Laws of the sea?

Question

As far as i've been aware If an aircraft flies into the air space of a foreign country there can be serious consequences. However what happens if a boat enters a countries waters? Are you entitled to sail through or will you be escorted out? As a boat owner can you go anywhere, how does it work?

Answer 1

I dont see why not. As long as you aren't in a military vessel, that is.

Answer 2

No, you cannot go anywhere you want.  Different countries protect and patrol their waters in different ways.  And as a matter of courtesy it is a good idea to contact customs or coast guard or whoever the patrol of a country may be if you enter their waters.

Answer 3

International law says , under the doctrine of Innocent Passage and Continuous Voyage, that a ship or boat is allowed to transit a states contiguous sea ( fishing rights, usually 200 miles,) or Territorial waters ( 12 miles) if it is just passing through on an expeditious course..so you can "cut a corner" through Country A waters on your way to B if  it's a reasonably straight line....you can't do big detour or jog.......

you are also allowed to enter a countries waters, and even anchor ( without going ashore) if "sheltering from the effects of weather" or in "danger of the sea".

Innocent passage does NOT apply to vessels engaged in fishing, or warships conducting operations, including air operations.

Now, some countries don't necessarily agree to that..there was a case here in the Virgins two months ago where an American yacht was driving around for the day in British Virgin Islands waters, with no intention to land; just a day cruise and then back to their US VI anchorage. They had a fishing line in the waters and the BVI cops busted them..after six weeks in jail and a10 grand fine they were let go...BVI says you have to go immediately to Customs when entering BVI waters, a position that the US does not endorse.......

bottom line, when the boat with the guys and the guns says follow me, follow them...

Answer 4

You must clear in and out of certain countries. Depending on which country and your citizenship. ie: Canadians can go to Cuba...Yanks cannot(easilly, that is...) There are different rules for various nationalities and countries. It is recommended you contact each countries consulate before beginning your cruise. Rather than escorted out of their waters...you can be jailed and your vessel confiscated. Ironically, you cannot just sail around willy nilly without a care in the world. Sure, you can plan to stay in International waters most of the time but not all of the time. Be careful. Buy a World Cruising Guide. Stay away from any Military Bases...their no-sail zones should be marked on the charts...did you get charts? LOL  Be aware that "Courtesy Flags" and Your Country's "Ensign"...along with "Quarantine" will do little to satisfy a Military or Customs Official who is in a bad mood..They are as stated...COURTESY items...Follow the Letter of the Law and Stated Expectations of each Country you plan to enter. Call or email the Consulates, check with your Government...and don't listen to stupid people. Otherwise...we might be bidding on your boat on ebay while your family spends the next 5 yrs. trying to get your butt out of some foreign country's jail.

Answer 5

Depends on the country you are from, the flag under which the boat is sailing, the country you are visiting, the type of boat you are in, and whether you follow the correct procedures or not.

Sailing a 35-40 footer, registered in the UK, flying a Red Ensign, with the appropriate courtesy flag and customs flags up, I would expect to be able to sail almost where you want - as long as its not too near any military establishments, shiping lanes, or commercial interests.