~ Field Notes ~
‘Crossing the line’ with King Neptune, at ‘Null Island’
The ‘Crossing the Line’ ceremony is a traditional initiation rite that is held when a ship crosses the Equator. It is a time-honoured naval tradition that has been observed by many navies around the world, including the Royal Navy.
As relative newbies to maritime environment, we had to pay our dues to Neptune in order to get safe passage for the rest of our trip. During the ceremony, all sailors who have not previously crossed the Equator, are initiated into the "Order of the Shellback" by seasoned sailors who have crossed the Equator before. The ceremony typically involves a series of hilarious rituals, designed to induct the new initiates into a class of experienced ocean goers.