The UN code of navigation is principally established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which dictates freedom of navigation, rights of transit passage through straits, and innocent passage through territorial seas. It codifies customary international law, ensuring ships of any nation can pass through international waters without interference. [1, 2, 3]
Key Navigational Principles under UNCLOS:
- Freedom of Navigation (Art. 87): Ships flying the flag of any sovereign state enjoy freedom of movement in international waters (high seas) without interference.
- Innocent Passage (Art. 17-32): Foreign vessels are allowed to pass through a coastal state’s territorial sea (within 12 nautical miles) for continuous and direct passage, provided it is not prejudicial to the peace, security, or good order of the coastal state.
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