Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

A principle allowing interception of neutral ships carrying contraband if the voyage is part of a continuous journey to an enemy state during armed conflict.

Maritime zone extending 200 nautical miles from a state's coast where it has exclusive rights over natural resource exploration and use.

Conflicts between states over maritime zones extending 200 nautical miles from their coastlines, affecting rights to resources and navigation. They often require international legal resolution.

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.

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

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

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.