Autonomne podvodne ronilice : Novi pojam hrvatskog pomorskog prava
Autonomous underwater vehicles : New term in Croatian maritime law

Summary/Abstract: Croatia is witnessing a strong development of underwater robotic technology. Underwater vehicles, specifically autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), play a significant role in protection and research of the Adriatic Sea, but can also be used in commercial or tourist purposes. However, legal issues concerning the underwater robotic technology, e.g. defining underwater vehicles within the existing Croatian legal system, are not dealt with in a satisfactory way. The article suggests, de lege ferenda, that underwater vehicles should be defined as underwater objects, which would form a separate category of maritime objects within the Croatian Maritime Code. In that case, a possible application of principles of Obligation Law, that would, in author’s opinion, prove to be too onerous and unjustified for both owners and operators, would be denied in cases of indemnity demands resulting from the usage of underwater vehicles. Furthermore, a registry system for underwater objects, such as the one for ships, boats and yachts, is advocated, thus enabling an improved legal protection of both owners of the underwater vehicles and potentially injured parties.

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