Shellsbacks and Pollywogs: The Time-Honored Tradition of the Crossing the Line Certificate
The certificate documents a sailor’s inclusion into the "Ancient Order of the Deep". Historically, these ceremonies served several purposes: Crossing the line baptism - Norwegian Maritime Authority crossing the line certificate
While the standard Shellback certificate is the most common, several "unofficial" certificates exist for other significant maritime milestones. Crossing the Line - Naval History and Heritage Command Shellsbacks and Pollywogs: The Time-Honored Tradition of the
Given under my hand this day,