HMS Spey 'appeases the God of the Sea' in one of Navy's oldest traditions - Alex Candlin 6th April 2023

The Royal Court holds members of the crew accountable for their 'crimes' during the 'Crossing the Line' ceremony (Picture: HMS Spey).

The ship's company of HMS Spey have paid their respects to King Neptune with traditional horseplay as they crossed the line of the equator – painting and dunking sailors in one of the Royal Navy's oldest ceremonies.

Sailors aboard the offshore patrol ship, which is currently docked at Darwin Port in the Northern Territory of Australia, marked the occasion with a traditional 'Crossing the Line' ceremony.

HMS Spey wrote on social media: "On our way to Darwin, we crossed the equator into King Neptune's Kingdom once again.

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"For some, their rite of passage hinged on a traditional trial in His Majesty's court," the tweet went on, referring to the centuries-old ceremony.

Crossing the Line is one of the Navy's oldest and most amusing traditions and takes place when a ship crosses the equator between the northern and southern hemispheres. 

The tradition dictates that crews must pay respect to the Lord of the Seas, King Neptune, to gain his acceptance into his kingdom.

'Showing respect' involves sailors being tested to ensure they are capable of 'handling rough seas' and, as per tradition, can see them being painted, fed a less than appetising snack and being dunked.

The crew of HMS Spey 'pay respects' to King Neptune with the 'Crossing the Line' ceremony (Picture: HMS Spey).

Members of the crew are 'charged' by the royal court and sentenced accordingly during the ceremony, which can be made up of 'first assistant Davy Jones' and a member of 'Neptune's Police'. 

Their 'crimes' range from it being their first time at sea, to it being their first time crossing the equator.

The night before a ship crosses the equator, the court will meet with the Commanding Officer and announce their intention to convene Neptune's court.

The 'Crossing the Line' ceremony is one of the Navy's oldest traditions and is held by sailors all over the world (Picture: HMS Sprey).

The ceremony can trace its origins back to ancient times, as Phoenicians who crossed through the straits of Gibraltar to trade with Britain would engage in religious ceremonies to appease the God of the Sea.

The Vikings of Northern Europe also had their own ceremonies for crossing the equator.

While the ceremony has lost its religious meaning it has become a way of inducting young sailors into life at sea.