History

The Order of Naval Merit was instituted by the government of Bolivia on July 21, 1965, and it was regulated by decree on May 22, 1968.

The Order is awarded to Bolivian and foreign, whether diplomatic or military personnel, in recognition of meritorious service rendered to the Bolivian Navy and the nation in the performance of their functions.

The Order consists of four grade: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander and, Knight.

In despite of Bolivia lost its territorial access to the Pacific Ocean at the Pacific War, the Bolivia navy patrol the Lake Titicaca (the highest freshwater body in the world), Paraguay River, and other smaller rivers in the borders with Brazil and Peru.

The Order features an obverse inscription that translates to "To Naval Merit Bolivia," and a reverse that translates to "Fluvial Force and Lacustrine Knight."