Law of the Sea: An Introduction

The importance of awareness and knowledge of the sea and the international laws applicable to rights and duties of States towards territorial waters and the waters adjacent to it and activities at sea cannot be denied. Trade and commerce through water play a significant role in national security, economy and political stability of a nation which is directly dependent upon trade routes and waterways connecting the international community. Waterways and freedom of movements at sea without any hindrance is vital for international relations and economy of coastal states. This work endeavors to introduce one of the most important areas of the International law called “ Law of the Sea” contained in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. This law is emerging at highly accelerated rate with overwhelming response from all over the world. At the same time, as needed, it introduces nontraditional and scientific mechanism of its implementation and enforcement. The introduction of this branch of law is not only the need of the time but indispensable for successful economic developments and diplomacy.