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How Far Out Is International Waters USA?
International waters, also known as high seas, are a vast expanse of ocean that lies beyond the territorial sea of a country. For the United States, determining the exact distance at which international waters begin can be somewhat complex. This article aims to shed light on how far out international waters are from the United States and the implications of this boundary.
The United States’ territorial sea extends to a distance of 12 nautical miles from its coastline, as established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Beyond this boundary lies the contiguous zone, which extends up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline, and then the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
Understanding the Territorial Sea
The territorial sea is the area of water and seabed that a country claims as its own, subject to its sovereignty. The 12-nautical-mile limit is a widely accepted international standard, but it’s important to note that some countries have extended their territorial sea to 24 nautical miles. In the case of the United States, the 12-nautical-mile limit has been in place since the adoption of the Territorial Sea Jurisdiction Act of 1988.
Contiguous Zone and Exclusive Economic Zone
The contiguous zone is an area beyond the territorial sea where a country can enforce its customs, fiscal, and immigration laws. The United States has the authority to regulate activities such as fishing, mining, and scientific research within this zone. The contiguous zone ends at the beginning of the exclusive economic zone.
The exclusive economic zone is a marine area over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production. These rights do not include sovereignty over the seabed or the air space above the zone. The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline, which is typically the low-water mark along the coast.
How Far Out Is International Waters USA?
Considering the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea limit, international waters begin at the 12th nautical mile from the United States coastline. However, the exact location of the baseline can vary, as it is typically determined by the lowest astronomical tide. This means that the distance to international waters can vary slightly depending on the specific location along the U.S. coastline.
In conclusion, international waters are approximately 12 nautical miles out from the United States coastline. This boundary is essential for understanding the extent of a country’s maritime jurisdiction and the rights and responsibilities associated with the high seas. As global maritime activities continue to expand, the importance of knowing where international waters begin becomes increasingly significant.