Do you salute officers while crossing the ships brow?
If it is a commissioned U. S. Navy vessel and you are in
uniform, at the top of the brow come to attention, face the Ensign
(flag) located at the fantail or aft end of the ship and salute the
Ensign. Then face and salute the Officer of the Deck on the
Quarterdeck and "Request permission to come aboard Sir".
If you are in civilian attire, at the top of the brow come to
attention, face the Ensign (flag) located on the fantail or aft end
of the ship. Then face the Office of the Deck on the Quarterdeck
and "Request permission to come aboard Sir".
I don't think civilian vessels stand on ceremony very much.