INTRODUCTION: ALTHOUGH INEVITABLE IN PRINCIPLE, MARITIME INCIDENTS COULD BE PREVENTED, CONTROLLED OR RESPONDED TO PROPERLY WITH THE APPROPRIATE MEASURES. ON THE OTHER HAND, EXPERIENCE FROM PREVIOUS INCIDENTS SHOWS THAT THE EXISTENCE OF CENTERS FOR COORDINATING AND DEALING WITH SUCH CASES WOULD EFFECTIVELY REDUCE HUMAN, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS. THIS WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT FOR THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN THAT ENJOYS A STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND A LONG COASTLINE, AND EXPERIENCES AN INCREASING TREND OF MARITIME VOYAGES FOR VARIOUS RECREATIONAL, TOURIST AND COMMERCIAL REASONS…..