UNCLOS 1982

UNCLOS came into force on 16th November 1994.

1. UNCLOS lays down the law and order in the world’s ocean and seas.
2. The convention includes 446 articles grouped in 17 parts and 9 annexes.

3. OBJECTIVES
 To promote peaceful uses of the seas and oceans
 To facilitate international communication
 To enable equitable and efficient utilization of the ocean resources
 To protect and preserve marine environment
 To promote maritime safety
4. Various zones as per UNCLOS

Internal waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous zone, Exclusive economic zone, Continental shelf & High
seas

5. Internal Waters – extends from shore to baseline. Comprises of lakes, rivers, canals,
harbours, bays etc. located between the shore and the baseline. The coastal state has
jurisdiction over all ships when they voluntarily enter these waters. Foreign flagged vessels
have the right of innocent passage only when the base line has been redrawn or incase of
force majeure or distress.
6. Territorial Sea – has a maximum limit of 12 miles from the baseline. Foreign flagged vessels
have the right for the innocent passage through territorial sea. Transit through international
straits is allowed and the bordering state may not impede the safe passage.
7. Archipelagic waters – special status is given by the UNCLOS due to their natural resources
but this status is only applicable for Mid Ocean states having one or more archipelago. They
are considered same as the territorial sea of a nation with respect to power of a coastal
state. Foreign flagged vessels have the right for innocent passage.
8. Contiguous zone – extends 12 nautical miles beyond territorial sea upto a maximum of
24nautical miles. Vessels can be detained in this zone if there is evidence of any violation of
health or custom regulation. The coastal state has full authority over the contiguous zone.
Foreign flagged vessels have the right for innocent passage.
9. Exclusive Economic Zone – is a zone with a 200 nautical mile limit from the baseline. Within
this zone the state has rights over natural resources of the seabed and waters.
10. Fisheries zone – can extend upto 12nm from baseline. As per UNCLOS this can extend upto
200nm in which coastal state may exercise exclusive fishing rights. Vessel transiting EFZ must
observe the local fishing regulations.
11. Continental Shelf – extends beyond the EEZ up to a maximum limit of 350 nautical miles
from the baseline. The continental shelf is a resource zone. The coastal state has authority to
build artificial island, installation, off shore structure etc in the continental shelf.
12. High Seas – represents the sea area which is not capable of forming part of any sovereign
state. The high seas are open to all States whether coastal or land locked.