| Click on an underlined heading below to read the text of that part of the Convention. (Montego Bay, 10 December 1982) PREAMBLE PART I. INTRODUCTION Article 1. Use of terms and scope PART II. TERRITORIAL SEA AND CONTIGUOUS ZONE SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 2. Legal status of the territorial sea, of the air space over the territorial sea and of its bed and subsoil SECTION 2. LIMITS OF THE TERRITORIAL SEA Article 3. Breadth of the territorial sea
Article 4. Outer limit of the territorial sea
Article 5. Normal baseline
Article 6. Reefs
Article 7. Straight baselines
Article 8. Internal waters
Article 9. Mouths of rivers
Article 10. Bays
Article 11. Ports
Article 12. Roadsteads
Article 13. Low-tide elevations
Article 14. Combination of methods for determining baselines
Article 15. Delimitation of the territorial sea between States with opposite or adjacent coasts
Article 16. Charts and lists of geographical co-ordinates SECTION 3. INNOCENT PASSAGE IN THE TERRITORIAL SEA Subsection A. Rules Applicable to all Ships Article 17. Right of innocent passage
Article 18. Meaning of passage
Article 19. Meaning of innocent passage
Article 20. Submarines and other underwater vehicles
Article 21. Law and regulations of the coastal State relating to innocent passage
Article 22. Sea lanes and traffic separation schemes in the territorial sea
Article 23. Foreign nuclear-powered ships and ships carrying nuclear or other inherently dangerous or noxious substances
Article 24. Duties of the coastal State
Article 25. Rights of protection of the coastal State
Article 26. Charges which may be levied upon foreign ships Subsection B. Rules Applicable to Merchant Ships and Government Ships Operated for Commercial Purposes Article 27. Criminal jurisdiction on board a foreign ship
Article 28. Civil jurisdiction in relation to foreign ships Subsection C. Rules Applicable to Warships and Other Government Ships Operated for Non-Commercial Purposes Article 29. Definition of warships
Article 30. Non-compliance by warships with the laws and regulations of the coastal State
Article 31. Responsibility of the flag State for damage caused by a warship or other government ship-operated for non-commercial purposes
Article 32. Immunities of warships and other government ships operated for non-commercial purposes SECTION 4. CONTIGUOUS ZONE Article 33. Contiguous zone PART III. STRAITS USED FOR INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 34. Legal status of waters forming straits used for international navigation
Article 35. Scope of this Part
Article 36. High seas routes or routes through exclusive economic zones through straits used for international navigation SECTION 2. TRANSIT PASSAGE Article 37. Scope of this section
Article 38. Right of transit passage
Article 39. Duties of ships and aircraft during transit passage
Article 40. Research and survey activities
Article 41. Sea lanes and traffic separation schemes in straits used for international navigation
Article 42. Laws and regulations of States bordering straits relating to transit passage
Article 43. Navigational and safety aids and other improvements and the prevention, reduction and control of pollution
Article 44. Duties of States bordering straits SECTION 3. INNOCENT PASSAGE Article 45. Innocent passage PART IV. ARCHIPELAGIC STATES Article 46. Use of terms
Article 47. Archipelagic baselines
Article 48. Measurement of the breadth of the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf
Article 49. Legal status of archipelagic waters, of the air space over archipelagic waters and of their bed and subsoil
Article 50. Delimitation of internal waters
Article 51. Existing agreements, traditional fishing rights and existing submarine cables
Article 52. Right of innocent passage
Article 53. Right of archipelagic sea lanes passage
Article 54. Duties of ships and aircraft during their passage, research and survey activities, duties of the archipelagic State and laws and regulations of the archipelagic State relating to archipelagic sea lanes passage PART V. EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE Article 55. Specific legal regime of the exclusive economic zone
Article 56. Rights, jurisdiction and duties of the coastal State in the exclusive economic zone
Article 57. Breadth of the exclusive economic zone
Article 58. Rights and duties of other States in the exclusive economic zone
Article 59. Basis for the resolution of conflicts regarding the
attribution of rights and jurisdiction in the exclusive economic zone
Article 60. Artificial islands, installations and structures in the
exclusive economic zone
Article 61. Conservation of the living resources
Article 62. Utilization of the living resources
Article 63. Stocks occurring within the exclusive economic zones of two or more coastal States or both within the exclusive economic zone and in an area beyond and adjacent to it
Article 64. Highly migratory species
Article 65. Marine mammals
Article 66. Anadromous stocks
Article 67. Catadromous species
Article 68. Sedentary species
Article 69. Right of land-locked States
Article 70. Right of geographically disadvantaged States
Article 71. Non-applicability of articles 69 and 70
Article 72. Restrictions on transfer of rights
Article 73. Enforcement of laws and regulations of the coastal State
Article 74. Delimitation of the exclusive economic zone between States with opposite or adjacent coasts
Article 75. Charts and lists of geographical co-ordinates PART VI. CONTINENTAL SHELF Article 76. Definition of the continental shelf
Article 77. Rights of the coastal State over the continental shelf
Article 78. Legal status of the superjacent waters and air space and the rights and freedoms of other States
Article 79. Submarine cables and pipelines on the continental shelf
Article 80. Artificial islands, installations and structures on the continental shelf
Article 81. Drilling on the continental shelf
Article 82. Payments and contributions with respect to the exploitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles
Article 83. Delimitation of the continental shelf between States with opposite or adjacent coasts
Article 84. Charts and lists of geographical co-ordinates
Article 85. Tunnelling PART VII. HIGH SEAS SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 86. Application of the provisions of this Part
Article 87. Freedom of the high seas
Article 88. Reservation of the high seas for peaceful purposes
Article 89. Invalidity of claims of sovereignty over the high seas
Article 90. Right of navigation
Article 91. Nationality of ships
Article 92. Status of ships
Article 93. Ships flying the flag of the United Nations, its specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency
Article 94. Duties of the flag State
Article 95. Immunity of warships on the high seas
Article 96. Immunity of ships used only on government non-commercial service
Article 97. Penal jurisdiction in matters of collision or any other incident of navigation
Article 98. Duty to render assistance
Article 99. Prohibition of the transport of slaves
Article 100. Duty to co-operate in the repression of piracy
Article 101. Definition of piracy
Article 102. Piracy by a warship, government ship or government aircraft whose crew has mutinied
Article 103. Definition of a pirate ship or aircraft
Article 104. Retention or loss of the nationality of a pirate ship or aircraft
Article 105. Seizure of a pirate ship or aircraft
Article 106. Liability for seizure without adequate grounds
Article 107. Ships and aircraft which are entitled to seize on account of piracy
Article 108. Illicit traffic in narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances
Article 109. Unauthorized broadcasting from the high seas
Article 110. Right of visit
Article 111. Right of hot pursuit
Article 112. Right to lay submarine cables and pipelines
Article 113. Breaking or injury of a submarine cable or pipeline
Article 114. Breaking or injury by owners of a submarine cable or pipeline of another submarine cable or pipeline
Article 115. Indemnity for loss incurred in avoiding injury to a submarine cable or pipeline SECTION 2. CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE LIVING RESOURCES OF THE HIGH SEAS Article 116. Right to fish on the high seas
Article 117. Duty of States to adopt with respect to their nationals measures for the conservation of the living resources of the high seas
Article 118. Co-operation of States in the conservation and management of living resources
Article 119. Conservation of the living resources of the high seas
Article 120. Marine mammals PART VIII. REGIME OF ISLANDS Article 121. Regime of islands PART IX. ENCLOSED OR SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS Article 122. Definition
Article 123. Co-operation of States bordering enclosed or semi-enclosed seas PART X. RIGHT OF ACCESS OF LAND-LOCKED STATES TO AND FROM THE SEA AND FREEDOM OF TRANSIT Article 124. Use of terms
Article 125. Right of access to and from the sea and freedom of transit
Article 126. Exclusion of application of the most-favoured nation clause
Article 127. Customs duties, taxes and other charges
Article 128. Free zones and other customs facilities
Article 129. Co-operation in the construction and improvement of means of transport
Article 130. Measures to avoid or eliminate delays or other difficulties of a technical nature in traffic in transit
Article 131. Equal treatment in maritime ports
Article 132. Grant of greater transit facilities PART XI. THE AREA SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 133. Use of terms
Article 134. Scope of this Part
Article 135. Legal status of the superjacent waters and air space SECTION 2. PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE AREA Article 136. Common heritage of mankind
Article 137. Legal status of the Area and its resources
Article 138. General conduct of States in relation to the Area
Article 139. Responsibility to ensure compliance and liability for damage
Article 140. Benefit of mankind
Article 141. Use of the Area exclusively for peaceful purposes
Article 142. Rights and legitimate interests of coastal States
Article 143. Marine scientific research
Article 144. Transfer of technology
Article 145. Protection of the marine environment
Article 146. Protection of human life
Article 147. Accommodation of activities in the Area and in the marine environment
Article 148. Participation of developing States in activities in the Area
Article 149. Archaeological and historical objects SECTION 3. DEVELOPMENT OF RES0URCES OF THE AREA Article 150. Policies relating to activities in the Area
Article 151. Production policies
Article 152. Exercise of powers and functions by the Authority
Article 153. System of exploration and exploitation
Article 154. Periodic review
Article 155. The Review Conference SECTION 4. THE AUTHORITY Subsection A. General Provisions Article 156. Establishment of the Authority
Article 157. Nature and fundamental principles of the Authority
Article 158. Organs of the Authority Subsection B. The Assembly Article 159. Composition, procedure and voting
Article 160. Powers and functions Subsection C. The Council Article 161. Composition, procedure and voting
Article 162. Powers and functions
Article 163. Organs of the Council
Article 164. The Economic Planning Commission
Article 165. The Legal and Technical Commission Subsection D. The Secretariat Article 166. The Secretariat
Article 167. The staff of the Authority
Article 168. International Character of the Secretariat
Article 169. Consultation and co-operation with international and non-governmental organizations Subsection E. The Enterprise Article 170. The Enterprise Subsection F. Financial Arrangements of the Authority Article 171. Funds of the Authority
Article 172. Annual budget of the Authority
Article 173. Expenses of the Authority
Article 174. Borrowing power of the Authority
Article 175. Annual audit Subsection G. Legal Status, Privileges and Immunities Article 176. Legal status
Article 177. Privileges and immunities
Article 178. Immunity from legal process
Article 179. Immunity from search and any form of seizure
Article 180. Exemption from restrictions, regulations, controls and moratoria
Article 181. Archives and official communications of the Authority
Article 182. Privileges and Immunities of certain persons connected with the Authority
Article 183. Exemption from taxes and customs duties Subsection H. Suspension of the exercise of rights and privileges of Members Article 184. Suspension of the exercise of voting rights
Article 185. Suspension of exercise of rights and privileges of membership SECTION 5. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND ADVISORY OPINIONS Article 186. Sea-Bed Disputes Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Article 187. Jurisdiction of the Sea-Bed Disputes Chamber
Article 188. Submission of disputes to a special chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or an ad hoc chamber of the Sea-Bed Disputes Chamber or to binding commercial arbitration
Article 189. Limitation on jurisdiction with regard to decisions of the Authority
Article 190. Participation and appearance of sponsoring States Parties in proceedings
Article 191. Advisory opinions PART XII. PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 192. General obligation
Article 193. Sovereign right of States to exploit their natural resources
Article 194. Measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment
Article 195. Duty not to transfer damage or hazards or transform one type of pollution into another
Article 196. Use of technologies or introduction of alien or new species SECTION 2. GLOBAL AND REGIONAL CO-OPERATION Article 197. Co-operation on a global or regional basis
Article 198. Notification of imminent or actual damage
Article 199. Contingency plans against pollution
Article 200. Studies, research programmes and exchange of information and data
Article 201. Scientific criteria for regulations SECTION 3. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Article 202. Scientific and technical assistance to developing States
Article 203. Preferential treatment for developing States SECTION 4. MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Article 204. Monitoring of the risks or effects of pollution
Article 205. Publication of reports
Article 206. Assessment of potential effects of activities SECTION 5. INTERNATIONAL RULES AND NATIONAL LEGISLATION TO PREVENT, REDUCE AND CONTROL POLLUTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT Article 207. Pollution from land-based sources
Article 208. Pollution from sea-bed activities
Article 209. Pollution from activities in the Area
Article 210. Pollution by dumping
Article 211. Pollution from vessels
Article 212. Pollution from or through the atmosphere SECTION 6. ENFORCEMENT Article 213. Enforcement with respect to pollution from landbased sources
Article 214. Enforcement with respect to pollution from seabed activities
Article 215. Enforcement with respect to pollution from activities in the Area
Article 216. Enforcement with respect to pollution by dumping
Article 217. Enforcement by flag States
Article 218. Enforcement by port States
Article 219. Measures relating to seaworthiness of vessels to avoid pollution
Article 220. Enforcement by coastal States
Article 221. Measures to avoid pollution arising from maritime casualties
Article 222. Enforcement with respect to pollution from or through the atmosphere SECTION 7. SAFEGUARDS Article 223. Measures to facilitate proceedings
Article 224. Exercise of powers of enforcement
Article 225. Duty to avoid adverse consequences in the exercise of the powers of enforcement
Article 226. Investigation of foreign vessels
Article 227. Non-discrimination with respect to foreign vessels
Article 228. Suspension and restrictions on institution of proceedings
Article 229. Institution of civil proceedings
Article 230. Monetary penalties and the observance of recognized rights of the accused
Article 231. Notification to the flag State and other States concerned
Article 232. Liability of States arising from enforcement measures
Article 233. Safeguards with respect to straits used for international navigation SECTION 8. ICE-COVERED AREAS Article 234. Ice-covered areas SECTION 9. RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY Article 235. Responsibility and liability SECTION 10. SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY Article 236. Sovereign immunity SECTION 11. OBLIGATIONS UNDER 01 HER CONVENTIONS ON THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT Article 237. Obligations under other conventions on the protection and preservation of the marine environment PART XIII. MARINE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 238. Right to conduct marine scientific research
Article 239. Promotion of marine scientific research
Article 240. General principles for the conduct of marine scientific research
Article 241. Non-recognition of marine scientific research activities as the legal basis for claims SECTION 2. INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION Article 242. Promotion of international co-operation
Article 243. Creation of favourable conditions
Article 244. Publication and dissemination of information and knowledge SECTION 3. CONDUCT AND PROMOTION OF MARINE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Article 245. Marine scientific research in the territorial sea
Article 246. Marine scientific research in the exclusive economic zone and on the continental shelf
Article 247. Marine scientific research projects undertaken by or under the auspices of international organizations
Article 248. Duty to provide information to the coastal State
Article 249. Duty to comply with certain conditions
Article 250. Communications concerning marine scientific research projects
Article 251. General criteria and guidelines
Article 252. Implied consent
Article 253. Suspension or cessation of marine scientific research activities
Article 254. Rights of neighbouring land-locked and geographically disadvantaged States
Article 255. Measures to facilitate marine scientific research and assist research vessels
Article 256. Marine scientific research in the Area
Article 257. Marine scientific research in the water column beyond the exclusive economic zone SECTION 4. SCIENTIFIC IC RESEARCH INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT Article 258. Deployment and use
Article 259. Legal status
Article 260. Safety zones
Article 261. Non-interference with shipping routes
Article 262. Identification markings and warning signals SECTION 5. RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY Article 263. Responsibility and liability SECTION 6. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND INTERIM MEASURES Article 264. Settlement of disputes
Article 265. Interim measures PART XIV. DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER OF MARINE TECHNOLOGY SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 266. Promotion of the development and transfer of marine technology
Article 267. Protection of legitimate interests
Article 268. Basic objectives
Article 269. Measures to achieve the basic objectives SECTION 2. INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION Article 270. Ways and means of international co-operation
Article 271. Guidelines, criteria and standards
Article 272. Co-ordination of international programmes
Article 273. Co-operation with international organizations and the Authority
Article 274. Objectives of the Authority SECTION 3. NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MARINE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CENTRES Article 275. Establishment of national centres
Article 276. Establishment of regional centres
Article 277. Functions of regional centres SECTION 4. CO-OPERATION AMONG INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Article 278. Co-operation among international organizations PART XV. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 279. Obligation to settle disputes by peaceful means
Article 280. Settlement of disputes by any peaceful means chosen by the parties
Article 281. Procedure where no settlement has been reached by the parties
Article 282. Obligations under general, regional or bilateral agreements
Article 283. Obligation to exchange views
Article 284. Conciliation
Article 285. Application of this section to disputes submitted pursuant to Part XI SECTION 2. COMPULSORY PROCEDURES ENTAILING BINDING DECISIONS Article 286. Application of procedures under this section
Article 287. Choice of procedure
Article 288. Jurisdiction
Article 289. Experts
Article 290. Provisional measures
Article 291. Access
Article 292. Prompt release of vessels and crews
Article 293. Applicable law
Article 294. Preliminary proceedings
Article 295. Exhaustion of local remedies
Article 296. Finality and binding force of decisions SECTION 3. LIMITATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS TO APPLICABILITY OF SECTION 2 Article 297. Limitations on applicability of section 2
Article 298. Optional exceptions to applicability of section 2
Article 299. Right of the parties to agree upon a procedure PART XVI. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 300. Good faith and abuse of rights
Article 301. Peaceful uses of the seas
Article 302. Disclosure of information
Article 303. Archaeological and historical objects found at sea
Article 304. Responsibility and liability for damage PART XVII. FINAL PROVISIONS Article 305. Signature
Article 306. Ratification and formal confirmation
Article 307. Accession
Article 308. Entry into force
Article 309. Reservations and exceptions
Article 310. Declarations and statements
Article 311. Relation to other conventions and international agreements
Article 312. Amendment
Article 313. Amendment by simplified procedure
Article 314. Amendments to the provisions of this Convention relating exclusively to activities in the Area
Article 315. Signature, ratification of, accession to and authentic texts of amendments
Article 316. Entry into force of amendments
Article 317. Denunciation
Article 318. Status of Annexes
Article 319. Depositary
Article 320. Authentic texts ANNEXES I. HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES
II. COMMISSION ON THE LIMITS OF THE CONTINENTAL SHELF
III. BASIC CONDITIONS OF PROSPECTING, EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION
IV. STATUTE OF THE ENTERPRISE
V. CONCILIATION
VI. STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE LAW OF THE SEA
VII. ARBITRATION
VIII. SPECIAL ARBITRATION
IX. PARTICIPATION BY INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PREAMBLEThe States Parties to this Convention, Prompted by the desire to settle, in a spirit of mutual understanding and co-operation, all issues relating to the law of the sea and aware of the historic significance of this Convention as an important contribution to the maintenance of peace, justice and progress for all the peoples of the world, Noting that developments since the United Nations Conferences on the Law of the Sea held at Geneva in 1958 and 1960 have accentuated the need for a new and generally acceptable Convention on the law of the sea, Conscious that the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole, Recognising the desirability of establishing, through this Convention, with due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will facilitate international communication and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment, Bearing in mind that the achievement of these goals w ill contribute to the realization of a just and equitable international economic order which takes into account the interests and needs of mankind as a whole and, in particular, the special interests and needs of developing countries, whether coastal or land-locked, Desiring by this Convention to develop the principles embodied in resolution 2749 (XXV) of 17 December 1970 in which the General Assembly of the United Nations solemnly declared inter alia that the area of the sea-bed and ocean floor and the subsoil thereof, beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, as well as its resources, are the common heritage of mankind, the exploration and exploitation of which shall be carried out for the benefit of mankind as a whole, irrespective of the geographical location of States, Believing that the codification and progressive development of the law of the sea achieved in this Convention will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security, co-operation and friendly relations among all nations in conformity with the principles of justice and equal rights and will promote the economic and social advancement of all peoples of the world, in accordance with the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations as set forth in the Charter, Affirming that matters not regulated by this Convention continue to be governed by the rules and principles of general international law,
Have agreed as follows:
PART I INTRODUCTION Article 1. Use of terms and scope 1. For the purposes of this Convention: (1) 'Area' means the sea-bed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof, beyond the limits of national jurisdiction; (2) 'Authority' means the International Sea-Bed Authority; (3) 'activities in the Area' means all activities of exploration for, and exploitation of, the resources of the Area: (4) 'pollution of the marine environment' means the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment, including estuaries, which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities, including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities; (5) (a) 'dumping' means: (i) any deliberate disposal of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea; (ii) any deliberate disposal of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea. (b) 'dumping' does not include: (i) the disposal of wastes or other matter incidental to, or derived from the normal operations of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea and their equipment, other than wastes or other matter transported by or to vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea, operating for the purpose of disposal of such matter or derived from the treatment of such wastes or other matter on such vessels, aircraft, platforms or structures; (ii) placement of matter for a purpose other than the mere disposal thereof, provided that such placement is not contrary to the aims of this Convention. 2. (1) 'States Parties' means States which have consented to be bound by this Convention and for which this Convention is in force. (2) This Convention applies mutatis mutandis to the entities referred to in Article 305, paragraph 1 (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), which become Parties to this Convention in accordance with the conditions relevant to each, and to that extent 'States Parties' refers to those entities. Continue to next part | 
