History

The Order of Naval Merit (Ordem do Mérito Naval) was established by presidential decree on June 11, 1934. Its statutes were approved on August 23, 1934, and since then, it has been modified two different times. In order of precedence, it is the third-highest award in the country.

The Order is awarded to Brazilian and foreign Naval military personnel for exceptional service in the Navy or to those who have made a contribution to the Navy, as well as military and civil institutions, Brazilian or foreign, who have contributed exceptional services to the Brazilian Navy.

The Order's grades are Grand Cross limited to 8, Grand Officer limited to 18, Commander limited to 50, Officer limited to 100, and Knight limited to 150. The grade denotes the rank of the recipient.

The Grand Cross Breast Star is awarded to those who are leaders of foreign governing houses and heads of state.