Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone

Article 14
Combination of methods for determining baselines

The coastal State may determine baselines in turn by any of the methods
provided for in the foregoing articles to suit different conditions.

Article 15
Delimitation of the territorial sea
between States with opposite or adjacent coasts

Where the coasts of two States are opposite or adjacent to each other,
neither of the two States is entitled, failing agreement between them to
the contrary, to extend its territorial sea beyond the median line every
point of which is equidistant from the nearest points on the baselines from
which the breadth of the territorial seas of each of the two States is
measured. The above provision does not apply, however, where it is
necessary by reason of historic title or other special circumstances to
delimit the territorial seas of the two States in a way which is at
variance therewith.

Article 16
Charts and lists of geographical co-ordinates

1. The baselines for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea
determined in accordance with articles 7, 9 and 10, or the limits derived
therefrom, and the lines of delimitation drawn in accordance with articles
12 and 15 shall be shown on charts of a scale or scales adequate for
ascertaining their position. Alternatively, a list of geographical
co-ordinates of points, specifying the geodetic datum, may be substituted.

2. The coastal State shall give due publicity to such charts or lists of
geographical co-ordinates and shall deposit a copy of each such chart or
list with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

SECTION 3. INNOCENT PASSAGE
IN THE TERRITORIAL SEA

SUBSECTION A. RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL SHIPS

Article 17
Right of innocent passage

Subject to this Convention, ships of all States, whether coastal or
land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial
sea.

Article 18
Meaning of passage

1. Passage means navigation through the territorial sea for the purpose of:
(a) traversing that sea without entering internal waters or calling at a
roadstead or port facility outside internal waters; or
(b) proceeding to or from internal waters or a call at such roadstead or
port facility.

2. Passage shall be continuous and expeditious. However, passage includes
stopping and anchoring, but only in so far as the same are incidental to
ordinary navigation or are rendered necessary by force majeure or distress
or for the purpose of rendering assistance to persons, ships or aircraft in
danger or distress.

Article 19
Meaning of innocent passage

1. Passage is innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good
order or security of the coastal State. Such passage shall take place in
conformity with this Convention and with other rules of international law.

2. Passage of a foreign ship shall be considered to be prejudicial to the
peace, good order or security of the coastal State if in the territorial
sea it engages in any of the following activities:

(a) any threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial
integrity or political independence of the coastal State, or in any
other manner in violation of the principles of international law
embodied in the Charter of the United Nations ;
(b) any exercise or practice with weapons of any kind;
(c) any act aimed at collecting information to the prejudice of the
defence or security of the coastal State;
(d) any act of propaganda aimed at affecting the defence or security of
the coastal State;
(e) the launching, landing or taking on board of any aircraft;
(f) the launching, landing or taking on board of any military device;
(g) the loading or unloading of any commodity, currency or person
contrary to the customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and
regulations of the coastal State;
(h) any act of wilful and serious pollution contrary to this Convention;
(i) any fishing activities;
(j) the carrying out of research or survey activities;
(k) any act aimed at interfering with any systems of communication or any
other facilities or installations of the coastal State;
(l) any other activity not having a direct bearing on passage.

Article 20
Submarines and other underwater vehicles

In the territorial sea, submarines and other underwater vehicles are
required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag.

Article 21
Laws and regulations of the coastal State relating to
innocent passage

1. The coastal State may adopt laws and regulations, in conformity with the
provisions of this Convention and other rules of international law,
relating to innocent passage through the territorial sea, in respect of all
or any of the following:
(a) the safety of navigation and the regulation of maritime traffic;
(b) the protection of navigational aids and facilities and other
facilities or installations;
(c) the protection of cables and pipelines;
(d) the conservation of the living resources of the sea;
(e) the prevention of infringement of the fisheries laws and regulations
of the coastal State;
(f) the preservation of the environment of the coastal State and the
prevention, reduction and control of pollution thereof;
(g) Marine Scientific Research and hydrographic surveys;
(h) the prevention of infringement of the customs, fiscal, immigration or
sanitary laws and regulations of the coastal State.

2. Such laws and regulations shall not apply to the design, construction,
manning or equipment of foreign ships unless they are giving effect to
generally accepted international rules or standards.

3. The coastal State shall give due publicity to all such laws and
regulations.

4. Foreign ships exercising the right of innocent passage through the
territorial sea shall comply with all such laws and regulations and all
generally accepted international regulations relating to the prevention of
collisions at sea.

Author: international

Mentioned in these Entries

Charter of the United Nations, Marine Scientific Research, Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone.