UNCLOS
The 1982 convention organizing law of the sea from coasts to deep seabed
Overview
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, concluded in 1982 after nine years of negotiation, sets territorial seas at twelve miles, exclusive economic zones to two hundred, transit rules through straits, continental shelf entitlements, and a seabed authority for deep minerals. Its tribunals and commission arbitrate boundaries and claims. The United States, though not a party, treats most rules as customary and observes them. South China Sea arbitration was decided under its annexes. Part Eleven of the seabed regime kept industrial states outside until the 1994 implementation agreement adjusted its terms.
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