Is it lawless in international waters?

The high seas are not lawless. Well, not completely. According to international law, a maritime country extends outward some distance from its shoreline. During the 20th century several attempts to develop an international “law of the sea” have been made under the aegis of the United Nations.



People Also Ask

It is not illegal per se. The consequence is you will not be owed the protections that registered ships flying a national flag will be. As you don't come under any jurisdiction, you can be approached and come under the extraterritorial jurisdiction of any other state.

MORE DETAILS

How does law work in international waters? Ships are registered with a country (and fly that flag). The Captain is responcible for enforcing the laws of that country. Anyone arrested would eventually be tried in court back in that country.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, cruise ships have brigs, which is the nautical term for a jail on a vessel, including a cruise ship. The term comes from the word brigantine, which is a type of two-masted sailing ship formerly used to house criminals.

MORE DETAILS

In international waters, more than 24 miles off the coast, the crime would fall under the laws of the country where the ship is registered. If a ship is at port when a crime occurs, it falls within that country's jurisdiction. Every ship line has their own set of rules.

MORE DETAILS