The spelling of "twelve mile limits" may seem straightforward, but it can be deceiving. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /twɛlv maɪl lɪmɪts/. This indicates that the 'e' in 'twelve' is a short vowel sound, and the 'i' in 'limits' is pronounced as a short vowel sound followed by a 'ts' consonant cluster. The 'o' in 'mile' is pronounced as a long vowel sound in English, but in IPA it is represented by the 'ɪ' symbol, which signifies a lax or weak vowel sound.
"Twelve mile limits" refers to a maritime domain established by international law, which grants coastal states the authority to claim and control the waters extending up to twelve nautical miles from their shorelines. It is a concept that plays a significant role in defining a nation's territorial sea.
In essence, the term stipulates that a state holds sovereignty and jurisdiction over the sea area within this specified distance. The purpose of establishing these limits is to grant states control and security over their adjacent waters, enabling them to regulate and enforce laws within this zone. By establishing twelve mile limits, a state may regulate a wide range of activities, including navigation, customs and immigration, natural resource exploration, and the protection of marine life.
The principle of twelve mile limits gained international recognition and acceptance through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, it is important to note that the exact extent of territorial waters can vary from country to country, as some nations may claim different boundaries, such as six or three miles, to demarcate their territorial seas.
In summary, "twelve mile limits" refers to the designated maritime area within which a coastal state exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction, providing them with the authority to enforce and implement laws and regulations to maintain order and security in their adjacent waters.