became the distinctive emblem of the boatswain and his mates. Today the boatswain's mate uses the pipe when the "word is passed," etc

Albeit not a navigational instrument, the boatswain's pipe was a tool of great value. This peculiarly shaped whistle was used by the boatswain (the contraction bos'n was not used in the 16th century) to pipe orders throughout the ship. Its high-pitched sound was usually audible, even above the howling of the wind, to crewmen working high in the rigging.