Decree-Law No. 39/2020 establishing the Maritime Authority System.

This Decree-Law creates the Maritime Authority System (SAM), establishing: its scope, organization and responsibilities and defining its coordination structure. It also creates the National Maritime Authority (AMN), whose administrative structure carries out the SAM's duties. Maritime zones under national jurisdiction are considered to be internal waters, the territorial sea and the continental shelf. The SAM exercises the powers set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in the contiguous zone, in accordance with the legislation applicable to that maritime space under national jurisdiction. The SAM aims to ensure the exercise of State sovereignty over maritime spaces under national jurisdiction, by performing activities, such as: Navigation security and control; Preservation and protection of natural resources in the maritime area; Preservation and protection of underwater cultural heritage; Preservation and protection of the marine environment; Prevention and combat against pollution; Maritime signs, navigation aids and warnings, etc.