The Equator Crossing Ceremony: Nautical Traditions and Seafaring Tales

Seafaring is a revered and traditional profession with a multitude of customs and ceremonies that have been passed down through the ages. One such traditional event is the equator crossing ceremony, a rite of passage that marks the voyage over the Equator Line. In this article, we will explore the unique customs and experiences I faced during such a ceremony while serving as the Second Mate on a bulk carrier in the late 1990s.

Voyage and Preparation

I served as the Second Mate on a "dirt ship" - a bulk carrier, loaded with approximately 23,000 tons of bulk corn bound for Angola, West Africa. Our ship was under a charter from World Food Rome, and we embarked on this three-week voyage from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Expecting serene and calm seas for most of the journey, the early weeks provided us with gorgeous weather and little maintenance work to complete.

The Initiation of the Shellback Order

Midway through the voyage, we received the joyful news that the Order of the Shellback was to be initiated. Initially, this did not seem like a significant ceremony, but the Chief Mate envisioned it as a grand celebration to mark our passage over the Equator. Inspired by a jovial and social personality, he was determined to uphold the traditions fully.

Preparations for the Ceremony

The Chief Mate prepared himself as the royal court (or pretend royal court) from the "Kingdom of Neptune." Donning a toga and sheet, he began the proceedings by introducing himself as the official officiating individual. A large, bearded CHENG (Chief Engineer) also joined the festivities, dressed in a similar manner and carrying a homemade trident, as did a "Royal Baby" - a watchstanding seaman who was somewhat overweight and rotund.

The Ceremony Execution

On the day of the crossing, the crew gathered at the fantail, where those crossing the Equator were directed to place their hands behind their backs and kneel. The crew in charge of the ceremony positioned themselves on deck, grinning knowingly. The Chief Mate read a speech about the honor of crossing these conditions under such auspicious circumstances. Following this, King Neptune (CHENG) formally began the ceremony.

As part of the ceremony, officers and crew were splashed with slops from the mess. One-by-one, we had to extract an olive from the navel of the "Royal Baby." My experience as the only officer in line proved to be the most challenging, with the slops pouring over me brutally. The moment I successfully extracted the olive, a female DEU (Deck, Engine, and Utility) approached to do the same, but her watchmate placed her hand on the back of her head, pulling her face into his belly, eliciting a cringe from me.

This unanticipated action led to a commotion, with the DEU standing up and preparing for a punch. The Chief Mate quickly intervened and congratulated us on becoming members of the Shellback Order, suggesting an end to the shenanigans to avoid a heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm resulting in death at sea.

The Aftermath and Memories

Despite the initial chaos, the rest of the crew joined us for coffee, and we hosed each other off, laughing and joking around. Thankfully, the DEU took it in stride and showed no ill will. I expressed my apology to my watchmate, who was ultimately understanding.

The entire experience, while chaotic, was filled with laughter and camaraderie. The Chief Mate's health concerns set a tone of realism, balancing the fun of the ceremony. Reflecting on this unique voyage, it was an excellent opportunity to participate in a wonderful tradition.

As a testament to the tradition, I still possess my Shellback certificate in my discharge paperwork folder, a meaningful keepsake from my pivotal nautical experience.