What Is The Meaning Of A Crossed Anchor Tattoo?

Answer 1

It means Boatswain Mate. A boatswain mate is a rate or Job in the navy. The boatswain mate was the most original rate back when there were sailing ships. We have allot of pride in this job because most people in the navy do not chose to do this job due to the arduous conditions. These tattoos were originally identifying markers depending on where they were worn. The common place for them is between the thumb and forefinger on either hand. The were to denote a Boatswain's Mate that had either sailed all of the oceans (left hand) or the seven seas (right hand). This is a tradition that has gone by the wayside and is either forgotten or unknown to the current sailors. This is the Naval definition of a boatswain mates job:

Boatswain's mates train, direct, and supervise personnel in ship's maintenance duties in all activities relating to marlinspike, deck, boat seamanship, painting, upkeep of ship's external structure, rigging, deck equipment, and boats.[1] Boatswain's Mates take charge of working parties; perform seamanship tasks; act as petty officer-in-charge of picketboats, self-propelled barges, tugs, and other yard and district craft.[1] They serve in, or take charge of damage control parties.[1] BM's also operate and maintain equipment used in loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel, and general stores.[1] BMs take charge of and supervise UNREP (underway replenishment) procedures and equipment. They are integral to ship's navigation and serve as ship's Helmsman