How Maritime Law Works

Maritime law is essential in governing activities that take place on the ocean, where there are no countries or governing bodies. It ensures order and regulation in this vast expanse.

Every country is allowed 12 miles of territorial waters from the water line at lowest low tide. Within these waters, a country has full control and can enforce domestic laws. Foreign ships may enter under innocent passage but cannot engage in fishing, polluting, weapons practice or spying. Beyond the territorial waters are the contiguous zone where certain laws related to customs, taxation, immigration and pollution can be enforced. Further out is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 200 nautical miles from shore and allows for exclusive resource harvesting rights by the owning country.

Cruise Ship Registration and Laws Most large cruise ships are registered in tiny far-away countries like Panama due to low taxes and labor costs. When a ship is in international waters, the laws of the country it's registered in apply. However, once a ship enters territorial waters of another country, its onboard laws switch to that country's laws.

"Cruise Ship Babies" Citizenship "Cruise ship babies", born within 12 miles of US territorial waters on Dutch ships or any other nationality, automatically receive American citizenship as per US law. There are exceptions for foreign diplomats' babies and those born during hostile invasions or occupations.

Nationality Rules at Sea The United Nations Treaty on Statelessness states that babies born in international waters should take their parents' nationality. Most countries determine citizenship based on bloodline rather than place of birth; however, some countries grant citizenship based on the registration location of the ship.