The question of where international waters begin isn't a simple one with a single, universally agreed-upon answer. It's a complex issue governed by international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and its interpretation can vary depending on specific geographical locations and coastal state claims. Understanding this requires exploring different maritime zones.
What are the Different Maritime Zones?
Before defining where international waters begin, let's understand the different zones extending from a coastal state's baseline:
-
Internal Waters: These are waters landward of the baseline, essentially bays, rivers, and harbors entirely within a country's territory. A coastal state has complete sovereignty over these waters.
-
Territorial Waters: Extending 12 nautical miles (nm) seaward from the baseline, these waters are subject to the coastal state's sovereignty, including its laws and regulations. Foreign vessels have the right of innocent passage, meaning passage that is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state.
-
Contiguous Zone: This zone extends 12 nm beyond the territorial sea, giving the coastal state the right to exercise control necessary to prevent and punish infringements of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea.
-
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Extending up to 200 nm from the baseline, this zone grants the coastal state sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the seabed and subsoil and the superjacent waters. Other states have freedom of navigation and overflight.
-
High Seas: This is the area beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, essentially international waters.
So, Where Do International Waters Begin?
International waters, or the high seas, begin beyond the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is typically 200 nm from the coastal state's baseline. However, this isn't always straightforward:
-
Overlapping Claims: Sometimes, the EEZs of neighboring states overlap. In such cases, the states must delimit their maritime boundaries through bilateral agreements, often involving negotiations and compromise. The high seas will begin beyond the agreed-upon boundary.
-
Extended Continental Shelf: UNCLOS allows coastal states to claim an extended continental shelf beyond 200 nm under certain geological conditions. This means that the boundary of the high seas could shift further away from the coast in these specific situations.
-
Islands and Rocks: The baseline from which these zones are measured is determined by the configuration of the coast, including islands and rocks. The definition of what constitutes an "island" capable of generating an EEZ is itself a complex legal matter.
How is the Baseline Determined?
The baseline from which all maritime zones are measured is crucial. Generally, it follows the low-water line along the coast. However, specific rules apply for bays, archipelagos, and other geographical features, making accurate baseline determination a specialized field.
People Also Ask:
What is the difference between territorial waters and international waters?
Territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from a nation's baseline and are under its sovereignty. International waters, or the high seas, begin beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, typically beyond the 200nm EEZ.
Can a country claim more than 200 nautical miles of maritime territory?
Yes, under specific geological conditions as defined in UNCLOS, a country can claim an extended continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. However, this requires a complex scientific process to demonstrate the geological continuity of its continental shelf.
What laws govern international waters?
International waters are governed by the rules and conventions of international law, primarily UNCLOS. This covers navigation rights, resource management, environmental protection, and other aspects of activity on the high seas.
Who owns international waters?
No single entity "owns" international waters. They are considered the "common heritage of mankind," meaning that their resources and the freedom of navigation are subject to international regulations and shared amongst all nations.
In conclusion, while the general rule of thumb is that international waters begin beyond the 200 nm EEZ, the precise location is frequently subject to complex legal and geographical considerations. UNCLOS is the framework that attempts to provide structure and order to this challenging area of international law. Understanding these complexities is crucial for navigating the maritime world and ensuring its sustainable use.
