Essential Notes on Law of Sea
Introduction
The United Nations Convention on Law of Sea, the Law of Sea is a collection of international treaties and
agreements that regulates all marine and maritime activities. It encourages a peaceful relationship
between the sea and the coastal states. As one of the main topics of international law, it conducts all
maritime economic activities, maintains navigation rules and protects the sea from ruling powers. It
regulates the geographical activities of various coastal states and plays a role in conserving the aquatic
environment. The Law of the Sea is associated with the convention on the Law of Sea, which is an UN-
based international treaty. It was signed in 1982 by 117 states, and was adopted in 1994.
What is the Genesis of the Law?
Hugo Grotius, known as the father of international law, played a significant role in formulating maritime
law concepts. During the 17th century, there was a doctrine called “freedom of the seas.” According to
this law, the sea is accessible to all the states, but the sea/ocean does not belong to any conditions.
The law of the sea is constantly changing.
Earlier, there was a conflict between “the free sea” and “the open sea.” Due to the advancement in
technology, during the 20th century, many states made jurisdictional claims to use, conserve and protect
the sea. In 1982, the United Nations adopted the law, consisting of 320 articles, nine annexes, and four
resolutions.
It expanded the scope of the matters regarding the sea
It extended the territorial sea to 12 nautical miles
It provides jurisdictional settlement of the states when in need
It explains the formation of the international tribunal for the law of the sea to carry out its disputes
Introduction
The United Nations Convention on Law of Sea, the Law of Sea is a collection of international treaties and
agreements that regulates all marine and maritime activities. It encourages a peaceful relationship
between the sea and the coastal states. As one of the main topics of international law, it conducts all
maritime economic activities, maintains navigation rules and protects the sea from ruling powers. It
regulates the geographical activities of various coastal states and plays a role in conserving the aquatic
environment. The Law of the Sea is associated with the convention on the Law of Sea, which is an UN-
based international treaty. It was signed in 1982 by 117 states, and was adopted in 1994.
What is the Genesis of the Law?
Hugo Grotius, known as the father of international law, played a significant role in formulating maritime
law concepts. During the 17th century, there was a doctrine called “freedom of the seas.” According to
this law, the sea is accessible to all the states, but the sea/ocean does not belong to any conditions.
The law of the sea is constantly changing.
Earlier, there was a conflict between “the free sea” and “the open sea.” Due to the advancement in
technology, during the 20th century, many states made jurisdictional claims to use, conserve and protect
the sea. In 1982, the United Nations adopted the law, consisting of 320 articles, nine annexes, and four
resolutions.
It expanded the scope of the matters regarding the sea
It extended the territorial sea to 12 nautical miles
It provides jurisdictional settlement of the states when in need
It explains the formation of the international tribunal for the law of the sea to carry out its disputes
