The Ordre du Mérite Maritime (French for 'Order of Maritime Merit') is a French order established on 9 February 1930 for services rendered by seafarers to recognise the risks involved and the services rendered by seamen, and reflect the important economic role of the Merchant Navy to the country. The order was reorganized in 1948, and again by decree on 17 January 2002.
| Ordre du Mérite Maritime | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Order of merit with 3 degrees: Commandeur (commander) Officier (officer) Chevalier (knight) |
| Awarded for | Distinguished service of professional sailors and the merit of civilian mariners |
| Presented by |  France |
| Status | Active |
| Established | 1930 |
 Commandeur
 Chevalier
Ribbon bars of the l'Ordre du Mérite Maritime
| |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of Agricultural Merit |
| Next (lower) | Ordre des Arts et des Lettres |
The order may be conferred on those who have rendered services to shipping, and covers:
Recipients must be over thirty and have at least fifteen years appropriate service.[1]
The order has three classes:[1]
There is also a Médaille d'Honneur des Marins (Sailors' Medal of Honour) associated with the Order.[2]
