United Nations convention on laws of sea UNCLOS


United Nations Convention on Laws of Sea (UNCLOS) is an international convention which defines the rights and duties of administrations with respect to their use of worlds oceans. The convention was adopted on 10 December 1982 and was effective from 16 November 1994. This convention establishes regulations for the exploitation of marine resources and use of waters in the boundary of a local nation. 

The coastal waters of a local nation is divided into various sectors: 

Internal waters:
As per the convention a baseline is set. All the waters in the seaward side of this baseline can be used for foreign ships, but all waters on the landward side of the baseline should not be used by foreign ships. These waters are called internal waters. Internal waters may include rivers, backwaters,lakes etc. Coastal state is free to set laws in exploitation of resources and passage of vessels.

Territorial waters:
Territorial waters include waters upto 12 nautical miles away from the baseline. The local administration is free to set laws to control the access and use of resources. Foreign vessels shall pass in a continuous manner without affecting the peace, good order or security of the coastal state. This type of passage is called the innocent passage. In territorial waters fishing, spying, pollution and weapon practice are prohibited.

Contiguous zone:
After the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters, the next 12 Nautical miles is called the contiguous zone(24 Nautical miles from baseline). Foreign vessels can use this zone for passage. Coastal state is able to set laws on immigration, specific areas, customs and pollution.

Exclusive economic zones(EEZ):
Exclusive economic zones(EEZ) extend till 200 nautical miles from the baseline. In this area the coastal state had full rights and jurisdiction over the exploitation of resources. Coastal state also have special rights regarding the production of energy from water and wind.

Continental shelf:
Waters 12 nautical miles from the baseline is called territorial waters. Continental shelf is 200 nautical miles from territorial waters. On the continental shelf of coastal state, the state have full rights to make use the subsoil for minerals.