Since the environmental pollution by microplastics is a relatively new area of research, the main problem is the lack of appropriate rules, regulations and parameters globally. Therefore, the sources of primary and secondary microplastics particles vary from source to source, and due to this the difference in the division of microplastic particles by size arises too. Moreover, various techniques and technologies are used when testing seawater and sediment as well. Ultimately, with different qualities of the obtained results, it leads to difficult and/or inadequate comparison. Furthermore, the research has been mainly conducted on smaller marine organisms, which needs to be extended to other larger organisms as well as to the human population to create a complete image of the negative effects of contamination of the marine food chain and the marine environment with microplastic particles in general.

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This paper emphasised the importance of proper handling and selection of specialised skimmer equipment for accidental pollution with oils. The research was motivated by the lack of similar papers that offer an extensive and recent literature analysis related to the use of skimmers, with the ultimate aim to present the methodology for proper selection of appropriate pollution equipment. Knowledge on the equipment characteristics such as capacity, selectivity, speed, and pump power of the skimmer is essential for efficient and fast collection of spills. The study aimed to calculate the oil collection rate of an individual skimmer device with different pumps. The classification of skimmers, pumps, and collecting tanks was made according to their main features. The results showed the correlation between pump capacity and the skimmers. Due to the complexity of mechanical equipment and various devices, it was crucial to identify and connect the skimmer with the proper pump. For these reasons, the authors proposed a model which determines the optimal combination for thirteen skimmers and eleven pumps. The model can help shorten the time of collecting oil from the sea surface and provide a more efficient and smoother response in the events of accidental marine pollution.

Risk assessment links the likelihood of adverse events occurring to their consequences. Such assessment is used in labour management and trade-off determination to identify the safety and impacts associated with a particular interest. In the maritime sector, it is mainly used to raise safety standards, prevent pollution, and maintain a healthy marine ecosystem. Risk control itself is traditionally focused on the relationships between individual actions and consequences, which are later considered in groups to assess their acceptability in accordance with safety requirements. Therefore, the risk assessment for the extraordinary pollution of the Adriatic Sea as an economically important area for the Republic of Croatia are described in this paper. First, the area of analysis is defined, and a meteorological description of the eastern Adriatic coast is provided. The risk assessment is carried out in three steps. The first step is a description of waterways, and the analysis of traffic density, regulations, and types of vessels in individual areas. The second step is a detailed analysis of statistical data on accidents in the Adriatic Sea. Finally, the most probable and the most undesirable extraordinary pollution events and their impact on the Croatian economy are analysed. In addition, examples and procedures for determining risk acceptability and its control in a part of the Croatian coast are presented.

Paper gathers information on Condition Assessment Programme (CAP), which is implemented by classification societies to thoroughly assess condition of tankers and bulk carriers by inspection of engine and hull. It is voluntary programme, mostly participated by tankers and bulk carriers which are fifteen and more years old and today less present on the market. Special focus will be on ultrasonic measurement of thickness of ship´s plates which is most significant indicator on condition of older vessels. After all measuring is done, data is compared with classification society rules and condition of hull and machinery will be assessed. This kind of inspection provides owners of older ships proof that despite age their ships are equally capable of conducting sea voyage. The authors analyse the number of ship arrivals in the port of Rijeka to gain a better insight into their age. Furthermore, the authors advocate ultrasonic thickness measurement for the purpose of reducing hazards.