Intro to UNCLOS

Baseline, as defined by UNCLOS, is the ______ along the coast

• low water line

• high water mark

• low tide elevations

• average water line

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Article 5 - Normal Baseline

Straight baselines can be drawn _____.

• by connecting drying reefs near the coast

• by connecting a fringe of islands along the coast

• by connecting a low tide elevation near the coast

• unilaterally by the coastal state without consulting anybody

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Article 7 - Straight Baselines, para 1.

The maximum breadth of a coastal state's territorial sea is _______.

• 12nm measured from the baselines

• 12nm measured from the limit of the continental shelf

• 12nm measured from the first contiguous zone

• 12nm measured from the halfway point of the Exclusive Economic Zone

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Article 3 - Breadth of the Territorial Sea

Which of the following does NOT constitute innocent passage?

• Transiting territorial sea to a port facility outside internal waters

• Transiting territorial sea in a continuous and expeditious manner

• Anchoring in territorial sea because of engine failure

• Submarines submerged when transiting territorial seas

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Articles 18, 19 and 20

The maximum extent of a contiguous zone is ____.

• 24nm from baselines

• 24nm from claimed territorial seas

• 12nm from baselines

• 200nm from claimed territorial seas

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Article 33, para 2.

In contiguous zones, coastal states may exercise control in ____.

• prevention of the infringement of immigration laws

• prevention of the laying of underwater cables

• protection of facilities and installations

• conduct of hydrographic surveys

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Article 33 - Contiguous Zone

Which of the following regarding transit passage is FALSE?

• Transit passage applies to the freedom of sea navigation only.

• Transit passage applies to int'l straits connecting an EEZ to high seas

• Transit passage includes passage to enter a state bordering the strait.

• Transit passage applies to all ships and aircraft.

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Articles 37, 38 and 39.

Which of the following does NOT conform to transit passage?

• Warship transiting at max speed through the strait without delay.

• Hydrographic survey ship surveying the seabed while transiting the strait.

• Submarine transiting the strait submerged and unseen.

• Merchant ship slowing down to give away to give away to sailboats.

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Article 39 - Duties of ships and aircraft during transit passage.

Which of the following is NOT allowed of a state bordering straits for transit passage?

• Adopt laws to regulate maritime traffic.

• Issue summons to maritime traffic for marine pollution.

• Send maritime police to stop fishing activities.

• Stop ships from transiting the strait.

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Article 42 - Laws and regulations of States bordering straits relating to transit passage.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement of a warship undergoing archipelagic sea lanes passage?

• Continuous and expeditious transit through the archipelagic sea lane.

• Respect the traffic separation schemes established.

• Continuous reporting of ship's position to the archipelagic state.

• Refrain from threatening the sovereignty of the archipelagic state.

Answer explanation

See UNCLOS Articles 53 and 54.