U.S. waters

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Definition

Noun: - Territorial waters of the United States: The maritime zone extending 12 nautical miles from the baseline of the coasts of the United States and its territories, over which the U.S. exercises sovereignty.

Usage

The term "U.S. waters" is used to specify the legal and geographical maritime area under United States jurisdiction. - The new policy applies to all commercial vessels in U.S. waters. - Environmental protections are strictly enforced within U.S. waters.

Advanced Usage
  • Legal and Regulatory Context: The phrase is primarily used in legal, regulatory, military, and maritime contexts to delineate where U.S. domestic laws and international obligations apply.
    • The Coast Guard is responsible for security in U.S. waters.
  • Contrast with International Waters: It is often contrasted with "international waters" or "high seas" to clarify the applicable legal regime.
    • Once the ship leaves U.S. waters, different maritime laws apply.
Variants and Related Words
  • Territorial waters: The general term for the waters under a state's sovereignty, typically extending 12 nautical miles from shore.
  • Internal waters: Waters on the landward side of the baseline (e.g., bays, rivers, ports), over which a state has complete sovereignty.
  • Contiguous zone: An area extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline, where a state can enforce laws concerning customs, taxation, immigration, and pollution.
  • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): An area extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline, where a state has special rights regarding exploration and use of marine resources. This is distinct from, but often discussed alongside, "U.S. waters."
Synonyms
  • American territorial waters
  • United States territorial sea
Related Phrases
  • In U.S. waters: The most common prepositional phrase used with this term.
    • The incident occurred in U.S. waters, so the FBI has jurisdiction.
  • Enter U.S. waters: To move from international waters into the territorial sea of the United States.
    • Foreign warships must request permission to enter U.S. waters.
  • Transit through U.S. waters: Refers to the right of innocent passage for ships through the territorial sea.
    • The cargo ship was merely transiting through U.S. waters on its way to Canada.
Noun
  1. territorial waters included within a distance of 12 nautical miles of the coasts of the United States and its territories
    • ships operating in United States waters must adhere to United States laws and regulations

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