In the world of business and international trade, there is often talk of waters on which businesses must operate, and these waters are known as “high seas.” Knowing what this term means is important for any business professional, as they will encounter this concept in many aspects of their work.
At its most basic, high seas refers to any waters other than those of a country’s territorial sea. This concept is based in international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Under this agreement, all countries are allowed to establish certain rights within their territorial waters, which extend for twelve miles from their shoreline.
These territorial waters give member states a certain level of control over a variety of activities, including fishing, navigation, pollution control, and scientific research. All activities taking place beyond this twelve-mile territorial limit are considered to be the high seas.
As a business professional, being aware of the concept of high seas is beneficial because it has ramifications for a variety of business-related activities that may take place in international waters. For example, when registering a ship in a foreign country, it is important to be aware of the country’s laws regarding ships engaging in activities on high seas. Additionally, if a business is engaged in international shipping, they need to be mindful of countries’ laws on pollution control on the high seas; this is particularly important for pollution-heavy industries and activities.
Overall, understanding what ‘high seas’ means and recognizing its importance in international law and business is important. While the concept may seem complex, understanding the basics will help business professionals stay informed and handle business activities in the appropriate manner.