Arklow seamen have sailed, traded and fought in navies all over the world, such as the Royal Navy and the US Navy. They have traded under many nation flags such as the Red Ensign, the American Mercantile Marine, Canadian, Panama, Liberian, German and Norwegian to name but a few. Most seamen brought something home with them from their far flung voyaging and many of these items are on show in the museum. These include models of boats, scrimshaw, paintings, fancy work and photographs.

The Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of shipbuilders' models, half models, plans and a unique collection of eight paintings of Arklow sailing ships from the hand of the famous Pier Head painter, Ruben Chappell.