This section brings together the approximately 700 objects and photographs used in Canada's Naval History. Use this section to directly access objects and photographs grouped by type, as shown below, or use the search function above to search through them by title.

"Crossing the Line" Ceremony

King Neptune (centre) and Queen Amphitrite (right), accompanied by their "royal court", preside over a post-war "crossing the line" ceremony.

A long-standing aspect of naval tradition and culture, these ceremonies served to initiate those who had never before crossed the equator, so that they could become "shellbacks". While this photograph shows a relatively calm scene, elements of the ceremony could often be rambunctious, with initiates subjected to various indignities including being smeared with soap and grease.

Naval Museum of Alberta