crossing the equator. pacific ocean. 2024

If you have crossed the equator by boat you are a shellback. If you have not you are a pollywog.

Other terms for shellbacks are: trusty shellbacks, honorable shellbacks or sons of Neptune.

Other terms for pollywogs are: slimy pollywogs, simply slimy pollywogs.

On January 12, 2024 I became a shellback. Neptune is the Roman god of water.  One of the oldest traditions of the Royal Navy occurs when a ship crosses the equator. A tradition in the Royal Navy states that any vessel that crosses the equator must pay its respects to King Neptune, Lord of the Seas, to gain his acceptance. Baptism on the line also known as an equatorial baptism is a rite of passage for people who cross the equator for the first time. This is also seen as an initiation ritual into the court of King Neptune.

Coordinates at crossing:

Latitude 0,2.4056N

Longitude 80,53.0095W

Altitude 2.540000

After becoming a shellback here are the other maritime traditions to add to the travel list:

Order of the Ebony Shellback: For sailors who have crossed the equator on Lake Victoria 

Emerald Shellback or Royal Diamond Shellback: For sailors who have crossed the equator at the prime meridian 

Top Secret Shellback: For submariners who have crossed the equator at a classified degree of longitude 

Wooden Shellback: For sailors who have crossed the equator on a wooden-hulled vessel 

Golden shellback: A sailor who has crossed the equator and the International Date Line

Here are photos of the ocean when we crossed the equator as well as the line crossing ceremony.