Definition

Noun: 1. The waters surrounding a nation and its territories over which that nation exercises sovereign jurisdiction: This refers to the area of the sea that is legally considered part of a sovereign state. Within this zone, the coastal state has full sovereignty, subject to the right of innocent passage for foreign vessels. The extent of these waters is typically measured from a defined baseline, often the coastline.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The dispute centered on whether the foreign ship had entered the country's territorial waters.
  • According to international law, a state has the right to regulate fishing within its territorial waters.
  • The navy was deployed to patrol the nation's territorial waters.

Advanced Usage

• "Within territorial waters": Describes something located or occurring inside this jurisdictional area.
  • All commercial activity within territorial waters requires a state permit.
• "Violation of territorial waters": Refers to the unauthorized entry of a foreign vessel into this zone.
  • The incursion was condemned as a clear violation of territorial waters.

Variants and Related Words

• Territorial sea: A synonym often used interchangeably with "territorial waters" in legal and diplomatic contexts.
• Contiguous zone: A maritime zone adjacent to the territorial waters where a state can enforce laws concerning customs, taxation, immigration, and pollution.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): A much broader area beyond the territorial waters where a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.
• High seas: The parts of the ocean that are not included in the territorial waters, EEZ, or internal waters of any state.

Synonyms

• Maritime territory
• Territorial sea

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• International waters: Areas of the sea that are not under the jurisdiction of any single state.
• High seas: (As above) The open ocean beyond any national jurisdiction.

Noun

1. the waters surrounding a nation and its territories over which that nation exercises sovereign jurisdiction