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Legislative Decree No. 304 of 1963 on the Territorial Waters of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Country/Territory
Syrian Arab Republic
Document type
Legislation
Date
1963
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Sea
Keyword
Maritime zone Territorial sea Continental shelf Navigation Sovereignty
Geographical area
Asia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Near East and North Africa, Western Asia
Entry into force notes
This Legislative Decree enters into force on 28 December 1963.
Abstract

This Legislative Decree provides for the demarcation of the Territorial Waters of the Syrian Arab Republic. It is composed of 2 Chapters divided into 16 articles. Chapter I contains definitions and terms. Chapter II deals with inland waters and territorial sea. Article 2 prescribes what are to be considered "inland waters": bay waters, shoal waters which are not farther than 12 nautical miles from the coast or any Syrian island situated between the coast line and the lines connecting the outermost shoals, water between land and any Syrian Arab Republic island within 12 nautical miles from the coast (the outermost coast of the island is considered its border), water between S.A.R. islands (distance between islands shall not exceed 12 nautical miles). Articles 3 and 4 deal with the delimitation of and sovereignty over the territorial sea, the air space above it as well as its bed and sub soil, in accordance with relevant international law. The Territorial Sea extends to 12 nautical miles, measured from the straight baseline or from low water lines around islands. Article 5 establishes different methods of determining baselines for the delimitation of territorial waters. According to article 6, if an area of the high seas has been omitted (as a result of delimiting territorial waters), but is still surrounded by areas considered as "territorial waters", such areas shall nevertheless be considered part of the territorial sea. Article 7 states that in the case of international maritime boundaries, territorial waters shall be delimited by mutual agreement. Articles 8 to 12 put forth general regulations in regard to navigation of merchant and military ships and generally concern the protection of S.A.R. territorial waters against violations of its borders. Article 13 and 14 authorize the S.A.R. to exercise jurisdiction over an area up to 6 miles beyond its "regional waters", including the exloitation of natural resources. With article 15, all Regulations contradicting this Decree are void.

Full text
English

References - Legislation

Repealed by

Law No. 28 of 2003 on the Territorial Sea, Continental Shelf, and the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Legislation | Syrian Arab Republic | 2003

Keyword: Maritime zone, Continental shelf, Territorial sea, EEZ-Exclusive Economic Zone, Deep sea bed, High seas, Navigation, Offences/penalties, Sovereignty

Source: FAO, FAOLEX