If you’re an avid boater, you may have heard the term “international waters” thrown around a few times. Usually, international waters refer to any body of water beyond a country’s territorial boundaries. But have you ever wondered how far away you need to be from the coast to enter international waters? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
The distance from the coast to international waters can vary depending on a few different factors. First and foremost, it depends on the country in question. Each nation has its own laws and regulations regarding territorial waters, which can stretch anywhere from 3 miles to 12 miles from the coastline. These waters are considered part of a country’s sovereign territory and subject to the same laws as land areas.
Once you pass the territorial waters boundary, you enter what’s known as the contiguous zone. This zone extends up to 24 miles from the coast and is considered an extension of a country’s territorial waters. In this zone, countries have limited control over activities like customs, immigration, and fisheries.
Beyond the contiguous zone lies the international waters, also known as the open sea. These waters are not subject to the jurisdiction of any country and are essentially a free-for-all. However, there are still international laws and regulations that apply, such as those governing piracy, pollution, and fishing.
So, in short, the distance from the coast to international waters can range from a few miles to more than 24 miles, depending on the country and its specific laws. As a boater, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before venturing too far from shore to avoid any potential legal issues. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to carry the appropriate safety equipment, such as life jackets and GPS devices, to ensure a safe voyage no matter where you go.