The ceremony of crossing the line is an initiation rite in the Royal Navy and other navies which commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the equator. Sailors who have already crossed the equator are nicknamed (Trusty) Shellbacks; those who have not are nicknamed (Slimy) Pollywogs. "King Neptune and his court" (represented by the highest ranking seamen) officiate at the ceremony, during which the Pollywogs undergo a number of increasingly disgusting ordeals, largely for the entertainment of the Shellbacks. Once the ceremony is complete, a Pollywog receives a certificate declaring his new status.
A Proclamation Whereas by our Royal Condension, Our Trusty, Well Beloved .................... has this day entered Our Domain. We do hereby declare to all whom it may concern that it is Our Royal Will and Pleasure to confer upon him the Freedom of the Seas without undue ceremony. Should he fall overboard, We do command that all Sharks, Dolphins, Whales, Mermaids and other dwellers in the Deep are to abstain from maltreating his person. And we further direct all Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and others who have not crossed Our Royal Domain, to treat him with the respect due to One of Us. Given under Our Hand at Our Court on board H.M.S. .............. on the Equator in Longitude .....° on this ..... day of ..... in the year ..... (Signed) Cancer — High Clerk Neptune — Rex
Similar "fraternities" in the navy include:
The Order of the Blue Nose for sailors who have crossed the Arctic Circle.
The Order of the Red Nose for sailors who have crossed the Antarctic Circle.
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