Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Maritime Zones under the UNCLOS


United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea (UNCLOS) is recognized as one of the universal legal documents on the seas. UNCLOS (III) contains provisions to recognize the maritime zones which shall be established by coastal states. 
Maritime Zones

Internal Waters: waters on the landward side of normal baseline(low-water line along the coast)

The territorial sea: area extending from internal waters to the seaward side, usually a width of 12 nautical miles (can be less or more)

The contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles from baseline from which the territorial sea is measured,  aimed at preventing violation of laws and regulations within its territory.

The Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) / Continental Shelf :  sea belt extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.

The high seas: all part of sea excluding EEZ, Contiguous & territorial sea.

The rights of Coastal states on zones

UNCLOS also states the rights and obligations of the states on managing and governing their activities including protection and preservation of natural resources in the respective zones.

Internal Waters : The coastal state exercises full sovereignty over its internal waters, and foreign ships while in this water is to observe the laws and regulations of this state .

The territorial sea:  rights to enforce laws relating to safe navigation and pollution, entitled to enforce international laws.

The contiguous zone:    a coastal state has its rights in a contiguous zone to defend its interests by stopping foreign ship supposed to be an offender in order to search, inspect or punish the offenders against its laws and regulations.

The Exclusive Economic Zone:   ownership of economic resources, control on pollution and prevention rights.  3rd party enjoy freedom of navigation, cable/pipeline laying etc.

The high seas:  open to all states, vessels can proceed without interference from other ships.