Abdul Muhammed Law Practice
Abdul Muhammed Law Practice outlines the 20 most significant items of UNCLOS in simple language to help you grasp their importance.
Introduction
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a vital international agreement that governs various aspects of maritime activities.
- Territorial Sea
Coastal states have sovereign rights over the waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from their coastlines.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
States have exclusive rights over the natural resources within 200 nautical miles from their coastline.
- Continental Shelf
Coastal states can explore and exploit resources on the seabed beyond their EEZ, subject to certain conditions.
- High Seas
Waters beyond any state’s jurisdiction, where all countries enjoy the freedom of navigation and other rights.
- Freedom of Navigation
Ships from all states have the right to sail freely on the high seas.
- Innocent Passage
Foreign ships have the right to navigate peacefully through another state’s territorial sea.
- Archipelagic States
Island nations enjoy special maritime zones called archipelagic waters and archipelagic sea lanes.
- Right to Innocent Passage through Archipelago
Ships have the right of innocent passage through archipelagic waters.
- International Straits
Waterways used for international navigation, where states cannot hinder transit.
- Right of Transit Passage
Ships have the right of continuous and expeditious transit through international straits.
- Contiguous Zone
Beyond the territorial sea, states can enforce customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitary laws.
- Exclusive Fishing Zone
Coastal states can regulate fishing within 200 nautical miles, excluding foreign fishing vessels.
- Right to Lay Submarine Cables and Pipelines
States can install and maintain cables and pipelines in the seabed.
- Conservation of Marine Environment
States must cooperate to protect and preserve the marine environment.
- Research on the High Seas
All countries have the freedom to conduct scientific research in international waters.
- Landlocked States
Special provisions ensure access to and from the sea for landlocked countries.
- Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage
Wrecks and archaeological sites must be preserved and not looted.
- Dispute Resolution
UNCLOS provides mechanisms to peacefully resolve maritime disputes.
- Duty to Prevent Pollution
States must prevent and control marine pollution.
- Flag State Responsibility
States are responsible for the actions of their flagged vessels on the high seas.
Closing
Understanding these key provisions of UNCLOS is essential for promoting peaceful cooperation, responsible maritime activities, and protection of our oceans for the benefit of present and future generations.
