The general international law regarding foreign merchant ships in internal waters has never been codified. The question of the breadth of the territorial sea was finally solved during the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. But conflicts between coastal States and foreign merchant ships in internal waters and the territorial sea may arise. This comprehensive study analyses these issues and strives for reasonable and generally acceptable solutions.

This book is devoted to an examination of the legal status of govern ment merchant ships while on the high seas or in the waters of foreign states in time of peace. The object of this examination is to ascertain whether there is any rule of international law which accords such a ship a higher status than that of private merchant ships. Whether government merchant ships, unlike private ships, are entitled to certain immunities from the jurisdiction of foreign states is the question that we have set out to answer in this book. A discussion of the rules concerning the nationality of such a ship or the jurisdiction of the flag state over her does not find a place in this work. A government merchant ship may be defined as a merchant ship l owned or operated by a state. Immunity of a ship here means the exemption of a government ship from the jurisdiction of any state other than the flag state. This term also connotes the immunity of the flag state from the jurisdiction of the tribunals of foreign states in respect of proceedings connected with such a ship. Immunity of persons means the exemption of persons in the service of a govern ment ship, or other persons on board her, from the jurisdiction of any state other than the flag state.

International Law presents a comprehensive yet student-focused approach to the subject, providing a contemporary and stimulating account of international law. With critical coverage delivered through a wide range of learning features, students are encouraged to engage with legal debates and controversies. Digital formats and resources The second edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and is supported by online resources. - The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with functionality tools, navigation features and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks There is also a wide range of online resources that support the book, including: - Author tutorial videos for each chapter - Discussion questions - Critical thinking frameworks - A glossary of international law terms - A history of international law timeline

This Supplement to the seven-volume series United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, A Commentary, prepared at the University of Virginia’s Center for Oceans Law and Policy, contains additional primary documents and materials directly related to the Convention.

By examining the problem of places of refuge for ships in distress and proposed solutions under international, national and regional law, Places of Refuge for Ships in Distress by Anthony Morrison highlights the need for further solutions and presents alternative solutions.

Marine Scientific Research, New Marine Technologies and the Law of the Sea offers expert insights into new legal developments covering marine scientific research (MSR) including marine genetic resources regime development and emerging marine technologies including floating nuclear power plants.