251
1 INTRODUCTION
The coastal area of the Republic of Croatia (hereinafter:
the RC) on the Adriatic Sea extends for a total of 1,777
kilometres and occupies the largest part of the eastern
Adriatic coast. Although the aerial distance between
the extreme northern and southern points of the coast
is approximately 526 kilometres, the coast itself is
extremely indented with numerous bays, coves, and
peninsulas. Due to this high degree of indentation, the
Croatian coast ranks among the most indented in
Europe, and the total length of the coastline, including
islands, is as much as 5,835 kilometres [1].
The competent RC bodies carry out control over a
maritime area that covers a total surface of 55,349 km².
This area consists of internal waters (12,498 km²),
territorial sea (18,981 km²), and the exclusive economic
zone (23,870 km²). Such an extensive maritime area
presents a significant challenge for the institutions
responsible for its control and protection [3].
The maritime domain of the RC faces a complex
spectrum of security challenges, including illegal
migration, marine pollution, illegal fishing, terrorism,
trafficking of people and goods, and unauthorized
exploitation of marine resources. As a key component
of the national security system at sea, the RC
established the Coast Guard of the Republic of Croatia
(hereinafter: the Coast Guard), whose fundamental
task is the control and protection of the rights and
interests of the RC at sea [12]. The continuous increase
in the intensity of maritime traffic further contributes
to the increased frequency of illegal activities, which
additionally burdens the operational capacities of the
Coast Guard and other competent state administration
bodies.
Coordinated action by state administration bodies
represents a crucial prerequisite for the successful
Analysis of Coordinated Activities of the Coast Guard
within the Central Coordination System for
the Surveillance and Protection of the Rights
and Interests of the Republic of Croatia in the Adriatic
Sea - Eastern Part
I. Carević
1
, L. Mihanović
2
, M. Dedo
3
& T. Sunko
3
1
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, Croatian Navy, Split, Croatia
2
Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University, Zagreb, Croatia
3
Ministry of Defence, Croatian Defence Academy "Dr Franjo Tuđman", Zagreb, Croatia
ABSTRACT: This paper analyses the coordinated activities of the Coast Guard of the Republic of Croatia and
state administration bodies in the period from 2020 to 2024, focused on the control and protection of national
rights and interests at sea. As a key component of the maritime monitoring system, the Coast Guard faces
challenges such as search and rescue at sea, illegal fishing, marine pollution, human and goods trafficking, and
piracy. In joint activities with the competent state administration bodies, it acts as an authorized body established
by the Central Coordination for Surveillance and Protection of the Maritime Rights and Interests of the Republic
of Croatia. The analysis of available data, processed using the MATLAB programming language, indicates the
importance of procuring new vessels, whose use has resulted in significant progress in the conservation of marine
resources. The results indicate the need for further fleet modernization to maintain a high level of operational
efficiency in protecting the interests of the Republic of Croatia on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.
http://www.transnav.eu
the International Journal
on Marine Navigation
and Safety of Sea Transportation
Volume 20
Number 2
June 2026
DOI: 10.12716/1001.20.02.01
252
control and protection of the maritime rights and
interests of the RC. An integrated approach enables
systematic planning of activities that transcend
individual jurisdictions, thereby achieving greater
operational efficiency and optimal use of available
human and technical resources. Such joint activities
improve inter-institutional communication, enable
real-time information exchange, and increase the
ability to respond promptly to maritime incidents and
security threats.
For developing countries, such as the RC, a long-
term process of harmonizing administrative and legal
regulations based on the experience gained during the
work of competent bodies in maritime control and
protection is common. Systematic amendments to
existing acts as well as the adoption of new regulations
directly contribute to optimizing the national security
system at sea. Effectively implemented legal provisions
clearly reflect the quality of the system for prevention
and readiness to respond to various security threats.
However, in addition to the administrative and legal
framework, it is necessary to simultaneously achieve
progress in the areas of technical equipment and
human resources.
The scientific hypothesis of this paper is based on
the assumption that the modernization of technical
capacities and, accordingly, the systematic training of
human resources, significantly increase the efficiency
of performing the tasks of control and protection of the
RC maritime areas. Special attention in this research is
focused on evaluating the efficiency of newly procured
vessels and their contribution to rationalizing the costs
of operational activities in the control of the RC
maritime area.
The objective of this research is to determine and
present how the Coast Guard, in cooperation with
other relevant state administration bodies, has
significantly improved the efficiency of maritime space
surveillance after the introduction of new vessels into
operational use, based on the agreement between the
Ministry of Defence of the RC and the Ministry of
Agriculture of the RC. The new vessels enable more
effective implementation of inspection controls and
better coverage of a wider area, while significantly
reducing operational costs and the time required to
respond to maritime incidents and other forms of
threats.
The following scientific methods were applied in
the research: content analysis of legal and official
provisions, a descriptive method for presenting the
organization and development of the Coast Guard, and
a comparative method for comparing newly
introduced vessels with other naval assets. The
provided data were processed using the MATLAB
programming language applying statistical methods
and time-series analysis, while the results were
presented using through data visualization methods.
Finally, a synthesis of the findings was carried out to
draw conclusions about the operational and economic
efficiency of the Coast Guard.
2 COAST GUARD OF THE REPUBLIC OF
CROATIA
After gaining independence, the RC recognized the
need to establish a new body competent for the control
and protection of its rights and interests at sea.
Although the idea of forming such an organization had
existed in the early years of independence, concrete
steps were taken only more than decade later. On
October 3, 2007, the Croatian Parliament passed the
Coast Guard Act, which entered into force on
November 1 of the same year. This law defined the
organization, scope of work, powers, and duties of the
Coast Guard, which was established as a component of
the Croatian Navy [11]. Over the following years,
experience gained in the implementation of the act
indicated the need for its revision and adaptation to
new circumstances. As a result, a new Coast Guard Act
entered into force at the end of 2019. This act further
elaborated on the organizational aspects, powers, and
cooperation of the Coast Guard with other state
administration bodies [12].
The Coast Guard Act [12] prescribes the legal
framework for the jurisdiction and powers of the
authorized personnel of the Coast Guard. The status of
an authorized person is acquired by successfully
completing a special training program conducted at the
Croatian Navy Training Centre. The course consists of
two four-week modules. Upon completion of the first
module and assignment to an organizational position,
a person is granted the status of a second-category
authorized officer, while the status of the first- category
authorized person of the is acquired upon completion
of the second module. Second-category authorized
persons are authorized to implement coercive
measures, while persons of the first category, in
addition to these powers, also have inspection powers.
Their identity and powers are confirmed by an official
identity card and badge. The Coast Guard also
organizes special boarding teams based on the NATO
standard ATP-71, designed for the inspection of
vessels, cargo, and persons on board [10].
The composition of the Coast Guard includes active
military personnel, including officers, non-
commissioned officers, and sailors, as well as civil
servants and employees assigned to ships or the unit's
command. The Commander of the Coast Guard is
appointed and dismissed by the President of the RC
upon the proposal of the Government of the RC, and
he simultaneously chairs the Expert Body of the
Central Coordination for the Control and Protection of
the Rights and Interests of the RC at Sea (hereinafter:
the Central Coordination). The organizational
structure of the Coast Guard includes the Command,
which is responsible for planning and executing tasks
and for coordination with competent state
administration bodies. The Command consists of the
personal staff group of the Coast Guard Commander,
the support department, and the operations
department. The naval part of the unit consists of the
1st Division stationed in Split and the 2nd Division
stationed in Pula [5]. Additionally, the air forces of the
Croatian Air Force, including unmanned aerial
vehicles from the Intelligence Regiment of the General
Staff of the RC Armed Forces, are operationally
subordinated to the Commander of the Coast Guard
[7].
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The Coast Guard performs a series of specialized
tasks essential for preserving sovereignty and security
at sea. Its tasks are focused on the control and
protection of the exclusive economic zone and the
continental shelf, in which the RC exercises sovereign
rights and jurisdiction. Within its competencies, the
Coast Guard is responsible for implementing Croatian
jurisdiction regarding marine scientific research and
protection of the marine environment. Furthermore, its
role is important in implementing the RC's jurisdiction
on the high seas, strictly applying the norms of
international law. A particularly significant segment of
the Coast Guard's activities is search and rescue
operations at sea, which are performed in accordance
with special regulations and international standards
[7].
The Coast Guard also plays a key role in preventing,
limiting, and remediating the consequences of sudden
environmental disasters at sea. In addition, it
supervises the implementation of marine fisheries
regulations in internal waters, the territorial sea, and
the exclusive economic zone, thereby ensuring the
sustainable exploitation of fish resources. It is highly
active in combating transnational organized crime,
including preventing the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction, as well as piracy and other non-
peaceful activities on the high seas. Additionally, it
monitors security zones around maritime facilities
intended for the exploration and exploitation of the
seabed in the continental shelf. In the field of national
security, it participates in detecting and eliminating
security threats under the homeland security system
[7].
In addition to the aforementioned operational
activities, the Coast Guard cooperates with other state
institutions through continuous maritime surveillance,
which enables effective information exchange in real-
time. It also provides support to civilian institutions in
cases of natural or technical disasters and participates
in supplying island populations with drinking water in
crisis situations. An important aspect of its operation is
the regular training, equipping, and preparation of
naval forces for independent or joint operations, with
the aim of reaching NATO standards and successfully
participating in international operations under the
auspices of NATO, the European Union, or the United
Nations [6].
Table 1 Operational Forces of the Coast Guard
Vessels in the composition of the 1st Division
OB SB-73 “Faust Vrančić“
OB ŠB-72 “Andrija Mohorovičić“
OOB-31 “Omiš“
OB -01 “Novigrad“
OB-02 “Šolta“
OB-04 “Hrvatska Kostajnica“
VGB-202 “Modrulj 2“
VGB-203 “Modrulj 3“
VGB-204 “Modrulj 4“
Vessels in the composition of the 2nd Division
OOB-32 “Umag“
OB-03 “Cavtat“
VGB-1 “Modrulj 201“
PDS-713 (Auxilliary amphibious raft)
Krasnica (Diving support launch)
Zrinka (Motor yacht)
Čista Velika (Motor yacht)
Ciera 1 (Motor yacht)
Ciera 2 (Motor yacht)
Source: Morh.hr [7, 10].
Until December 2018, when the new ship OOB-31
"Omiš" was included in the operational composition of
the 1st Division of the Coast Guard [7], the average age
of fleet’s vessels was approximately 35 years. Despite
the fact that this average has been reduced to 27 years
by January 2025 (Table 1.), the age structure of the fleet
still indicates significant obsolescence of the vessels.
This leads to the need for systematic and continuous
fleet modernization, with the aim of increasing the
level of safety, reliability, and efficiency in carrying out
legally defined tasks and more effectively responding
to modern security challenges.
2.1 Central Coordination for Control and Protection of
the Rights and Interests of the Republic of Croatia at
Sea
The Central Coordination represents an
interdepartmental body established with the aim of
coordinating and harmonizing the activities of state
bodies responsible for the control and protection of the
sovereign rights and interests of the RC in the maritime
domain. Its operations include representatives of
relevant ministries, including those responsible for
defence, maritime affairs, internal affairs, fisheries,
environment, economy, finance, and foreign affairs.
Additionally, the leading figures of operational bodies
are included in the decision-making process and work:
the directors of security and inspection services, the
commanders of the RC Armed Forces, the Croatian
Navy, and the Coast Guard, as well as the Chief Fire
Commander and the Chief State Inspector. The
primary task of the Central Coordination includes the
adoption of strategic documents, specifically annual
plans of joint activities, guidelines for action, and
standardized operating procedures, as well as the
analysis of the effectiveness of the surveillance system.
Based on the collected data and reports, the Central
Coordination assesses the current state of maritime
security and proposes adjustments to the legislative
and operational framework. The final annual report on
the implemented measures is published no later than
June 30 for the preceding calendar year [2].
The Expert Body acts as an operational and
administrative mechanism within the Central
Coordination. Its role involves the collection,
processing, and analysis of reports and other data
related to the security and protection of the RC's
interests at sea. Based on these analyses, the Annual
Report is prepared, and action plans are formulated.
The Expert Body also develops and proposes the
annual plan of joint activities, as well as quarterly plans
that include coordinated measures of multiple
institutions. In addition to preparing planning
documents, the Expert Body monitors the
implementation of planned activities in the field and
approves the monthly operational plans prepared by
the regional coordination units. Furthermore, it
initiates amendments to legal and sub-legal acts related
to the control and protection of the maritime space and
proposes the procurement of necessary equipment.
Special attention is given to the harmonization and
development of standard operating procedures for all
involved actors, as well as the education of authorized
persons through a plan of professional lectures and
exercises [2].
254
Regional Coordination Units operate within the
harbour master's offices on the Adriatic coast (Pula,
Rijeka, Senj, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Ploče, and
Dubrovnik), in accordance with the territorial
organization of regional self-government units. Their
fundamental function is the preparation and
implementation of monthly plans of joint activities
based on the quarterly plans submitted to them by the
Expert Body. Monthly plans are submitted no later
than the twentieth day of the month for the following
month, while reports on their implementation are
prepared by the tenth day of the month for the
preceding month. Regional Coordination Units play an
important role in coordinating the work of field bodies,
especially those responsible for maritime safety,
environmental protection, fisheries, customs, and the
police. They continuously collect and analyse data on
events relevant to the protection of the RC's interests at
sea and propose corrective measures to the Expert
Body to improve control efficiency. Through
operational flexibility, the regional coordination units
enable the effective implementation of joint actions and
respond to specific challenges in local maritime areas
[2].
According to valid data as of December 31, a total
of 1,066 employees from various state administration
bodies were engaged in the system of control and
protection of the RC's rights and interests at sea in 2024.
The largest number of employees come from the
Ministry of the Interior (280), the Ministry of Defense
(251), and the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and
Infrastructure (174). In addition to human resources,
technical equipment also plays a crucial role in the
operational capability of the system, which includes a
total of 130 vessels (16 ships and 114 boats), as well as
8 aircraft and 12 unmanned aerial vehicles. The Coast
Guard contributes 6 ships, 5 boats, and 6 aircraft
included in the operational maritime control forces.
The air surveillance component is particularly
noteworthy, including Pilatus PC-9 aircraft and Mi-
171Sh helicopters of the Croatian Air Force under the
operational command of the Coast Guard, as well as
two AW139 helicopters of the Ministry of the Interior
operating within the Intervention Command.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture and the
Croatian Firefighting Community have unmanned
aerial vehicles (Orbiter 3B), which are used for fisheries
surveillance and early fire detection [4]. The synergistic
action of trained personnel and available technical and
material resources forms the basis for an effective
response to security challenges in the maritime
domain, ranging from protection of sovereign rights
and prevention of illegal activities to fishing zone
control and ecological risk management. Therefore,
continuous investment in human resource
development and equipment modernization is
essential for maintaining the functionality of the
national maritime control system.
2.2 Cooperation Between the Ministry of Defence and the
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia
In July 2019, the Ministry of Defence of the RC and the
Ministry of Agriculture of the RC concluded an
interdepartmental agreement that provided for the
procurement of two vessels for the purpose of
maritime control, primarily in the field of marine
fisheries. The procurement was implemented within
the framework of the Operational Program for
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the RC, with the
European Union providing financial support in the
amount of 70% of the total project value. Upon
completion of the handover process, the vessels were
placed under the material and financial jurisdiction of
the Ministry of Agriculture, while the Ministry of
Defence, i.e., the Croatian Armed Forces, assumed
responsibility for crewing and providing logistical
support. The vessels, specifically large rigid-hulled
inflatable boats (RHIBs), are primarily intended for the
control of internal waters, the territorial sea, and the
exclusive economic zone, with the obligation to control
fishing activities for at least 60% of their exploitation
time. The remaining time is allocated for participation
in search and rescue operations at sea and for tasks
under the jurisdiction of the Croatian Navy and the
Coast Guard [8].
Figure 1. Large rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) type
"Modrulj." Source: Morh.hr.
In November 2020, the first two boats officially
became part of the Coast Guard. The first, designated
VGB-201 and named "Modrulj 1," was assigned to the
2nd Division of the Coast Guard based in Pula, while
the second, VGB-202 "Modrulj 2," was assigned to the
1st Division in Split. The successful implementation
of the project resulted in continued cooperation and the
expansion of the fleet in accordance with the same
interdepartmental agreement; two more RHIBs were
procured. The boat VGB-203 "Modrulj 3" was handed
over to the 1st Division in November 2021, and VGB-
204 "Modrulj 4" in April 2022 (Figure 1).
The execution of this project significantly enhanced
the operational capabilities of the Ministry of Defence,
especially in the context of strengthening the Coast
Guard's capacity. In addition to the primary function
of fisheries surveillance and search and rescue
operations, the RHIBs are also used in various
interdepartmental activities and military exercises
under the authority of the Croatian Navy [9].
3 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS OF PROVIDED
DATA AND DISCUSSION
Under the implementation of the Coast Guard Act, the
Central Coordination prepares an annual report on the
implementation of joint activities of the
interdepartmental bodies responsible for the control
and protection of the rights and interests of the RC at
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sea [3]. This report provides a comprehensive overview
of the implemented political guidelines, plans, and
regulations for the purpose of control and protection of
the RC's maritime domain. The content of the report
covers all executed tasks involving relevant state
institutions. It presents the achieved goals, realized
interdepartmental activities through quantitative
indicators of the tasks performed, measures taken
following established irregularities, and the financial
costs of operations for all involved bodies. The
numerical data represent a reliable basis for assessing
the efficiency of the system, from which conclusions,
evaluations, commendations, and proposals for further
improvement are derived.
The data used for this research, provided by the
Coast Guard, are part of the annual reports on the
implementation of joint activities in the protection of
the RC's rights and interests at sea. Specifically, the
available data pertain to maritime control activities
carried out in joint operations of the Coast Guard with
other competent bodies and are presented monthly for
the period from 2020 to 2024. These data allow an
analysis of the impact of the new vessels on the
operational efficiency of the Coast Guard.
Figure 2. Time series of monthly data for four variables
describing the Coast Guard's activities in the period from
2020 to 2024, for all vessels (red line) and for the "Modrulj"
type vessels (blue line). The shares of "Modrulj" type vessels
for each variable relative to other ships are shown for the
period from 2021 to 2024.
Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the time series of
monthly data for eight variables describing the Coast
Guard's activities in the period from 2020 to 2024. The
variables are presented both for all vessels (red line)
and for Modrulj-type vessels (blue line). The variables
include:
1. Distance covered (NM) – the total distance covered
during activities in one month.
2. Engine hours (h) – the total time the vessel was
operational in one month.
3. Fuel consumption (L) – the total fuel consumption
in litres in one month.
4. Fuel cost (EUR) – the total financial cost for fuel in
one month.
5. Number of inspections conducted – the total
number of conducted inspections recorded in a
minute book in one month.
6. Number of measures taken – the total number of
measures taken during inspections in one month.
7. Number of days spent in activities – the total
number of days involved in joint activities in one
month.
8. Number of vessels in activities – the total number of
vessels involved in joint activities in one month.
The figures also show the shares for each variable
for the "Modrulj" type vessels in relation to all Coast
Guard vessels combined.
Figure 3. Time series of monthly data for four variables
describing the Coast Guard's activities in the period from
2020 to 2024, for all vessels (red line) and for the "Modrulj"
type vessels (blue line). The shares of "Modrulj" type vessels
for each variable relative to other ships are shown for the
period from 2021 to 2024.
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The analysis of the Coast Guard's activities in the
period from 2021 to 2024 indicates a significant
contribution of the "Modrulj" type vessels (hereinafter:
the Modrulji) in carrying out the control and protection
of the RC's rights and interests at sea. The Modrulji
covered 65% more distance with 56% of the total engine
hours. Despite intensive activities, the Modrulji
accounted for only 32% of the total fuel consumption
in litres and 37% of the fuel costs in euros,
demonstrating their cost-effectiveness compared to
other vessels.
Before the introduction of the Modrulji, recorded
fuel costs were significantly higher, which further
emphasizes their positive impact on the operational
cost rationalization. The Modrulji participated in 57%
of the total joint procedures which resulted in as much
as 79% of the total number of measures issued.
Although the share of vessels was only 45%, an
exceptional efficiency in the use of these vessels was
recorded.
Figure 4. Average monthly values for four variables of Coast
Guard activities in the period from 2021 to 2024. The blue line
represents the activities of the Modrulji, while the red line
shows the activities for other vessels.
The activities of all vessels are more pronounced
during the summer months, which is expected given
the tourist season, which leads to an increase in
maritime traffic greater challenges in the control and
protection of the RC's rights and interests at sea.
The presentation of seasonal data for the Modrulji
and other vessels allows a clear comparison of their
activities throughout different times of the year,
highlighting differences in intensity, costs, and
outcomes. Additionally, such visualization enables the
recognition of seasonal patterns and contributes to
better operational planning.
Figure 4 and Figure 5 show the average monthly
values for all eight analysed variables, specifically for
other vessels (red line) and for the Modrulji (blue line),
for the period from 2021 to 2024.
The "Modrulj" type vessels have been operational
since 2021, thus comparative analyses cannot be made
for previous periods.
Figure 5. Average monthly values for four variables of Coast
Guard activities in the period from 2021 to 2024. The blue line
represents the activities of the Modrulji, while the red line
shows the activities for other vessels.
257
The figure shows that the Modrulji took on a key
role during the summer months, which is evident from
the fact that they covered, on average, 591 NM more
distance than other vessels in June, July, and August.
Simultaneously, the number of engine hours follows
the seasonal trend, with the highest values recorded in
the June–August period. The Modrulji achieved 32
hours more than other boats, demonstrating their
reliability and operational readiness during key
periods. Despite this, fuel consumption is comparable
to that of other vessels (in litres and euros), confirming
their cost-effectiveness. This efficiency is particularly
prominent when considering that fuel costs before the
introduction of the Modrulji (Figure 2 and Figure 3)
were significantly higher, highlighting the importance
of fleet modernization for long-term cost
rationalization. Further analysis shows that Modrulji
participate in a significantly higher number of
conducted inspections in joint actions, especially
during the summer months (June–August), when the
number of conducted inspections is twice as high
compared to other vessels. In the context of the number
of measures taken, the operational efficiency is
strongly expressed in favour of the Modrulji. Over the
entire period, the number of measures taken using the
Modrulji was over 150% higher, while for the June–July
period, it was almost five times higher than for other
vessels. It is interesting to note that, despite a smaller
share in the total number of vessels throughout the
entire period (only 45%), the Modrulji spend an
average of 6 days in activities, which is 2 days more
than other vessels. During the summer peak (June–
August) when activities are intensified, the Modrulji
spend 5 days more in activities compared to other
vessels. This data indicates that the use of Modrulji is
not only more economically viable but also
operationally more efficient than the use of other
vessels, especially during the summer season when
maritime control is more frequent and intense.
To provide a detailed insight into the efficiency of
using the Modrulji compared to other vessels, analyses
of efficiency measures for Coast Guard vessels were
performed for the period from 2021 to 2024.
Figure 6. Monthly averages of efficiency measures for Coast
Guard vessels (2021–2024) comparing "Modrulji" (blue line)
and other vessels (red line). Efficiency measures are divided
into two categories (from left to right): fuel consumption
efficiency and cost efficiency.
Figure 7. Monthly averages of efficiency measures for Coast
Guard vessels (2021–2024) comparing "Modrulji" (blue line)
and other vessels (red line). Efficiency measures are divided
into two categories (from left to right): operational efficiency
and vessel utilization.
Figure 6 and Figure 7 show the monthly averages of
efficiency measures divided into four categories:
1. Fuel consumption efficiency,
2. Cost efficiency,
3. Operational efficiency, and
4. Vessel utilization.
These measures provide a comprehensive insight
into the economic, operational, and logistical efficiency
of the vessels. The analysis results show that the
Modrulji have consistently lower fuel consumption
throughout the year, except in June and September,
when the fuel consumption per engine hour (L/h) was
comparable to other vessels. The lower consumption of
the Modrulji is particularly pronounced when looking
at fuel consumption per nautical mile covered (L/NM).
The difference is especially highlighted during the
winter and summer months, indicating their cost-
effectiveness throughout the entire period.
In the context of cost efficiency, the Modrulji had
lower consumption per day spent at sea, except in
March. Even then, the cost per day for the Modrulji was
only about 250 EUR more, which is significantly less
than the total average consumption viewed
throughout the year (other ships spent about 600 EUR
more annually than the Modrulji). Consumption per
hour is also higher for other ships; the Modrulji spent
about 100 EUR/h, while other ships spent twice as
much. The increase in consumption during the
summer months indicates the increased usability of the
Modrulji during more intense operational periods,
where costs per activity become justified through
greater results.
Regarding operational efficiency, the Modrulji were
used more frequently during the pre-season and
season, resulting in a higher number of measures
issued. During the summer season, their operational
efficiency is particularly pronounced, with a greater
number of inspections in joint activities and a higher
number of measures issued per day compared to other
vessels.
Vessel utilization clearly demonstrates the
advantage of the Modrulji throughout the year, with
the exception of a shorter winter period. During the
summer, their utilization reaches the peak, with a
higher number of activities and nautical miles covered
per ship.
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4 CONCLUSIONS
Based on the defined research objectives—to determine
the effects of introducing new vessels into operational
use and to assess the efficiency of joint activities
between the Coast Guard and state administration
bodies—the application of scientific methods enabled
a systematic and methodologically grounded insight
into the period from 2020 to 2024. The results obtained
confirm the initial scientific hypothesis that the
modernization of technical capacities, alongside the
necessary personnel training and coordinated action of
competent bodies, significantly increases the
operational efficiency in the control and protection of
the RC's maritime area.
The contribution of the large rigid-hulled inflatable
boats (RHIBs) of the "Modrulj" type is particularly
highlighted. Despite their smaller share in the total
number of vessels, they achieved exceptionally
superior results: greater distance covered (+65%) and a
share of engine operating hours (+56%), with
significantly lower fuel consumption (37% in financial
costs). Their involvement in the majority of joint
procedures (57%) and the generation of the highest
number of measures issued (79%), especially during
the summer months, confirm the cost-effectiveness,
operational efficiency, and profitability of the
performed modernization.
The results also confirm the importance of the
Central Coordination as a key institutional mechanism
for the planning, harmonization, and evaluation of
joint activities. Interdepartmental cooperation among
competent bodies, supported by standardized
operating procedures and joint plans, enables optimal
coverage of the maritime area, increases response
speed, and enhances the efficiency of inspection and
security tasks.
Based on the conducted analyses, several
recommendations can be formulated: continue the
process of vessel modernization with emphasized care
for maintenance and logistical support to maintain
high availability; systematically invest in the training
of Coast Guard crews and authorized personnel and
improve interoperability with partner institutions;
strengthen the air component, especially unmanned
platforms, for timely detection of security threats and
optimal resource distribution; develop data
infrastructure and more sophisticated evaluation
indicators using artificial intelligence to continuously
improve efficiency.
In conclusion, the research results confirm that fleet
modernization, systematic staff education, and
interdepartmental coordination are fundamental
prerequisites for maintaining a high level of national
maritime security. The empirical findings provide a
strong basis for continued investment in technical
resources as well as for the further standardization and
optimization of joint activities. In this way, the long-
term protection of the RC's sovereign rights and
interests in the Adriatic is ensured, while maintaining
the capability to respond timely and effectively to
contemporary security.
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