The advancement of steam propulsion in the 1860's and the invention of the electric tattoo machine in 1891 opened many new doors for sailors.
Life at sea was becoming safer and transportation faster. Exotic ports seemed closer.
The electric tattoo machine meant larger and more intricate pieces could be tattoo'd.
Other tattoos showed experience and belonging to certain groups. Crossed anchors meant you were a boatswain, crossed cannons a gunnersmate. A turtle meant you were a Shellback and part of
King Neptune's court. A dragon meant you had been to the Orient. These were important distinctions and helped to bring together people with similar experiences.
Still other tattoos were steeped in superstition. HOLD FAST on the knuckles helped you to hold the lines when rigging. A pig and rooster on your feet helped to keep you from drowning. Animals
on ship were carried in wooden boxes and would float during shipwrecks.