The Order "For Naval Merit" is awarded to citizens of the Russian Federation: for achievements in the exploration, development and use of the oceans in the interest of national defence and for ensuring its economic and social development; for achievements in the development and implementation of the latest technology and equipment for the Russian Navy; for services in maintaining, expanding, researching and using the exclusive oceanic economic zone of the Russian Federation; for achievements in the fight against illegal actions of pirates and poachers aimed at causing environmental and economic damage likely to ill affect the reputation and interests of the Russian Federation in its exclusive oceanic economic zone, as well as attacks against ships flying the national flag of the Russian Federation on the oceans; for skillful organization and conduct of naval exercises and manoeuvres, during which all goals were fully achieved.[1]