I am trying to find a photo of the shellback tattoo, the one sailors get when they cross the equator.

Question

I am trying to find a photo of the shellback tattoo, the one sailors get when they cross the equator.

Answer 1

I crossed the Equator 14 times.  I became a shellback off the Galapagos Islands back in 1977 and a Golden Shellback in 1991.  I never heard of anyone getting a tattoo.

My certificate and wallet card has a dandy picture of King Neptune.

The worst part was kissing the Royal Baby.

EDIT********** Mae W's pictures are of King Neptune.  Similar to the ones on my certificates.

The Royal Baby..... http://www.katx.com/Kilauea/images/shell...

Answer 2

Try this site; http://www.skinu.com/Tattoo_Community/5....

Answer 3

I spent a 20year career in the Navy and before today I had never heard of such a tattoo.

Answer 4

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9735608@N02...

A SHELLBACK TURTLE denotes a seaman who has crossed the equator.

I wouldn't know about this hope I helped unsure.

Answer 5

Just get both ears pierced like the old time pirates use to do. Try any Tattoo parlor in port that caters to sailors.

Vet-USAF