Definition

Noun: - Territorial waters of the United States: This term refers to the area of ocean and coastal waters that are under the jurisdiction of the United States. Specifically, it includes the waters within a distance of 12 nautical miles from the baseline of the coasts of the United States and its territories.

Usage

The term is used in legal, maritime, and regulatory contexts to specify the geographical area where U.S. sovereignty and laws apply over the water. - The new environmental policy applies to all commercial vessels in United States waters. - The Coast Guard is responsible for security patrols within United States waters.

Advanced Usage

• "operating in United States waters": A common phrase used in legal and regulatory language to define the scope of jurisdiction.
  • The permit is required for any scientific research conducted while operating in United States waters.

Variants and Related Words

• Territorial waters (noun): A general term for the waters under a state's jurisdiction, typically extending 12 nautical miles from its coast. "United States waters" is a specific instance of this.
• EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) (noun): A related but distinct maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline, where a state has special rights regarding exploration and use of marine resources. This is broader than "United States waters."

Synonyms

• U.S. territorial sea
• American territorial waters

Related Phrases

• "in United States waters": A prepositional phrase used to indicate location within this jurisdiction.
  • The incident occurred in United States waters, so federal authorities have jurisdiction.

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