Written by Mc Cartney Bulawan, Deck Cadet
The equator—a line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. While invisible, crossing it was like stepping into a whole new world of wonder. Sailors, who have not crossed the equator, are tagged as pollywogs or landlubbers. Trials are given to them to make sure they can withstand the erratic waters and are worthy to be called shellbacks or sons of Neptune. Once baptized, these landlubbers are no longer perceived as outsiders and are now recognized as deserving members of the family.
On a Monday afternoon, as our ship approached the equator, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The captain announced that we were about to cross this imaginary line, marking our transition from one hemisphere to another. I couldn't contain my excitement as I imagined the incredible adventures that awaited us on the other side.
The crew, dressed in elaborate costumes, transformed the ship into a stage for a whimsical performance. King Neptune, the mythical ruler of the seas, made a grand appearance when the captain, with three long blasts, summoned him together with Queen Neptuna, the astronomer, the bishop, the doctor, the barber, and the guards, ascending the ship to perform the ritual. As King Neptune and his entourage made their way to the ceremonial venue, an orchestra began to play.
Then, the king asked the astronomer to measure the position of the ship, which he confirmed as right and just. The bishop stepped in and gave the eight landlubbers fish names in order to baptize them. Using his stethoscope, the doctor checked each landlubber and gave them medicines. The barber groomed them with his serrated scissors and razors. Using the fire hose as holy water, he washed them all and made sure they were completely clean, ready for the crossing of the equator.
Just as we crossed the equator, the special ceremony began. Honestly, I was a bit scared because we were fully unaware of what was going to happen next, but my valiant self took over. It was a spectacle of laughter and joy as they initiated all of us who were crossing the equator for the first time. We ended the celebration with a sumptuous dinner. The entire experience was filled with laughter and camaraderie, creating lasting memories for everyone on board.
I’m very lucky to have reached this geographical milestone before I come home to the Philippines. But more than that, I think the real joy of crossing the equator is its ability to bring people together — we may have different backgrounds but we all share the same love for exploration. Truly, this experience has been one for the books, and a legacy that I’d proudly pass on to the next batch of adventure-seekers.
Written by Engine Cadet Joven Mantalaba
Maritime customs are an essential component of seafaring culture, giving life at sea a distinctive and symbolic quality. Among these customs, the Equatorial Baptism is one that sailors particularly value. This formal ceremony is held whenever a ship crosses the equator, which is a noteworthy achievement in a sailor's voyage. Along with being a rite of passage, the Equatorial Baptism is a celebration that helps the crew of the ship bond and feel like they belong.
There was an electrifying vibe as our ship, Bow Odyssey, approached the equator. Murmurs of the baptism rippled through the air. The ship's officer took center stage, his majestic King Neptune suit commanding attention. The ceremony typically involves the initiation of pollywogs, sailors who have not yet crossed the equator, by the seasoned shellbacks, those who have successfully completed the journey before. The crew looked on with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
King Neptune commenced the proceedings with a flourish. The previously somber vessel became a venue for wacky and jovial customs. The initiates, called pollywogs, were thrown into a world of lighthearted perils, all intended to make them laugh and push their limits.
The ship resounded with recollections of the ritual and laughter as the Equatorial Baptism came to an end. The formerly disparate groups of pollywogs and shellbacks came together to form a single crew, united by shared history and friendship. The events of the Equatorial Baptism left permanent marks on the collective soul of the maritime industry, guaranteeing that the colorful customs of the high seas will always continue with every equator crossing.
Watch the highlights from Bow Odyssey’s crossing ceremony:
