UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA

   UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA

WHAT IS THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA?

• An international agreement established the legal framework for marine and maritime activities.
• It is also known as Law of the Sea.
• It divides marine areas into five main zones:
  • Internal Waters
  • Territorial Sea
  • Contiguous Zone
  • Exclusive Economic Zone
  • High Seas
• It provides only framework for State jurisdiction in maritime spaces.

WHAT ARE INTERNAL WATERS?

• These are on the landward side from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
• Each coastal state has full sovereignty over these waters.
• Eg. Bays, Ports, Inlets, Rivers, Lakes etc.

WHAT IS TERRITORIAL SEA?

• The territorial sea extends seaward up to 12 nautical miles.
• Coastal states have sovereignty and jurisdiction over the territorial sea.

WHAT IS CONTIGUOUS ZONE?

• This zone extends seaward up to 24 nm.
• It is an intermediary zone between the territorial sea and the high seas.
• Coastal state has the right to both prevent and punish infringement of laws within its territory.

WHAT IS EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE?

• EEZ beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea that extends seaward up to 200 nm.
• Rights to carry out activities like the production of energy from the water, currents and wind.

WHAT ARE HIGH SEAS?

• These are ocean surface and the water column beyond the EEZ.
• It is considered as the common heritage of all mankind.
• It is beyond any national jurisdiction.
• States can conduct peaceful activities in these areas like transit, marine science, and undersea exploration.