by Spixxy on February 19th, 2004

Spixxy

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Is it true that nothing is illegal on the high seas, in international waters?

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Answers. 8 helpful answers below.

  • by Drinking Dano on February 20th, 2004

    Drinking Dano

    As near as I can tell, this is not true.. There does seem to be a fame work which was passed almost universally through the United Nations, the gest of which you can read at;

    http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_historical_perspective.htm#Key%20provisions

    However, this is more about right of passage, settling of disputes between Countries, (I presume boarder issues) and protection of Marine Wildlife.. Nothing really seems to be said about Piracy and the like...

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  • by jls on October 2nd, 2009

    jls

    Funny story this 60 yr. old man raped an 20yr.old guy in international waters they held him in the ships prison but when they got to land they let him go. And from what I read this happens from time to time.

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  • by dumdum on October 2nd, 2009

    dumdum

    No.

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  • by Dungeater on October 2nd, 2009

    Dungeater

    No it is not true. On high seas you are still submitted to laws. It will depend on what kind of ship or plane you are, to determinate on which country's law you are submitted to. Or even, depend on your career, like if you are a diplomat there are some cases that allow you to always be submitted to your own countries law.
    If you'd like to know more information or how exactly it works, contact me.

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  • by Carpediem COAT ab imo pectore on February 25th, 2009

    Carpediem COAT ab imo pectore

    Allow me to explain:

    Territorial waters: Are those declared as part of determined countries and are ruled by the laws of those countries.

    International waters: Are those past the territorial waters and are for International use as they don't belong to anyone. There are way too many International Laws governing the International Waters that must be respected as these laws were not created to be broken by anyone.

    As you may see it is not true that nothing is illegal on the high seas in International Waters. Who ever told you that lied to you as I repeat it is not true. I am a Lawyer specialized in International Law including International Waters which has a huge and specific Treaty signed by all country members and the laws are quite severe.

    If you are asking because of Somalia, that country does not have a constitutional government in place, there is not much that can be done to sanction that country. But the ships that belong to country members and are attacked by the pirates can defend themselves and even sink the pirate ships without being subject to sanctions even if they kill the pirates.

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  • by East Hill on February 12th, 2009

    East Hill

    Well, technically, but then you would be considered a pirate.

  • by Anonymous on February 13th, 2009

    Anonymous

    No, it is not true. In fact, there are more laws dealing with international waters than there are laws in many countries. This is because nearly every country relies on ships to carry goods in and out of their country. Therefore, nearly every country has adopted treaties dealing with which country can prosecute and punish for crimes on the high seas.

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  • by genny on February 12th, 2009

    genny

    Pretty much. Even murder aboard merchant ships involves too many factors as in nationalities, carrier flag, blah blah.

    its safer to be a marine mammal than a human on the high seas...

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