What does the ship represent on Bahamas coat of arms?

The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of over 700 islands and cays, many of which are sparsely populated. As such, ships have always been an important means of transportation and commerce for the people of the Bahamas. In addition, the Bahamas has a rich history of shipbuilding, dating back to the days of the early Spanish explorers.

Today, the Bahamas is a major tourist destination, and many visitors come to the islands to enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, the Bahamas is also a proud maritime nation, and the ship on its coat of arms serves as a reminder of its long and storied history at sea.