Shellback Certificate: Often used in the context of the Navy, a Shellback is essentially a sailor who has crossed the earth’s equator. In fact, this is an age-old ceremony that is observed among many seafarers, where new shipmates were subjected to this initiation rite. Historically, this was done to ensure that the shipmates were capable of handling the hardships faced at sea.
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What is a Shellback Certificate?
A sailor who has undergone an initiation rite, where they have crossed the earth’s equator for the very first time, is awarded a Shellback Certificate. This is essentially an informal certificate that is given out as a commemoration of the event.
Why do you need a Shellback Certificate?
As stated above, a shellback certificate is an informal certificate and is given out if a sailor completes the aforementioned initiation rite. Many countries have their own seafaring culture and this is one such event. Moreover, modern times have seen the adoption of the rite for passenger entertainment on modern ocean cruise liners and cruise ships. These rites are also performed in the merchant navy as well as sail training ships.
Shellback Certificate – Details of the Rite
The initiation rite may vary according to countries, but they generally include activities such as being dipped in the water, or their heads being shaved and paint applied randomly on their body. Prior to the initiation rite, the sailors who are undergoing the ritual are usually called “pollywogs” or “slimy pollywogs” and once they complete the rite, they are called “shellbacks”, “Trustly shellbacks”, and “Sons of Neptune”, which is in reference to the Roman religion (God of the Seas). Historically though, the events were quite violent and have resulted in the deaths of the sailors.
Shellback Certificate Format
There are no formal or standardized formats for the shellback certificate as it was an informal ceremony. Also, the practice varied across many countries, hence the format varied drastically. It may also have several other names, such as Equator crossing certificate, Domain of Neptunus Rex certificate and more.
| Shellback Certificate This is to certify that (Name of the Sailor / Individual), onboard the (Name of the vessel/ ship) has duly been initiated as a Shellback according to the rites and ceremonies existing from ancient times. We hereby grant him the responsibility and freedom of the seas for the rest of his time under the realm of King Neptune. Given under our Hand on the Equator. (Latitude and Longitude details) (Date and time of the certification) |
Also note, the certificate is adorned with images and depictions of the sea and mythological characters related to the sea. These include King Neptune (God of Freshwater), Davy Jones, mermaids, sea creatures and more.
FAQ’s on Shellback Certificate
Question 1.
What is a Shellback Certificate?
Answer:
A shellback is essentially a sailor who has crossed the earth’s equator on board a vessel or a ship for the very first time. As a part of the ceremony, the sailor will have to undergo an initiation rite, and is awarded a Shellback Certificate for doing so.
Question 2.
Why do you need a Shellback Certificate?
Answer:
Shellback certificates are mementos for the initiation rite that is performed when a sailor crosses the equator for the very first time.
Question 3.
What are the contents of a Shellback Certificate?
Answer:
A shellback certificate often contains the name of the sailor, name of the vessel, as well as the date of the ceremony and details about the longitude and latitude.