CONTIGUOUS ZONE Meaning and
Definition
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A contiguous zone refers to a defined maritime area that extends beyond a nation's territorial waters, typically up to 24 nautical miles (approximately 44 kilometers) from the baseline. This zone is established by a coastal state in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The purpose of a contiguous zone is to allow coastal states limited control over activities that may impact their territorial sea or their resources. While the sovereign rights of the coastal state do not extend to this zone, it remains under their jurisdiction for specific purposes such as customs, immigration, and protection of national laws and regulations.
Within the contiguous zone, a coastal state may exercise certain legal powers, including the authority to prevent and punish infringements on its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary regulations. Additionally, it may also adopt measures to prevent infringement on its customs laws or regulations within its territorial sea. However, the coastal state’s jurisdiction in this zone is subject to certain limitations and must be exercised in a manner consistent with international law.
Overall, the contiguous zone acts as a buffer between a nation's territorial sea and the high seas, providing an additional layer of control and protection for coastal states in managing their maritime activities and safeguarding their national interests.
Etymology of CONTIGUOUS ZONE
The term "contiguous zone" is derived from the word "contiguous", which comes from the Latin word "contiguus". "Contiguus" consists of two Latin elements: "con" meaning "together" or "with", and "tangere" meaning "to touch". Thus, "contiguus" essentially means "touching together" or "adjacent". When applied to the concept of a maritime zone, the term "contiguous zone" refers to an area adjacent to a country's territorial waters, where the state can exercise certain control and enforcement rights beyond its territorial sea.
