The Nakhimov Medal is awarded to seamen, soldiers, petty officers, sergeants, michmans and praporshchiks (noncommissioned officers) of the Navy and naval units of the frontier guard service for courage and valour displayed in defense of the socialist Homeland in the course of naval operations, in the execution of military duty in conditions involving risk of life, in defense of the USSR's sea frontiers, and for active assistance in the execution of combat missions by naval units.

This decoration was established in March 1944.