International waters, besides known as Terra nullius ( No one ’ second land ) or Mare liberum ( Free sea ), are much mentioned in this way in versatile Hollywood movies. It seems as if it is some anarchic set where criminal elements go to do their dirty job, such as slavery, mangle, illegal experiments and even, possibly, drug fabrication. The basic principle of the international waters is that no state can claim them as its own – external waters must remain international. however, that does not mean that they belong to no one. Quite the opposite – they belong to everyone .
If you want to do occupation in international maritime operations, your ship must be registered in accordance to the international law. They express that your embark must carry a flag of the nation where it is registered. And, quite plainly, while you are in the international waters you must comply with the law of the area whose flag you are flying. It means that what is illegal in Panama, is illegal in a transport flying Panama ’ south ease up. By the way, it is estimated that around 40 % of the ocean-going commercial ships are registered in Panama, Marshal Islands and Liberia – it is a way for embark operators to pay smaller taxes and salaries to workers.
You think you can forget all the jurisprudence by just not having a flag and not registering your ship ? Again, no. In that case, you ship will be considered to be leery and a ship from any country in the world will have a mighty to inspect it. These inspectors will be able to report any illegal activity, which will then be punished by the laws of the state where the criminals are from. If they refuse to provide that information, they can be prosecuted by the laws of the nation where the inspect ship is from.
Read more: Australia Maritime Strategy
Reading: Can you really commit crimes in the international waters and get away with it? – Technology Org
When the criminal natural process falls under universal jurisdiction ( bondage, illegal air, piracy and so on ), criminals can be prosecuted by the express that made the collar, but they can besides be returned to the area of origin. finally, when there are victims and it is impossible to determine the country of origin of the criminals, they can be prosecuted by the laws of the area where victims are from .
And then there is a simple fact that no one lives in international waters forever. Once you reach the port, you may have to show duty for the crimes that you ’ ve committed. That is, if no one catches you before. So no, international waters are not technically no one ’ second down where you can do whatever you want .