Piping as a ceremony with side boys is a custom evolving from the days when visitors were hoisted aboard by use of the boatswain's chair. The pipe was used for the commands "hoist away" and "avast heaving." Members of the crew of the host ship did the hoisting. It is from the aid they rendered in tending the side that the custom originated of having a certain number of men, ("side boys,") present. In time it became a courtesy for high ranking officers and diplomatic officials to honored by sideboys and piping ceremony.
