Neptune's rule returns to waves
Chief lifts crossing the line suspension
September 02, 2002
Most Navy people would
know that the Chief of Navy suspended 'Crossing the Line ceremonies' in
April this year.
The suspension was intended to provide time to pause,
have a look at the way we conduct these ceremonies, and invite feedback
from Navy people through their chain of command.
CN has lifted the suspension. Following good input
from many Navy people, Maritime Command, in consulation with Systems Command
has revised MARORD 03047 to provide guidelines for the conduct of King
Neptune's ceremony.
In lifting the suspension the Chief of Navy said,
"It is unfortunate that our behaviour in what should have been simple
enjoyable ceremonies actually occasioned such critical media scrutiny
and comment.
In future we must consider more closely how Navy activities
appear to non-Navy people. While I accept that some Navy people were saddened
by the suspension, I am acutely aware that many other Navy people consider
that the format of 'Crossing the Line Ceremonies' did need review.
We must ensure that we present a public image that matches contemporary expectations of appropriate behaviour. To do so we must ensure that, with the exception of matters having a security or privacy dimension, everything Navy does can withstand media or community scrutiny."
| The key elements of the revised MARORD 03047 are: |
| Participation in the ceremonies is to be entirely voluntary, regardless of rank, age or gender. |
| SAFEGUARD procedures are to be used to ensure that safety of participants remains paramount. |
| Ceremonies are to be planned, written instructions published, verbal briefings held for 'court office holders,' and a non-participating officer appointed as ceremony supervising officer. |
| Humiliation, harassment, verbal or physical abuse and the undignified treatment of people are not to be features of any ceremony. |
| No person is to be struck with any implement. |
| Defence rules on unacceptable behaviour continue to apply and participants are not to be forced to undertake any activity against their will. |
| Clothing is to be robust to preserve the modesty of the wearer. Any form of nudity during the ceremony is considered unacceptable behaviour. |
| All activities within the crossing the line ceremony are to be voluntary. Individuals have the right to withdraw at any stage. |
| Ceremonies are to be conducted in public areas of ships and submarines and photography is to be encouraged. |
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By CAPT Malcolm Wright