Speaking of the traditions...

Several sources (Hugill being the one most in mind, but several historic ones as well) cite the various naval fleets as not singing. That 'burden' fell to the Merchant Marines of the various times and nations. As far as I can tell, it took the final replacement of sail by the various steam & etc. ships to silence the use of shanties... although I do hear some people say they still know of merchants singing their own modern shanties, mostly of the foc's'le variety for their entertaiment.

M