Is there a "hazing ritual" when passing through the equator ?

[Johnny_H]

I spoke to a sailor who related an interesting story about a strange "hazing ritual" that he was subjected to while passing through the equator. It didn't sound like it was fun ..... in fact it sounded like it was just the opposite of fun .... It appears to be an old maritime tradition - a tradition that may not be limited to sailors and crew-members. I'm sure you know what I'm getting at here ! I'm wondering if they're going to "haze" passengers on a cargo-freighter ship that's passing through the equator ?? J.

[Dutchy]

I crossed the equator twice on a container ship, and neither times a ritual was performed.
But it might depend on the captain of the ship.
I was glad nothing happened. Just the passengers toasting the equator in the lounge.

Maria