“You are in my way, Pollywog!” said the Shellback menacingly. The Pollywog working at the Science Control Room had no option but to acknowledge its lower rank and move away. Science is still taking place onboard of R/V Falkor, but something else has been lurking inside the vessel. Suspicious smiles, concealed fishing nets, murmurs and costumes had all paraded briefly at some point or another during the past few days. And today, the Line Crossing Ceremony finally took place.
Initiation Rite
As R/V Falkor sailed from Singapore towards the Wharton Basin, it cruised through the Equatorial line, thus activating an unstoppable machine: the commemoration of a sailor’s first crossing. This tradition is thought to have been born to boost morale among seamen, but it could also be a test to ensure that new shipmates are capable of enduring the ocean’s rough conditions.
King Neptune himself honored R/V Falkor with his presence, conducting a thorough investigation dictating proper challenges that each Pollywog – sailors who have not crossed the Equator – should overcome in order to be deemed worthy of becoming a trusty and honorable Shellback.
The clock strikes 4
It was business as usual: The multibeam echosounder was gathering high definition bathymetric data while the seismic source sent waves to the seafloor. But then R/V Falkor’s speakers announced Neptune’s arrival, and he wasn’t alone. His wife Thetis was with him. Everyone was expected at the foredeck at once and every single one of the 20 Pollywogs went through the ceremony to receive a proper Shellback name.
Shellbacks at last!
Pollywogs no more, the newly initiated Shellbacks marveled at the greatness of being an honorable member and a celebration was in order. Now all onboard R/V Falkor can take comfort on the fact that every single one of them is qualified to sail the seven seas under the approving gaze of King Neptune himself.
