Coastal states have recognized the importance of the sea and, in order to protect their interests in maritime domain, they establish naval forces. These forces must have developed capabilities for conducting both wartime operations and operations other than war (MOOTW). As the protection of the sea is not only a matter of national security but also global security, states engage their forces in various international MOOTW that contribute to increasing global security and stability, as well as maintaining peace. This paper presents different types of MOOTW in the maritime domain, highlighting their characteristics and principles. The adherence to fundamental principles is crucial for conducting of each operation, and therefore, these principles are specifically emphasized through examples of international MOOTW involving naval forces. The importance of international cooperation is further explained in the paper, along with the contribution of the Croatian Navy to the international interests. The participation of the Croatian Navy in operations Triton, Atalanta and Sea Guardian is presented to demonstrate Croatian’s contribution, as a coastal state and a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and European Union, to maritime security and stability.