Legal Definitions - territorial waters

Territorial waters refer to the belt of coastal waters extending up to 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 kilometers) from a country's coastline. Within this zone, a coastal nation exercises full sovereignty, meaning it has complete control and jurisdiction, much like its land territory and the airspace above it. This sovereignty includes the right to regulate navigation, fishing, resource exploration, and environmental protection. While a state has full control, international law generally grants foreign vessels the right of "innocent passage," allowing them to travel through these waters provided their passage is continuous, expeditious, and does not threaten the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state.

• Example 1: Illegal Fishing Vessel

  A fishing trawler from Country A is spotted by the coast guard of Country B operating 8 nautical miles off Country B's coast without proper permits. Country B's coast guard intercepts the trawler, arrests the crew, and seizes their catch and vessel. This action demonstrates Country B's full sovereignty over its territorial waters, allowing it to enforce its national laws, including fishing regulations, against foreign vessels within this zone.

• Example 2: Environmental Protection Zone

  Following a major oil spill incident, Country C implements new, stricter environmental regulations requiring all commercial vessels transiting within 10 nautical miles of its coast to use specific low-sulfur fuels and report their ballast water management plans. A large cargo ship from Country D, passing through Country C's coastal area, is found to be non-compliant. Country C's maritime authorities fine the shipping company. This illustrates how a nation uses its sovereignty over its territorial waters to enact and enforce laws for environmental protection, even affecting international shipping.

• Example 3: Foreign Naval Transit

  A warship belonging to Country E needs to travel from one international port to another, and the most direct route involves passing through a narrow strait that falls entirely within the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters of Country F. The warship proceeds through the strait without stopping, conducting any military exercises, or launching aircraft, maintaining a steady course. This scenario exemplifies the principle of "innocent passage," where a foreign military vessel is permitted to transit through another nation's territorial waters as long as its passage is continuous, expeditious, and non-threatening to the coastal state's security.