Some of our Naval customs and traditions originated from antiquity, while others grew from practices in Middle Age and the great Age of Discovery. These customs are part of Naval profession, overemphasizing them is a mistake, but underestimating them is lack of perspective.
Saluting the Quarterdeck
Saluting the quarterdeck is derived from the very early seagoing custom of the respect paid to the Pagan Altar onboard ship, and later to the crucifix and shrine. There are few competent authorities on customs and traditions who do not fully support this belief, but trace the customs to the early days of Royal Navy when all officers who were present on the quarterdeck return the salute of individuals by uncovering. The majority opinion is that it was the salute to the seat of authority, the quarterdeck the place nearest to the colour.
Flags of suzerain or sovereign became in time symbolical of the religion of the state and emblematical of the royal or imperial house of the ruler. The colour had a twofold significance, religion and state. Custom of respect survived after the shrines were removed from the deck.
Quarterdeck has been considered a “sacred” place from the early days.
The practice of receiving officers at the gangway of a ship is very old and used to be attended by much pomp and ceremony. Some captains used to require that all officers be on deck to receive them no matter what hour of the day or night they returned.
