What is Shellback Ceremony?
The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. The ceremony observes a mariner’s transformation from slimy Pollywog, a seaman who hasn’t crossed the equator, to trusty Shellback, also called a Son or Daughter of Neptune. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness.
What is a navy blue nose?
As always, Navy Crow has your back. A Bluenose, sometimes incorrectly referred to as a Rednose, is simply a sailor who’s crossed the Arctic Circle, above 66°34′N. Just like crossing the equator, there’s a Line-crossing ceremony, and once you’re done, congratulations, you’re a certified Bluenose.
What is the order of the blue nose?
The Collection An ‘Order of the Blue Nose’ certificate, awarded to sailors to mark their first crossing of the Arctic Circle. Such certificates were unofficial and the design was unique to individual ships.
Why is a senior chief star upside down?
2. The inverted star is used to show a position of responsibility but is inverted so as not to confuse it with the upright star reserved for use by Flag Officers. Chief petty officer stars were introduced with the creation of Senior Chief Petty Officer and Master Chief Petty Officer in 1958.
Why do sailors wear white gloves in battle?
The purpose of anti-flash gear is to provide protection to the head, neck, face and hands from short-duration flame exposure and heat. This equipment is donned by shipboard navy personnel whenever a fire breaks out or during periods of heightened readiness.
Did sailors put tar in their hair?
Seamen were known to ‘tar’ their clothes before departing on voyages, in order to make them waterproof, before the invention of waterproof fabrics. It was common among seamen to plait their long hair into a ponytail and smear it with high grade tar to prevent it getting caught in the ship’s equipment.
Why are sailors called gobs?
This term first showed up in regard to sailors around 1909 and may have come from the word gobble. The term also may come from the word gob, which means to spit, something sailors also reportedly do often. English coastguardsmen were referred to as gobbies because of their spitting habits.
Why are sailors called Matelots?
Mid 19th century (nautical slang): from French, variant of matenot, from Middle Dutch mattenoot ‘bed companion’, because sailors had to share hammocks in twos.
Are navy officers posh?
The quick answer is no they are not all posh. I served on many ships and being on minesweepers meant we worked closely with the senior rates and officers. Most officers were just like us junior ratings and senior ratings, they just had university education and a different type of training.
What are the procedures for boarding a navy ship?
Comments
- Climb the gangway and stop short of the quarterdeck.
- Turn towards the stern of the ship, and render a hand salute to the Ensign (Flag).
- Turn back towards the quarterdeck, and render a hand salute to the Officer of the Deck.
Do I salute officers in civilian clothes?
You don’t have to salute indoors, except when you report to a superior officer. If either person is wearing civilian clothes and you do not recognize the other person as a superior officer, salutes are unnecessary.