Statsraad Lehmkuhl Oceanics 1972-73

A website for shipmates from Oceanics 1972-73 and other Oceanics school programs and friends of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Crossing the equator

Friday, February 9, 1973

Location of equator crossing
The procession begins
Procession
Queen Amphitrite
The Queen and King Neptune
King Neptune’s minions arrive
Preparing for work
Tools for the ceremony
A proclamation from King Neptune
Ceremony
Ceremony
Doctor and surgeon
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Richie Yusem’s turn
Ceremony
Amused audience
Jack Wight
Katie Houck
Ceremony
Jacobsen, tired surgeon
Getting a “diploma” for crossing the Equator
Certificate

On February 9, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl crossed the equator at 0 degrees latitude and 43 degrees west longitude. Veterans of what is known as the “equatorial baptism” are known as Shellbacks. The uninitiated are known as Pollywogs. The Shellbacks were led by Erik Bernes as King Neptune and the Sergeant (Otto Pletten) as  Queen Amphitrite, The Pollywogs were treated to a “surgical” procedure, then dunked in a boat filled with sea water. After, the students were awarded with certificates.

Steve Paulus

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