The phrase "crossing the line" in (the) subtitle refers not only to the sexual flexibility of sailors but to a time-honored, officially-sanctioned maritime initiation ritual said to date back to the early 1600's. It occurs in the U.S. Navy when ships cross the equator. Those who have already gone through the ceremony are known as "shellbacks," and those being initiated are called "wogs," short for "polliwogs."

In the interviews that follow, Sonny, Eddy, Anthony, Trent, and Joey describe the shellback tradition and their individual experiences "crossing the line."