Question

The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea provides for the right of hot pursuit of a foreign ship is comprehensively elaborated in which of its provisions?

• A. Article 111
• B. Article 102
• C. Article 122
• D. Article 100

Hint:

Hot pursuit must be continuous and uninterrupted.
If the pursued vessel manages to cross into the territorial sea of its own country or any third state, the right of hot pursuit instantly terminates under Article 111(3).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific article of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that comprehensively details the "right of hot pursuit."

Step 2: Key Legal Principles and Approach:
The right of hot pursuit is a doctrine of international maritime law that allows a coastal state to chase and arrest a foreign vessel on the high seas if there is a reasonable belief that the vessel has violated the laws of the coastal state within its internal waters, territorial sea, or contiguous zone.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Analysis of Article 111: Article 111 of UNCLOS 1982 is the comprehensive provision dedicated entirely to the "Right of Hot Pursuit."

• It outlines the strict conditions and procedures that must be followed for the pursuit to be lawful:

• (1) The pursuit must be commenced when the foreign ship or one of its boats is within the internal waters, the archipelagic waters, the territorial sea, or the contiguous zone of the pursuing State.

• (2) The pursuit may only be continued outside the territorial sea or contiguous zone if it has not been interrupted (continuous pursuit).

• (3) A visual or auditory signal to stop must have been given at a distance which enables it to be seen or heard by the foreign ship.

• (4) The pursuit must cease as soon as the ship pursued enters the territorial sea of its own State or of a third State.

• (5) The pursuit must be conducted by warships, military aircraft, or ships on government service specially authorized to that effect.

• Analysis of other options:

• Article 100 deals with the duty to cooperate in the repression of piracy.

• Article 102 deals with piracy committed by a warship or government ship.

• Article 122 provides the definition of enclosed or semi-enclosed seas.

• Therefore, the right of hot pursuit is comprehensively elaborated in Article 111, making Option (A) the correct answer.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The right of hot pursuit is governed by Article 111 of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, making Option (A) the correct answer.