Over the next two decades, Makarov specialized in naval research, publishing over fifty papers on oceanography and naval tactics.
As captain of  the corvette Vityaz, Makarov directed a round-the-world oceanographic expedition from 1886–89.
When Makarov was promoted to rear admiral in 1890, he was the youngest person to reach such a position in the history of the Russian navy.
From 1890–1894, Makarov was Chief Inspector of Naval Ordinance, during which time he invented the "Makarov cap", an armor-piercing projectile whose design was soon copied by all navies.
From 1894–1895, Makarov was commander of the Mediterranean Squadron.
From 1895–1896, Makarov was in charge of naval training.
He became a vice admiral in 1896, and began to concentrate on the design for new warships, especially icebreakers needed to establish a northern sea route between Europe and East Asia.
Makarov led an expedition to survey the mouths of the Ob and the Yenisei Rivers in 1897.
As part of his research on icebreaking methods, Makarov visited the Great Lakes of North America in 1898 to study methods in use by railroad ferries in winter.
He proposed the world's first polar icebreaker, Yermak, oversaw her construction, and commanded her on her maiden voyage in 1899.
In 1899, Makarov was also appointed commander and military governor of Kronstadt in January 1900.
In 1901, Makarov commanded Yermak on an Arctic expedition to survey the coasts of Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land.
Over the next two decades, Makarov specialized in naval research, publishing over fifty papers on oceanography and naval tactics. As captain of  the corvette Vityaz, Makarov directed a round-the-world oceanographic expedition from 1886–89. When Makarov was promoted to rear admiral in 1890, he was the youngest person to reach such a position in the history of the Russian navy. From 1890–1894, Makarov was Chief Inspector of Naval Ordinance, during which time he invented the "Makarov cap", an armor-piercing projectile whose design was soon copied by all navies. From 1894–1895, Makarov was commander of the Mediterranean Squadron. From 1895–1896, Makarov was in charge of naval training. He became a vice admiral in 1896, and began to concentrate on the design for new warships, especially icebreakers needed to establish a northern sea route between Europe and East Asia. Makarov led an expedition to survey the mouths of the Ob and the Yenisei Rivers in 1897. As part of his research on icebreaking methods, Makarov visited the Great Lakes of North America in 1898 to study methods in use by railroad ferries in winter. He proposed the world's first polar icebreaker, Yermak, oversaw her construction, and commanded her on her maiden voyage in 1899. In 1899, Makarov was also appointed commander and military governor of Kronstadt in January 1900. In 1901, Makarov commanded Yermak on an Arctic expedition to survey the coasts of Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land.
Stepan Makarov