The territorial waters are sea waters of a littoral state that are regarded as under jurisdiction of the state: commonly, those waters measured from the shoreline of a sovereign state where the laws of that state are applicable. These waters commonly extend to 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the coast, per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Territorial waters claimed by one state are often disputed by another state. Territorial waters have often been subject to arbitrary extension in order to encompass activities such as offshore oil exploration, fishing rights (see Cod War) and to prevent pirate radio broadcasting from artificial marine fixtures and anchored ships.

See also

• International waters