Tattoos and Art lists common old-school sailor tattoos as birds and animals that represent good luck charms or where a sailor has been. For example, swallow tattoos protect sailors and promise a safe return home. Tattoo Archive describes another popular sailor tattoo as a rope around the wrist denoting a deckhand. Sailors also commonly had palm trees, sea creature and mermaid tattoos showing either where they had been or myths of the sea. Additionally, buxom and scantily-clad sailor girls in pinup fashion historically are popular Navy tattoos.
When thinking about Navy tattoos, the one thing that comes to mind almost always is an anchor on the bicep. An anchor is an important seafaring device and symbolizes stability and homecoming. Popular Navy tattoos also are sailors' hats, ropes, ships, submarines, periscopes or compasses. Blue or gold nautical star tattoos represent a sailor's sense of direction and guidance.
As with tattoos for any military division, Navy symbols, sayings or images are popular tattoos. Whether it is a tattoo signifying a sailor's rank, ship or brigade, Navy symbols show a sailor's dedication to the military and his fellow soldiers. The official seal, which consists of an eagle perched on an anchor with a wooden ship in the background, makes a significant Navy tattoo.