THE ROLE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MARITIME RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE

In 1998 with the adoption of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Plan the Republic of Croatia established Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and thus improved the safety of human life as well as material goods. Since the establishment of the MRCC statistics about the results achieved in the area of search and rescue at sea are regularly produced at the end of every year. The figures clearly show the importance and the value of the MRCC as well as its improvement over the years.With the growth of tourism in Croatia the number of vessels along the Adriatic coast has also increased throughout the year and not only during summer which requires efficient and well-organized system of Search and Rescue at sea.It is also important to note that the tasks of the MRCC do not encompass only coordinating Search and Rescue and marine traffic monitoring but also allocating places of refuge and coordinating actions in case of accidental marine pollution. Tha MRCC operates in the area of internal waters, Croatian territorial sea and international waters that are established by an agreement with the neighbouring ountries.Statistics collected by the authors show how the MRCC has progressed since its establishment until today. All boaters as well as other citizens are familiar with a free telephone number of the MRCC that they can call at any time, day and night in case of an accident or if they needsome nautical advice.