Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper

  • PCTU has revealed its first dedicated unit crest after decades of operating without a unique emblem, marking a new chapter in identity and recognition.
  • Developed over nearly two years with the Directorate of History and Heritage, the crest arrives as the unit grows in size and capacity, expanding from 90 to 186 members.
  • The crest’s symbolism highlights PCTU’s coastal training mandate, featuring an orca, Pacific elements, and the new motto: “On Track by Leadmark.”

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After decades of shaping sailors behind the scenes at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, the Patrol Craft Training Unit (PCTU) is stepping into a new chapter with a symbol that finally belongs to them alone: a dedicated unit crest.

For Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Kevin Lashinski, Commanding Officer of PCIU, the new crest is much more than a visual update – it represents identity, morale, and the recognition of a unit that plays a critical role in generating skilled sailors for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

While the PCTU has long been an essential part of fleet readiness, it had never had a unique crest of its own. Historically, PCTU used the crest associated with Maritime Operations Group 4 (MOG 4). When MOG 4 was elim-inated, the unit defaulted to using the broader fleet crest instead. Now, that has changed.

The crest took nearly two years to develop, crafted in partnership with the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH). The timing is fitting: PCTU is not only growing in profile, but also in size and capacity. When LCdr Lashinski assumed command of the unit just over two years ago, it comprised just over 90 people. In the past year, it has expanded to 186.

“Our unit has gotten significantly bigger – in fact, it’s doubled,” said LCdr Lashinski. “I started working on the new crest very shortly after I assumed com-mand, and it’s something everyone here seems to feel heightened morale and identity about now that we’re all wearing it.”

The new PCTU crest is rich in symbolism tied directly to both the unit’s mission and coastal identity. At its centre is the orca, representing the Orca-class patrol training crafts. Known for the strong social bonds it forms, the orca also reflects the strength of the relationships built between PCTU and the military officers it trains. At the same time, the orca also evokes the Pacific Ocean, where the unit carries out its coastal training mandate. The fir tree division line behind the orca speaks to the Pacific coast skyline, symbolizing the land, air, and coastal training PCTU supports across the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

But perhaps the most meaningful element is the crest’s new motto: ‘On Track by Leadmark,’ an important navigational reference.

“It’s a term used in navigation,” said LCdr Lashinski. “When you’re on the right course… you’ve got a goal that you’re looking at, right? That’s your lead-mark.” Leadmarks are land-based indicators that guide navigation on the sea, and the motto alludes to the idea of providing correct, clear training.

“There’s always great pride in getting to say you’re on track by leadmark,” said LCdr Lashinski. “It’s something that you can see.”

Beyond its symbolism, the crest is meant to strengthen something less tangible but equally vital: unit pride. To its members, the crest is much more than an emblem: it’s a long-awaited statement that PCTU is here, at work, and they are on course.