Bulgaria’s preparedness for action in the event of disasters and accidents at sea as a coastal and port state is in addition to an obligation under international conventions, ratified and entered into force for the state and the necessity to protect the life and health of people and the natural environment in maritime space and coastline, many of which fall within the Natura 2000 network. The occurrence of maritime incidents in the Bulgarian Responsible Search and Rescue Area (BMORTS) raise a number of questions about the effectiveness of the state’s actions as a coastal or port State, and as a party to relevant international instruments (e.g. in the case of the Vera Su incident in 2021). Despite the requirement of Article 65(3) of the ZMPVRDB, the National Plan for Search and Rescue has not yet been developed and proposed to the Council of Ministers in BMORTS.There is a so-called 2004 Search and Rescue Operation Plan, but it is not part of the NZPB. Commercial and legal complications and difficulties in reimbursing the state’s costs incurred in reducing harmful effects, as well as for securing property, require a review of the regulations. In order to improve the above situation, as well as for an independent assessment of the degree of compliance of the Republic of Bulgaria with the requirements of the international instruments for safety of navigation and protection of the environment from pollution from ships, it is necessary to carry out an audit to assess the implementation of the requirements of the International Code for the implementation of the IMO instruments, as well as the up-to-date and implementation of the National Strategy for fulfilling the commitments of the Republic of Bulgaria as a country name, coast state and port state. As a result, an analysis of the existing regulatory framework, organisation and means of search and rescue at sea, combating spills and rescuing property, and identification of gaps and needs is carried out. (see additional justification)