Understanding the complete human influence on maritime space has the central position in the planning process. Maritime spatial planning logically connects on integral planning of coastal area. Applying integral management on coastal and maritime area, together with the establishment of the process of maritime spatial planning makes the coupling regarding managing of the resources; all that is directed to the existence of sustainable development. Maritime spatial planning (MSP) is the process of analyzing and separating spatial and temporal divisions of human activities in the maritime area. Croatia, even though it is extremely maritime country, has not yet established complete legal framework for setting up MSP. This paper analyzes European legal framework for implementation of MSP process in Croatia. It provides the overview of the accomplishments achieved until today, as well as achievements of the Republic of Croatia during establishing legal and institutional framework for establishment and implementation of maritime spatial planning. The overview of application of MSP in European practice is specially presented. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the growing needs for maritime space and the manners of amortization of its unorganized use. The goal of this paper is to point on the importance of adopting legal regulations regarding MSP and their practical application. Efficient management and protection of natural resources is specially emphasized, all for the purpose of reducing conflicts in maritime areas.

One of the strategic development priorities of the Republic of Croatia is the development and construction of a modern telecommunications network and the availability of high-speed Internet throughout its territory, especially in rural areas and on islands. To enable this, it is important to build a reliable and resilient communication infrastructure. With the cooperation of all stakeholders in the construction, from telecom operators to local and state administrations responsible for the maritime demesne, and with efficient legislation, it is possible to achieve sustainable development of submarine cable infrastructure. The paper provides an overview of the legal aspects of submarine optical cable infrastructure design and application at the national and international levels. Special attention is dedicated to the analysis of a national legal regime regulating the protection and sustainable use of submarine cables. Thus, the authors will provide critical analysis of a kind of dualism present in the application of the Ordinance on the Register of Concessions and the Ordinance on the Register of Concessions on the Maritime Demesne and offer suggestions for potential improvements of a national legal framework pertaining to the right of laying and legally protecting submarine cables.

This paper analyses Ordinance on handling dangerous goods, the conditions and method of transport in maritime traffic, loading and unloading of dangerous goods, bulk and other cargo in ports and the method of preventing the spreading of oil spills in ports especially in the segment of the definition of dangerous goods, the supporting documents accompanying the handling of dangerous goods as well as supervision of the application of protective and safety measures. The author also discusses the terminological inconsistencies of important conceptual definitions while highlighting possible solutions. The paper also researches the role of the professional service, i.e., the qualified person who supervises handling dangerous goods in ports and who as such, is considered as the responsible person. The possible duality of the legal regulation of handling dangerous goods with regard to the Act on Transport of Dangerous Goods is also being researched. The last part highlights the contribution of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the achievements of the Republic of Croatia in establishing a system for the exchange of data on dangerous goods. In conclusion, the author gives an assessment of the compliance of the Croatian legal norm on the handling dangerous goods with international and EU solutions and makes appropriate proposals.

The introduction of marine spatial planning (hereafter: MSP) for Croatia is essential, considering the coastline length and the increasing usurpation of coastal and marine space. MSP is more than a process that regulates the activities on the sea. It is an analytical approach to the setup of human activities in the marine area. As a maritime country, Croatia has ratified the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and undertook the obligations of the Barcelona Convention. However, an appropriate document has not yet been made that would enable quality management of marine space. MSP and its onshore version contribute to the establishment and development of various activities, taking into account environmental, natural, economic, and sociological criteria. MSP is a continuation of spatial planning of the mainland area and must undoubtedly consider the more expansive coastal environment and the activities there. One of the tools in marine area mapping is the Geographic Information System (GIS), which has proven to be a very high quality and effective tool, especially in decision-making processes. The authors analyze the existing legal framework for marine spatial planning. Particular emphasis is placed on the obligations facing the Republic of Croatia to implement marine spatial planning. Given that the paper seeks to determine the advantages of MSP implementation using modern tools in marine area mapping, the authors in the third part discuss the benefits of using GIS as an acceptable tool in mapping marine space and provide recommendations for further actions.

The paper explains the issue of establishing a maritime domain cadastre and the importance of establishing the boundaries of maritime domain. Particular importance is given to the clear definition of the concept of maritime domain in order to make it clear what area can be declared a maritime domain and why and what is its spatial coverage. Legislation has tried to establish a maritime cadastre as a separate part of the cadastre, but it has not yet been achieved. Today, the maritime domain and its boundaries are entered in the land registers kept by the municipal courts. The authors consider it important to initiate the process of revision of Maritime Domain and Seaports Act (hereinafter: MDSA), adopted in 2003, which has changed several times, but without resolving the open issues of maritime domain management. This is especially important in order to avoid the misuse and misappropriation of maritime domain and to harmonize the activities of coastal counties in the process of establishing the boundaries of maritime domain.