Ink and Ocean: A Guide to Maritime Tattoos and Traditions

Sailors have a long-standing tradition of marking their journeys, achievements and even misadventures with tattoos. For centuries, these designs served as more than just decorations; they were badges of honor, stories etched in skin and symbols of camaraderie forged through hardship and success.

In the past, maritime tattoos often acted as a collection of experiences. Some were deeply meaningful, tied to personal accomplishments or nautical milestones. Others were humorous, crude or chosen simply because they looked "badass." But every tattoo had a story behind it, and for sailors, those stories mattered.

This blog is my personal take on the unique tattoos associated with specific unofficial certifications in maritime culture, most of which followed some kind of initiation. Although these certifications weren’t formal, the tattoos that marked them were highly respected among those who earned them.

What fascinates me most about these designs—especially those from before 1970—is the power they carry. They embody the essence of sailor culture: bold, timeless and unapologetic. Nautical stars, swallows, anchors and other iconic images all contribute to this unique style, and I think they have a certain gravity that’s hard to replicate. That’s not to dismiss other tattoo styles—they absolutely carry weight too—but there’s something special about these maritime designs that I’ve always found compelling.

In this blog, I’ve broken down the tattoos into three sections:

• Tattoos I’ve seen firsthand, either on sailors I’ve worked with or in old photos.
• Tattoos I’ve heard about, either through stories or historical writings.
• Tattoos associated with certifications that exist but don’t yet have well-known designs—or at least should!

Let’s dive in and explore these incredible pieces of history.

Tattoos Marking Maritime Milestones

As a tattoo artist and history enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the stories behind maritime tattoos. These aren’t just images; they’re badges of honor tied to incredible achievements and unforgettable experiences at sea. Over time, sailors created their own unofficial certifications, celebrating rites of passage, personal milestones and camaraderie. These maritime tattoos—often bold and unmistakable—mark those moments.

Order of the Square Rigger

Sailing on a square-rigged ship—a traditional vessel with square sails on all its masts—is an honor steeped in maritime history. The tattoo that commemorates this achievement often features a tall ship in full sail, a design that’s as bold and timeless as the ships themselves. While this tattoo can carry other meanings, for sailors, it’s a proud reminder of their connection to these iconic vessels.

Shellback

Crossing the Equator is one of the most celebrated achievements for sailors, marking their transition from "pollywog" (a novice) to "shellback" (a seasoned sailor). The rituals for this transformation are elaborate, often humorous and full of tradition. The tattoos that commemorate it are just as iconic.

The most common design I’ve seen is the turtle, sometimes accompanied by banners reading “Shellback” and the date or coordinates of the crossing. For me, this tattoo embodies resilience and a deep respect for the challenges sailors face.

Golden Shellback

If crossing the Equator is a big deal, crossing it at the 180th Meridian—where the Equator and the International Date Line meet—is an even rarer accomplishment. Sailors who achieve this are known as Golden Shellbacks.

These tattoos often feature a turtle with a golden-yellow shell. While I haven’t seen one labeled “Golden Shellback” in person, the combination of gold tones and nautical imagery always catches my eye.

Emerald Shellback

Emerald Shellbacks are sailors who cross the Equator at the Prime Meridian (Greenwich Meridian). Like the Golden Shellback, this tattoo often builds on the classic turtle design but incorporates a bright green shell. These color distinctions make each version unique, highlighting the specific achievements they commemorate.

The Arctic and Antarctic Circles

Not all milestones happen in tropical waters. Sailors who venture into the polar regions earn their own unique certifications, and the tattoos that accompany them are equally striking.

Order of the Blue Nose

Crossing the Arctic Circle initiates sailors into the “Northern Domain of the Polar Bear,” also known as the Order of the Blue Nose. The designs I’ve seen for this include polar bears, sometimes stylized in the bold lines of American traditional tattoos. These tattoos reflect the harsh, icy conditions sailors endure to reach the Arctic.

Order of the Red Nose

For those who cross the Antarctic Circle, the certification is tied to the “Royal Domain of the Penguin,” “Frozen Stiff” or Order of the Red Nose.  These tattoos often feature emperor penguins, a nod to the wildlife unique to the southernmost parts of the globe. I love the simplicity of these designs—they’re playful but still represent an impressive feat.

Unique Maritime Tattoo Milestones

Beyond the Equator and polar circles, sailors have plenty of other ways to leave their mark—literally.

Golden Dragon

Crossing the International Date Line earn sailors membership in the “Domain of the Golden Dragon.” These tattoos often feature an intricate dragon, sometimes crowned, done in an Asian-inspired style. This blend of cultures makes it one of my favorite designs.

Order of Magellan

Circumnavigating the globe is a monumental achievement, and the tattoos that mark it are just as grand. I’ve seen globes, often accompanied by dates or coordinates, symbolizing the sailor’s journey across the entire planet.

Order of the Ditch and Safari to Suez

Sailors who transit the Panama Canal earn membership in the “Order of the Ditch,” often commemorated with parrot tattoos. Those who navigate the Suez Canal are said to have completed a “Safari to Suez.” The tattoos for this milestone include camels, pyramids or palm trees—sometimes a mix of all three.

Order of the Rock

Sailors who transit the Straits of Gibraltar earn membership in the Order of the Rock. The tattoo associated with this milestone features a rock surrounded by water, symbolizing the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. Some sailors choose to get one version of the tattoo for entering the Mediterranean and an opposite version for exiting it—a nod to the journey’s direction. While not commonly seen, the idea of pairing these tattoos for both crossings makes for a meaningful design.

Military Maritime Tattoos Honoring Feats at Sea

While many maritime tattoos commemorate maritime milestones, some designs celebrate the incredible achievements of those who serve in related military roles. Divers, aviators and other personnel tied to life at sea have their own unique traditions, and the tattoos that mark their accomplishments are just as meaningful.

Deep Dive Diploma

Divers who complete significant underwater missions—such as their first or last dives—often commemorate the milestone with a tattoo. The classic design is a traditional diving helmet, like the iconic Mark V, sometimes accompanied by seahorses, sea monsters or even anchors.

Navy divers often use this tattoo to signify their rating, while USMC divers may choose the "Golden Bubble" design, inspired by their insignia. This modern take features a two-hose diving helmet and represents the skill and courage required to explore the deep.

Goldfish Club

Pilots who survive a ditching and take to a life raft earn membership in the Goldfish Club. For those who spend more than 24 hours afloat, the title "Sea Squatter" is added. Tattoos for these milestones are often lighthearted — goldfish on its back in a raft or a sailor’s hat, symbolizing resilience and humor in the face of danger.

Century Club

For Navy pilots, completing 100 carrier landings is a remarkable achievement. Known as the Century Club, this milestone is sometimes commemorated with a tattoo of the Navy pilot wing insignia paired with “100.” Hurricane hunters, who fly through winds of 100 miles per hour or more, also qualify for this distinction.

Double Century Club

Reaching 200 carrier landings is an even rarer feat, earning pilots membership in the Double Century Club. Tattoos for this accomplishment often mirror those of the Century Club, but with “200” proudly displayed beneath the wings.

Tattoos That Should Exist

As a tattoo artist and fan of maritime traditions, I can’t help but imagine a few other designs that would honor unique naval experiences:

Mossback: Traversing Cape Horn is no small feat, and it deserves its own tattoo. Perhaps a stylized cape or a rugged ship braving fierce waves would capture the spirit of this milestone.

Persian Excursion: Service in the Persian Gulf is a major accomplishment, yet no standard tattoo design exists. Something representing the region’s culture or geography could create a meaningful tribute.

Realm of the Czars: Cruising the Black Sea could be marked with a nod to the region’s history or a bold design symbolizing its unique waters.

Pollywog: While this status marks the time before crossing the Equator, I think a playful design like a cartoon tadpole could add a touch of humor to this tradition.

Spanish Main: Sailing the Caribbean and retracing the paths of old explorers deserves its own imagery—perhaps something evoking the region’s tropical allure and rich history.

Royal Order of Whale Bangers: This one cracks me up every time I think about it. The idea of crew members accidentally firing at whales, mistaking them for submarines, is both hilarious and oddly endearing. I’d imagine a tattoo featuring a cartoon-style whale dodging a torpedo, or perhaps a submarine cresting the water with a confused whale nearby. It’s such a unique part of naval lore that it deserves a place in tattoo history.

Imagining these tattoos gives me a thrill as an artist. Each milestone tells a story, and I love the idea of translating these experiences into bold, meaningful designs. Who knows—maybe one of these ideas will inspire the next generation of maritime tattoos!

The Art and Power of Tradition

What draws me most to these tattoos is their timelessness. They’re bold, clear and full of meaning. As an artist, I appreciate how these designs capture the essence of sailor culture. They tell stories, honor accomplishments and connect sailors to a tradition that spans centuries.

At Iconic Tattoos, I love helping people tell their own stories through custom designs. Whether you’re inspired by these classic maritime milestones or want to create something uniquely yours, I’m here to bring your vision to life.

If you’re ready to celebrate your journey with a tattoo steeped in tradition, book a consultation today at Iconic Tattoos. Let’s create something iconic together.