Maritime Political Boundaries of the World

This book addresses the often vexed question of national maritime claims and the delimitation of international maritime boundaries. The number of undelimited international maritime boundaries is much larger than the number of agreed lines. The two boundaries that define the marine domain of coastal states are examined. First, the baselines along the coast may consist of low-water lines or straight lines or a combination of both. When straight lines are used they define the seaward limit of the state's internal waters. Second, the outer limits of claims toterritorial seas, contiguous zones and exclusive economic zones are measured from the baselines. All states will have to delimit at least one international boundary with a neighbouring state, whether adjacent or opposite.In confined seas no state can claim the full entitlement and must negotiate international boundaries with all neighbours.Many states bordering oceans can claim the full entitlement seawards, although they will need to delimit national boundaries with adjacent neighbours.Prescott, Victor is the author of 'Maritime Political Boundaries of the World', published 2005 under ISBN 9789004140660 and ISBN 9004140662.