On 1-2 October 2025, EMSA supported, under the umbrella of the Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO) ADRIA led by EFCA, and within the ASAP project, the Adriatic Sea SARex / POLex / COMex 2025 exercise. Hosted by Croatia, the event brought together the maritime authorities of Croatia, Italy and Slovenia, alongside EMSA, EFCA, Frontex and partners from the Adriatic Sensitive Areas Protection (ASAP) project. The exercise was coordinated on-site from MRCC Rijeka, with pre- and post-exercise meetings in Dubrovnik.

Objectives

The exercise tested and enhanced cross-border coordination between Croatia, Italy and Slovenia by:

• Strengthening operational collaboration among Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs).
• Assessing situational awareness and communication effectiveness under crisis conditions.
• Evaluating joint procedures for Search and Rescue (SAR) and pollution response.
• Training participants in real-time information exchange via the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) network.

Exercise Activities

Four complementary activities were carried out:

SARex (Search and Rescue Exercise): A simulated collision between passenger ship and tanker triggered SAR operations, including firefighting elements. Authorities and assets from Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and also EFCA’s OPV supported the response.

POLex (Pollution Response Exercise): Building on the SARex scenario, participants had planned a joint pollution response operation, including activation of EMSA’s stand-by vessel Kijac and EFCA’s OPV Ocean Sentinel through the pollution notification exercise. Actions were aligned with regional agreements and Adriatic Sensitive Areas Protection (ASAP) project procedures, with the deployment of EMSA’s pollution response equipment installed onboard the Ocean Sentinel.

SAR TTE (Table-Top Exercise): Participating authorities from MRCC Koper and MRSC Trieste responded together to a small-boat rescue scenario focusing on decision-making, planning and coordination.

COMex (CISE Communication Exercise): Conducted at the premises of the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure in Zagreb, this activity tested real-time cross-border information exchange using the CISE network. The exercise was linked directly to the SARex and POLex scenarios.

The Role of the Joint Coordination Team (JCT)

One of the key elements of the exercise was the Joint Coordination Team (JCT) - a multi-agency group comprising representatives from the participating countries and agencies. The JCT was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire exercise, dynamically adapting the evolving scenarios in real time based on incoming information and operational developments.

By continuously monitoring the situation, the JCT ensured effective communication, swift decision-making, and seamless alignment between all activities. This agile coordination mechanism highlighted the vital role of teamwork and information sharing in managing complex maritime incidents.

Participation

The exercises gathered operational units and observers from:

• Croatia (MRCC Rijeka, MRSC Dubrovnik, SAR/pollution response units, JCT, CISE node)
• Italy (MRCC Rome, MRSC Trieste, SAR/pollution response units, JCT, CISE node)
• Slovenia (MRCC Koper, pollution response unit, JCT, CISE node)
• EMSA (JCT, pollution response unit, CISE node, Earth Observation)
• EFCA (JCT, SAR/pollution response unit, CISE node, observers)
• Frontex (JCT, observers)
• Adriatic Sensitive Areas Protection (ASAP) partner countries

Strategic Context

The Adriatic Sea SARex / POLex / COMex 2025 exercise took place within the framework of the EU’s Multipurpose Maritime Operation programme and the Adriatic Sensitive Areas Protection (ASAP) project.

The MMO brings together national authorities and EU agencies to support coast guard functions and joint action at sea.

In the Adriatic, this cooperation was further complemented by links to the Adriatic Sensitive Areas Protection (ASAP) project and the modernised Adriatic Reporting System for ships (ADRIREP).

Together, these elements helped reinforce navigation safety, situational awareness and environmental protection across the Adriatic-Ionian region.