Territorial Waters Three-Mile Limit

Introduction to Territorial Waters Three-Mile Limit

With respect to territorial waters on the coast of a nation, the theory of international law formerly was that the jurisdiction of such a nation extended along its coast for 3 nautical mi (5.556 km) from the low-water mark. The theory was based on the effective range of the cannon of the period. Although conditions of warfare changed, the 3-mi limit was the accepted measure of territorial jurisdiction until the 1950s. For the protection of fishing and other resources, however, or for special purposes, various limits beyond 3 mi were claimed from time to time. Thus, during the early 1930s, in connection with the enforcement of Prohibition, the jurisdiction of the U.S. over coastal waters was extended by international treaties to 12 nautical mi (22.224 km).” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Territorial Waters Three-Mile Limit in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Territorial Waters Three-Mile Limit