Naval History in Photos: Crossing the Line

The sailors of different navies have different line-crossing ceremonies. Together with the U.S. Naval Institute, we've prepared a selection of photos depicting crew rituals that have taken place when crossing the zero-degree latitude.



The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite in various navies that commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the Equator. The tradition may have originated with ceremonies when passing headlands and become a "folly" sanctioned as a boost to morale. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune. Those who have not crossed are nicknamed Pollywogs, or Slimy Pollywogs.


World cruise of the US Navy, 1907–09. Crossing the Equator. Sailors wading in water aboard a ship.


The "Royal Court" passes judgement during Shellback initiation as USS Rochester (CA-124) crossed the Equator.


Neptune party aboard destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9) when crossing the Equator en route to the Dutch East Indies.


A Marine Corps officer undergoes the electric treatment during "Shellback" initiation ceremonies for "Pollywogs" as a transport bearing Marines to the South Pacific crosses the Equator.


Murray Wiener, Asst. Physician, crosses the Equator, but not before submitting to having the "Southern Cross" clipped across his chest, a ducking and other "tortures"; Ship's baker, Jack Gambole, washes the victim's mouth under Dr. Alfred B. Geyer's guidance.


Crew members of USS Libra (AKA-12) perform a line-crossing ceremony.

All photos are courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archive. Looking for more thrilling shots related to naval history? Check the photo archive online here.