Lazarev first circumnavigated the globe in 1813–1816, aboard the vessel Suvorov; the expedition began at Kronstadt and reached Alaska.

In 1822–1825, Lazarev circumnavigated the globe for the third time on his frigate Kreyser, conducting broad research in the fields of meteorology and ethnography.

In February–June 1833, Lazarev led a Russian squadron to the Bosporus and signed the Treaty of Hünkâr İskelesi with the Ottoman Empire.

Admiral Lazarev exercised great influence both in technical matters and as a mentor to younger officers.

He advocated the building of a steam-powered fleet, but Russia's technical and economic backwardness hindered his plans.