UNCLOS

• Adoption of UNCLOS III in 1973, formally concluded in 1982

  1982
• Definition of "Authority" in the UNCLOS
• Definition of "dumping" in the UNCLOS
• The US proclaimed its continental shelf and later proclaimed to conserve fisheries after World War II


  1945
• The delay in ratification of UNCLOS I led to the adoption of UNCLOS II

  1960
• Definition of "Area" in the UNCLOS
• The UNCLOS entered into force for the Philippines

  16th of November 1994
• General provisions of the territorial sea and contiguous zone according to the UNCLOS
• Explanation of the outer limit of the territorial sea according to the UNCLOS
• Explanation of straight baselines in the UNCLOS
• UNCLOS applies to entities referred to in article 305, paragraph l(b), (c), (d), (e) and (f)
• Explanation of measuring the breadth of the territorial sea in the case of islands situated on atolls or having fringing reefs according to the UNCLOS
• Explanation of the breadth of the territorial sea according to the UNCLOS
• UNCLOS I was adopted in a conference in Geneva


  1958
• Article 1 of the UNCLOS defines terms and scope
• The Republic of the Philippines signed the UNCLOS

  December 10, 1982
• Explanation of "States Parties" in the UNCLOS
• Legal status of the territorial sea, air space over the territorial sea, and its bed and subsoil according to the UNCLOS
• Definition of "activities in the Area" in the UNCLOS
• Explanation of the normal baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea according to the UNCLOS
• Measuring the breadth of the territorial sea for fringing reefs


  The baseline is the seaward low-water line of the reef, as shown by the appropriate symbol on charts officially recognized by the coastal State
• Roadsteads


  Normally used for the loading, unloading, and anchoring of ships, and are included in the territorial sea if situated wholly or partly outside the outer limit of the territorial sea
• Passage


  Navigation through the territorial sea for the purpose of traversing that sea without entering internal waters or proceeding to or from internal waters or a call at a roadstead or port facility
• Passage is considered innocent as long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the coastal State and complies with international law
• Delimitation of the territorial sea between States with opposite or adjacent coasts

  1. Neither of the two States is entitled to extend its territorial sea beyond the median line every point of which is equidistant from the nearest points on the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial seas of each of the two States is measured, unless agreed otherwise

  2. This provision does not apply where it is necessary by reason of historic title or other special circumstances to delimit the territorial seas of the two States in a way which is at variance therewith
• Foreign ships engaging in specific activities in the territorial sea are considered prejudicial to the coastal State's peace, good order, or security
• Low-tide elevations


  1. A naturally formed area of land surrounded by and above water at low tide but submerged at high tide

  2. The low-water line on a low-tide elevation may be used as the baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea if situated at a distance not exceeding the breadth of the territorial sea from the mainland or an island

  3. A low-tide elevation wholly situated at a distance exceeding the breadth of the territorial sea from the mainland or an island has no territorial sea of its own
• Charts and lists of geographical coordinates

  Baselines for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea and lines of delimitation shall be shown on charts or lists of geographical coordinates, which shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Innocent passage


  Passage that is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the coastal State and complies with international law
• Combination of methods for determining baselines

  The coastal State may determine baselines by any of the methods provided in the preceding articles to suit different conditions
• Delimiting the territorial sea

  1. The outermost permanent harbour works which form an integral part of the harbour system are regarded as forming part of the coast

  2. Off-shore installations and artificial islands are not considered as permanent harbour works
• Passage shall be continuous and expeditious, including stopping and anchoring only if incidental to ordinary navigation, force majeure, distress, or rendering assistance
• Ships of all States enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea
• Submarines and other underwater vehicles in the territorial sea

  Required to navigate on the surface and show their flag
• Laws and regulations of the coastal State do not apply to design, construction, manning, or equipment of foreign ships unless giving effect to generally accepted international rules or standards
• Sea lanes and traffic separation schemes in the territorial sea

  1. Coastal State may designate or prescribe sea lanes and traffic separation schemes for regulation of ship passage

  2. Tankers, nuclear-powered ships, and ships carrying dangerous substances may be required to use designated sea lanes

  3. Considerations for designation include recommendations of international organizations, customary channels, ship characteristics, and traffic density

  4. Sea lanes and schemes must be clearly indicated on charts
• Coastal State shall not impede innocent passage of foreign ships through the territorial sea except in accordance with the Convention
• Laws and regulations of the coastal State relating to innocent passage

  • Safety of navigation and regulation of maritime traffic
  • Protection of navigational aids, facilities, cables, and pipelines
  • Conservation of living resources of the sea
  • Prevention of infringement of fisheries laws
  • Preservation of the environment and pollution control
  • Marine scientific research and hydrographic surveys
  • Prevention of infringement of customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws
• Activities not considered innocent passage through the territorial sea


  • Exercise or practice with weapons of any kind
  • Collecting information prejudicial to defence or security
  • Propaganda affecting defence or security
  • Launching, landing, or taking on board aircraft
  • Launching, landing, or taking on board military devices
  • Loading or unloading contrary to laws of the coastal State
  • Wilful and serious pollution
  • Fishing activities
  • Research or survey activities
  • Interfering with communication systems or facilities of the coastal State
  • Other activities not directly related to passage
• Foreign ships exercising the right of innocent passage shall comply with all laws, regulations, and international regulations relating to prevention of collisions at sea