The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has its roots in the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy (RN) and was established as one of several Commonwealth navies. Its structure, procedures, methods and philosophies, have mostly been informed by pre-existing structures in the RN. In some instances, their origins may be more a matter of legend and supposition than cold, hard fact.
Over more than 100 years, the RAN has developed its own unique customs and traditions reflecting the uniqueness of Australian life and service in Australia’s Navy.