The modern Navy uses "bunks" which the sailors commonly refer to as racks. But prior to the St. Laurent Class (built in the 50s-60s) it was common for a sailor to sleep in a hammock. The guidelines for the use of the hammock were actually farily strict and steeped in tradition.
Often, a sailor's identity is a nickname. Many sailors are known only by their nickname, their real first name is often strange to many, and only appearing on official documents and records.
What does a tattoo mean. Though there are variations in meaning depending on time/region, here are a few of the most classic tattoos and what they’re believed to mean:
Unique to naval life, are the pipes that are made by the boatswain's call.
Piping is the Naval method of passing orders and every seaman should know how to use a "boatswain's call".