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.
