<P> Territorial waters or a territorial sea , as defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , is a belt of coastal waters extending at most 12 nautical miles ( 22.2 km ; 13.8 mi ) from the baseline ( usually the mean low - water mark ) of a coastal state . The territorial sea is regarded as the sovereign territory of the state , although foreign ships ( civilian ) are allowed innocent passage through it , or transit passage for straits ; this sovereignty also extends to the airspace over and seabed below . Adjustment of these boundaries is called , in international law , maritime delimitation . </P>
<P> Territorial waters or a territorial sea , as defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , is a belt of coastal waters extending at most 12 nautical miles ( 22.2 km ; 13.8 mi ) from the baseline ( usually the mean low - water mark ) of a coastal state . The territorial sea is regarded as the sovereign territory of the state , although foreign ships ( civilian ) are allowed innocent passage through it , or transit passage for straits ; this sovereignty also extends to the airspace over and seabed below . Adjustment of these boundaries is called , in international law , maritime delimitation . </P>
how many miles out is considered international waters
how many miles out is considered international waters
12 nautical miles
12 nautical miles