1. Concept of Maritime Zones
Maritime zones are legally defined sea areas in which States exercise different degrees of authority. The farther a zone is from the coast, the weaker the coastal State’s control and the stronger international freedoms become.
This zonal structure reflects a balance between:
- Coastal State interests, and
- International community interests
2. Internal Waters
Meaning
Waters on the landward side of the baseline, such as:
- Harbours
- Bays
- Rivers
Legal Status
- Full sovereignty of the coastal State
- Foreign vessels have no automatic right of passage
3. Territorial Sea
Extent
- Extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline
Legal Status
- Coastal State enjoys sovereignty
- Subject to right of innocent passage for foreign vessels
Importance
- Closest maritime zone to land
- High relevance for security and administration
4. Contiguous Zone
Extent
- Extends up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline
Legal Powers
Coastal State may enforce laws relating to:
- Customs
- Immigration
- Fiscal matters
- Sanitary regulations
Nature
- Not full sovereignty
- Preventive and enforcement jurisdiction only
5. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Extent
- Extends up to 200 nautical miles
Rights of Coastal State
- Sovereign rights over natural resources
- Jurisdiction over:
- Marine scientific research
- Environmental protection
Rights of Other States
- Freedom of navigation
- Freedom of overflight
6. Continental Shelf
Meaning
- Seabed and subsoil beyond the territorial sea
Extent
- Minimum: 200 nautical miles
- Maximum: 350 nautical miles (subject to conditions)
Nature of Rights
- Limited to seabed resources
- Exist automatically without declaration
7. High Seas
Meaning
- Areas beyond national jurisdiction
Legal Status
- Open to all States
- Governed by freedoms of:
- Navigation
- Fishing
- Scientific research
8. International Seabed Area
Meaning
- Seabed beyond national continental shelf
Legal Status
- Declared common heritage of mankind
- No State may claim sovereignty
