Help with ID of this medal

[DRB 1643]

I recently picked up this medal and cannot ID it. Can somebody please help me out?

Thanks

Tom

[DRB 1643]

Here is the reverse.

[JapanX]

Second type of seaman's excellence badge from the ministry of communications. 
It was introduced in July 1943.
 

[DRB 1643]

Thanks Nick,

so its  kind of merit badge? Do you know what it was awarded for?

Tom

[JapanX]

It was awarded to merchant seamen who 

(1) becamе a model of seamen;

(2) made a useful invention or improvement;

(3)  demonsrated 30 years of excellence onboard of a ship.

Edited March 13, 2017 by JapanX

[DRB 1643]

Thank you very much Nick for your information. Is this badge very common?

Tom

[JapanX]

Not quite common, but not super rare  

Best,

Nick

[DRB 1643]

Thank you.

tom