Marine Award Challenge Coin

ERTSAR Launches NEW Marine Unit Challenge Coin

The NEW Challenge Coin Award is Awarded for Dedicated Service.

EXPLANATION OF THE DESIGN

The Words
The Medallion Challenge Coin is bordered with the full name of the organisation (Emergency Response Team Search and Rescue) with the specialist Marine Unit after it.

The word “AWARD” at the top shows that this must be ‘earned’ and something special must be done to receive this (often over several days).

"ERT SAR" our abbreviated name, is imprinted on the anchor to represent the pride of the team in their work, effort and results.

Graphics
Inside the circular border is the depicted is the graphical representation of the globe which signifies the Marine Units AO (Area of Operations) – being one of local, national and international capacity and response.  (The team is year around ready to deploy anywhere in the world as well as their local communities and has done.)

The Trident is the Trident of Poseidon / Neptune, and some say, Britannia, with each prong representing the land, water and air – of their response and travel operations … some say!

The Anchor which also visually depicts the water and maritime or Marine environment is also deliberately a ‘fouled’ anchor. This represents the challenges and problems that the Marine Unit and ERT SAR Marine Operators will respond to, and subsequently solve.

It also represents stability, loyalty, steadfastness and qualities of dependability and trust.
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COLOURS
The colour Black was chosen for the border to represent the unknown and the strength, power, authority and mystery of the role.

The colour grey was selected to represent the countless hours and immeasurable efforts that members go through without wanting recognition nor fame, but for the desire to help others and their benevolence.  It also represents the ‘dirty’ nature of some of the work done and the professional, formal and conservative way in which this is carried out.

The colour white on the bar and the hawser rope (selected to represent the nautical line and cable as well as technical rescue) represents pure intent, dedication and seeking perfection and high standards.

The Award was launched in 2019 and retroactive to 2018.

This particular ERT SAR Challenge Coin is an award and cannot be purchased. It must be earned.

Currently the team have awarded this uniform Challenge Coin to the following members:
(The number in Brackets is the number of times they have been awarded - July 2019)

For Dedication & Service

• Dr Jen Frendo
• Jamie Frost
• Joy Frendo
• Mike Bell
• Greg Segui
• Colton Merrick
• Patrick Robinson
• Jason Hermosa 
• ​Ryan Faye
• Jhaimir Cuellar
• Steve Jones (2)
• Andrew Hillier (2)
• Josh Foo (3)
• Jamie Shurr (2)
• Virginia Foo (2)
• Gary Foo (4) 

We have started to organise the Award for August and September as we have more names to add!

AWARDS SO FAR:
UK: Many consecutive days (3 or more) of Operational Marine Unit Service (i.e., TTBF)
Bolivia: Deployment to Floods and Coordinating Rescue Operations
Canada: Operational Deployment to Ontario Floods over several days 

FAQ
Q. Can "non-members" be Awarded this Challenge Coin.
A. YES. Not common but certainly possible. 

Q. Can ERT SAR Members get more than one
A. Presently members can only receive 'one' as part of their Award. They can receive another for a separate award.