The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) prescribes the breadth of TERRITORIAL SEA at:
A3 nautical miles, the historical 'cannon-shot rule' applicable in olden times
B350 nautical miles measured from the continental shelf in deep water cases
C200 nautical miles measured from the baselines as the exclusive economic zone
D12 nautical miles measured from the baselines determined in accordance with the Convention
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. 12 nautical miles measured from the baselines determined in accordance with the Convention
1. Article 3 UNCLOS 1982: 'Every State has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baselines determined in accordance with this Convention.'
2. Within the territorial sea: full SOVEREIGNTY of the coastal State (Article 2), subject to innocent passage rights (Articles 17-32).
3. Article 33 — contiguous zone up to 24 nautical miles.
4. Article 57 — Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nautical miles, with sovereign rights for exploration and exploitation of natural resources.
5. Articles 76-85 — continental shelf, up to 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin (up to 350 nm in some cases).
6. Hence option B is correct.
_Source: UN Charter 1945 / Vienna Convention on Law of Treaties 1969 / Geneva Conventions 1949 / ICJ Statute / UDHR ICCPR ICESCR — UNCLOS 1982, Article 3_
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