This issue is the first one to fully implement the so-called Open Journal System. It was by no means an easy thing to achieve: however, we have finally succeeded, primarily due to enormous efforts of our executive editors and the technical staff. This issue brings thirteen papers, the largest number so far. Among the authors, apart from the Croatian ones, this issue boasts a cooperation of as many as twenty-one foreign scientists, coming from four continents. We take it as a good omen for our journal to be recognized and to establish a reputation all over the scientific world. The papers hereby presented deal with topics pertaining to a number of scientific areas and fields, such as marine engineering, navigation, safety systems, hydrography, marine information systems, maritime law, management of marine systems, education, and operation of submarine vessels.