Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Lines along the coast from which the breadth of the territorial sea and other maritime zones are measured under the law of the sea.

Regulations requiring that a certain percentage of government-impelled cargo be transported on national-flagged vessels to support domestic shipping industries.

A maritime zone extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline where a state may enforce laws related to customs, immigration, and sanitation.

The seabed and subsoil extending beyond a coastal state's territorial sea to the outer edge of the continental margin, where the state has sovereign rights for resource exploration.

A principle in territorial acquisition requiring actual, continuous, and peaceful display of state authority over a territory to establish sovereignty.

Rules ensuring fair and just division of maritime boundaries between states, considering geography and other relevant factors.

The authority and responsibility of a state to ensure that ships flying its flag comply with international regulations and standards.

The legal authority a state exercises over ships registered under its flag, including enforcement of laws on the high seas. It is fundamental to the law of the sea.

The responsibility of the state whose flag a vessel flies to ensure compliance with international maritime regulations and standards.

The principle allowing ships of all states to sail through international waters without interference, subject to international law.

The principle that the high seas are open to all states for navigation, fishing, and other lawful uses.

A specialized UN agency responsible for regulating shipping, maritime safety, and preventing marine pollution.

A specialized judicial body established to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of UNCLOS.

The principle that a ship is subject to the jurisdiction and laws of the state whose flag it flies.

Restricted authority of coastal states over certain maritime zones, such as the contiguous zone, beyond territorial waters.

The process of establishing agreed maritime borders between states in overlapping sea areas under international law.

An international organization established to regulate mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction.

A belt of coastal waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline, over which a state has sovereignty.

The low-water line along the coast from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.

Lines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured according to international law of the sea.

A belt of coastal waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from a state's baseline, subject to its sovereignty under international law.

Vessel flag state responsibilities include enforcing laws and safety regulations on ships registered under their jurisdiction on the high seas.