Equator crossing or the line crossing ceremony is a centuries-old ritual to inaugurate seafarers who have never crossed the Equator, the imaginary line on the Earth's surface. Began with the Navy over 400 years ago, the tradition is aimed to let Equator-crossing virgins to prove they are worthy to make the transition. | Sea and Coast

The ‘crossing the line’ ceremony is one of the oldest traditions in the Royal Navy and takes place when a vessel crosses the equator. As part of the tradition crew members who have not previously ‘crossed the line’ must pay homage to King Neptune and his 'royal court'. Donning elaborate costumes, the crew of HMS Belfast can be seen here participating in the ceremony on return to Singapore from Australia, 24 September 1961. The M.A.A (Master-at-Arms) Ken Etheridge is pictured in seaweed rags dres