UPSC Prelims 2022 Q85: Geography – Oceanography
With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following
statements:
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not
exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the
convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land - locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through
the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline
from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
UNCLOS (1982) basics
| Statement | Verdict | UNCLOS provision |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Territorial sea up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline | Correct | Article 3 |
| 2. Ships of all States, coastal or land-locked, have innocent passage | Correct | Article 17 |
| 3. EEZ shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline | Correct | Article 57 |
Maritime zones:
| Zone | Limit from baseline | Coastal State rights |
|---|---|---|
| Territorial sea | 12 nm | Full sovereignty, subject to innocent passage |
| Contiguous zone | 24 nm | Customs, immigration, sanitation, fiscal control |
| EEZ | 200 nm | Sovereign rights over resources |
| Continental shelf | 200 nm, up to 350 nm in some cases | Seabed resources |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also correct; the EEZ is capped at 200 nm (Article 57).
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct; the territorial sea is up to 12 nm (Article 3).
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct; even land-locked States enjoy innocent passage.
- (d) CORRECT. 12 nm territorial sea, innocent passage for all, 200 nm EEZ are all UNCLOS rules.
Key point
UNCLOS: territorial sea 12 nm (Art 3), innocent passage for all States (Art 17), contiguous zone 24 nm, EEZ 200 nm (Art 57).
Remember
UNCLOS: 12, 24, 200 nautical miles.
Common mistakes
- Thinking land-locked States have no rights at sea; their ships also enjoy innocent passage.
- Confusing the EEZ (200 nm) with the extended continental shelf (up to 350 nm).
- Measuring zones from the coastline instead of the baseline.
Exam tip
Learn the ladder: 12 (territorial) → 24 (contiguous) → 200 (EEZ) → 350 (max shelf).
Sources
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) — Articles 3, 17, 33, 57
- NCERT Class XI — India: Physical Environment