Forget to write the diary last night, writing on 14 Sept 97 and time is 4pm. Yesterday, middle watch advance time 1 hour and I close up only 3 hours. Saturday routine, but I feel lethargic, head a bit heavy. A simple day where I kept 12-4pm watch followed by middle watch. The Karaoke competition is going to be held but I'm not participating because I don't think I can sing well with a microphone and moreover, don't want to malu myself. Tomorrow is the "crossing Equator". I don't think I'll be involved as I'm on middle watch. Signoff, Weizhong
14 Sept 1997 Flashback
Crossing the Equator start this morning where I'm still in bed. Did went up to take a look when I went to search for breakfast. After that, went to sleep again and the ship do rock a bit. Didn't really want to get involved in the equator crossing as I feel tired and also don't want to end up cleaning all the mess. At 12pm, all gunners will muster at the Q-deck where LKY give us a lecture off or scolding for not helping out in the wash down deck. He said a pipe was made for all gunners to muster at the fox'cle. *private thoughts* I feel since we're not involved in the ceremony, I didn't go up as I was tired or didn't want to do extra work. He seemed angry and who knows what might happen tomorrow. Kept 6-8pm watch. Tonight the Karaoke competition start off, quite a number of crews join the competition. Going to keep 4am - 8am watch and now almost 11pm. I think when my hair dry and I'll sleep. Signoff, Weizhong
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On the mention "Crossing the Equator" ceremony, all Singapore Navy sailors who have sailed past the so called equator will definitely go through this initiation ceremony by those who have went through.
Technically speaking, it was an old viking tradition. This ceremony has its roots in an old tradition from the age of the Vikings, who believed that King Neptune’s kingdom lie just beneath the equator. Sailors believed that the ceremony would appease King Neptune and ensure them a safe voyage as they crossed the equator.
On the Singapore Navy context based on my experience, I didn't really find "crossing equator" ceremony has anything to do with safe voyage wishes. Rather, its a "have fun at other expenses" day where those who haven't cross the equator before will have to clear few stations of obstacles. It like the mud games in those NPCC day where you expect to get dirty on your clothes, body and beautiful face. It was a lot of fun for those have been through it but not for those who are going through it. Special costumes are worn on this day, pending on whatever creativity one have.
I did my Equator crossing on Jan 1997 when I cross the equator for the first time to Palembang, Indonesia. I don't recall much details except that putting my face into one rubber dinghy full of coloured water. I was then given a certificate to prove that I have crossed the equator successfully.
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