Certificate issued to Leading Steward A. Woolston on board HMNZS BLACK PRINCE, 1953.  'Crossing the line' (i.e. the international date line) has been marked with ceremonies and celebrations since early times.  There are reports that the Vikings carried out ceremonies upon crossing certain parallels.  ‘Crossing the line’ ceremonies are traditionally rowdy and are supposed to try the crew to determine whether or not the novices on their first cruise can endure the hardships of life at sea.  They are also conducted to appease, and pay respects to, Neptune, the mythological god of the seas.  Ceremonies today act as an initiation ceremony and may include a good soaking, a slight shock of electricity from the “Devil” and the shaving ceremony.  Celebrations are led by Neputunus Rex (usually the eldest and most dignified member of crew) along with his first assistant Davy Jones.  The certificate testifies that one has passed the initiation and is usually addressed to “all mermaids, sea serpents,” etc. 
PTI 0016