A "blue nose" refers to what type of sailor?

A "blue nose" specifically refers to a sailor who has crossed either the Arctic or Antarctic Circle. This term originates from naval traditions where sailors receive recognition for such crossings, often commemorated with a certificate or other tokens. The term reflects the challenges and conditions associated with operating in these extreme latitudes, which include ice, severe cold, and unique navigational challenges. Sailors who earn this designation are often proud of having faced the elements and successfully completed missions in some of the world's most inhospitable regions.

In contrast, a sailor who has crossed the equator earns the title of "shellback" instead of "blue nose." Therefore, while the equator crossing carries its own significance, it is distinct from the challenges of the polar regions. Sailors serving on aircraft carriers or those specializing in underwater operations do not have any formal naming conventions tied to their specific roles in relation to crossing the Arctic or Antarctic Circle, which further clarifies why the designation of "blue nose" is specifically linked to the polar regions.