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The Degree of Royal Ark Mariner is open to all Mark Master Masons. The Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner, more commonly known as the R.A.M., has been under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons since 1871 and is now governed by the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council. There are references to a Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners being reconstituted in 1772, but the degree’s early history is obscure. The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons took full possession of the rights to the Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners on 10 June 1884 for just £25. Lodges, which are governed by a Worshipful Commander, rather than a Worshipful Master, are attached, or moored, to Mark Lodges assuming their Number in the Roll. There the similarity ends.
In chronological terms it precedes the Mark by hundreds of years because it relates to the building and voyage of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood and has none of the other characters whom we meet in Freemasonry. There are no individual Ranks within either Provincial or Grand Lodge. Brethren holding those Ranks simply suffixing their name with Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank or Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank. The Grand Master of the Mark is, ipso facto, the Grand Master of the Royal Ark Mariners.
As its name suggests it has a nautical flavour, with the “elevation” of a candidate into the Degree, commemorating the providence and mercy of God, with regard to the legend of the Deluge, as recorded in Genesis.
During the ceremony, analogies are drawn between the dangers of the flood and the dangers of life. How we should strive to reach the “Ark”, the haven of rest, just as Noah’s family and the other occupants of his Ark did. The subject matter, being taken directly from the Volume of the Sacred Law, is therefore both beautiful and instructive, guaranteed to make a lasting impression on every candidate.
Upon entering the Temple the attention of the Candidate is directed to three points and at a certain stage the Ark is symbolised in terms similar to the ark of salvation. The candidate is finally instructed to advance in the spirit of the cardinal virtues.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a Masonic companion order, also called RAM, whose ritual is based on the story of Noah, his family and the Ark, especially as told in the Great Flood. It concerns events before, during, and after the Flood, and draws analogies with trials and preservation in life.
RAM is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, governed specifically by the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council.
To become a Royal Ark Mariner you must first be a Mark Master Mason. Also, in many cases, you must be proposed, seconded, and balloted into a RAM Lodge.
RAM Lodges are “moored” to Mark Lodges: the RAM Lodge takes the number of its associated Mark Lodge and often meets on the same evening or at the same Masonic centre. RAM is a distinct Order, though closely connected.
Most RAM Lodges usually meet about three times a year, though this can vary by province. Sometimes the installation (of the Commander) meeting may be separate.
There are two principal ceremonies:
- The Elevation (or Admission) to the Order (being made a RAM)
- The Installation of the Commander of a Lodge.
- A distinctive apron: white kid with a curved flap, with ribbon edging in rainbow-colours, rosettes, etc.
- A breast jewel: showing a dove bearing an olive branch, beneath a rainbow.
- Lodge Officers may also wear collars with the appropriate jewel.
The earliest authenticated record of the RAM Degree in a recognisable form is from 1790. RAM has been administered by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons since about 1871, and in 1884 the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons acquired the rights to the Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners to control its administration.
The Degree emphasises preservation, faithfulness under trial, hope and redemption through the Flood story. It uses the Ark as a symbol, Noah as a faithful servant, with analogies for moral life, trials, vigilance etc.
The Royal Ark Mariners are administered by the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council, which reports to the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons.
The Grand Master of Mark Master Masons is also the Grand Master of Royal Ark Mariners. Currently, this is HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO.
There are over 900 RAM Lodges moored to Mark Lodges across England, Wales, and overseas Districts.
The highest honour is appointment to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank (RAMGR), conferred annually by the Grand Master upon distinguished brethren.
Yes — each Province (or District, overseas) has a Provincial Grand Master for the Mark, who is also the head of the Royal Ark Mariners in that Province.
Yes — the Annual Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners is held at Mark Masons’ Hall, London, every December.
Some older records and rituals describe it as a Noachite Degree because of its exclusive focus on Noah and the Ark narrative, distinguishing it from other biblical-themed Masonic degrees.
Unlike many other companion Orders, RAM is unique in its direct mooring to Mark Lodges, its very ancient ritual origins, and the strong symbolism of the Ark and rainbow.