A symbol of the sea, it conveys life away from the land, living on the undulation of the waves. The ship is the vessel of the sea-farer and can serve as a literal representation of a sailor or act as a metaphor. The image of a ship is the image of a place away from the society. The ship can be a symbol for the individual while the ocean surrounding it is a force that holds them back. Regardless of the type of ship, as a symbol it serves as a means of escape and freedom from life on the land in favor of the vast blue waters. The ship carries the air of adventure and exploration and reveals the soul of a voyager.

When represented on a tattoo, the image of a ship can transmit isolation, either intentional or unintentional. As a single vessel on the water, contact can be far and few between, leading to a solitary lifestyle. However, the ship often carries a crew of sailors, so while there may be only a solitary ship, within it can be an entire fleet of people. In this way, the ship can be a metaphor for the seemingly unapproachable individual who may carry a motley of desirable qualities, revealing their complicated personality. The ship can also be an appropriate group, friend’s, or couple’s tattoo, indicating the reliance on others that allows the ship to sail smoothly.