Question

According to which concept of the law of the sea, a vessel may be allowed to pass through the archipelagic and territorial waters of another State, subject to certain restrictions ?

• A. Right to innocent passage
• B. Right to sovereignty
• C. Right to self-determination
• D. Right to territorial waters

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The concept that allows a vessel to pass through the archipelagic and territorial waters of another state, with certain restrictions, is known as the "Right to innocent passage." According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), this right permits ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, to navigate through the territorial sea of another state so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state.

Right to innocent passage:

• The passage must be continuous and expeditious.
• It should not involve any threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of the coastal state.
• The vessel should comply with international regulations, including laws related to pollution, fishing, customs, and immigration.

Unlike the right to sovereignty, right to self-determination, and right to territorial waters, the "Right to innocent passage" specifically deals with how a vessel may traverse another state's territorial waters, balancing the coastal state's sovereignty with international navigation rights.