Acre Nautical College

Acre-Akko Nautical College
Official Award Medal, 5741-1981

The aim of the Maritime Officers School is to train Israeli youth as officers for the navy and the merchant marine, by teaching sea-faring theory and by practice through work. It has a threefold curriculum: sailing, sea mechanics and marine electronics. The school seeks to inculcate a love for country, proper conduct with the crew and decent social behavior. The name of the school was changed to "The 23 on the sunken rowboat" in memory of the 23 "Palmach" fighters who went down, when on their way to an operational mission in May 1941.

Obverse: The emblem of the Maritime Officers School in Acre, "23 who went down". A stylized wave, upon which a seagull floats. On the right, an inscription: "25th Anniversary of Israel Nautical College in Akko" in Hebrew. The English translation is on the left, with the figure "25".

Reverse: A life-line and the background showing a merchant vessel and a warship. Around the rim the verse: "Who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters" - Isaiah 43:16, in Hebrew and English.

Edge: The emblem of the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, and its initials in Hebrew and English.

Serialization: The medals have been numbered.

Designer: Gabriel Shamir.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Hecht