Sailors from the early days of modern tattooing, and as early as the civil war in the United States, would probably not have thought of themselves as participating in "body art." Instead, tattoos were simply part of being a sailor. Today, however, tattoos with a sailing, boating, ocean, or naval theme fall into a category of tattoo designs whose appeal has spread far wider than sailors, or even people interested in the ocean.

Even so, anchors, ropes, ships, and lifesavers are all designs drawn from the everyday experience of these early travelers.  Later images of the "Sailor's Grave" and "Homeward Bound" expressed part of what occupied the sailor's thoughts.  In addition, their own customs and myths created new uses for tattoos to mark certain achievements and also to provide protection.  Below are a selection of some of the well known and also the lesser known maritime tattoo designs, some of which are still finding their way into the skins of the newest tattoo devotees.


Sailor's Grave Tattoo Design Maritime Rope Tattoo Design Jolly Roger Tattoo Design
Sailor's Grave Hold Fast / Rope Jolly Roger
Full-rigged Ship Tattoo Design Rooster and Pig Tattoo Design Homeward Bound Tattoo Design
Full-rigged Ship Rooster and Pig Homeward Bound / Mermaid
Chinese Zodiac Year of the Horse Tattoo Design Chinese Zodiac Year of the Goat Tattoo Design Hula Pirate Sailor Girl Tattoo Design
Davy Jones Anchor Hula/Pirate/Sailor Girl


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