Which baseline is used to measure the breadth of the Territorial Seas and Contiguous Zone?

Which baseline is used to measure the breadth of the Territorial Seas and Contiguous Zone?

• A. Equator
• B. Prime Meridian
• C. Baseline
• D. International Date Line

Answer: (C)

The breadth of the Territorial Seas and Contiguous Zone is measured from the coastal baseline. In practice, the normal baseline is the low-water line along the coast, though straight baselines may be used in certain situations. From that baseline, the Territorial Sea extends 12 nautical miles outward, and the Contiguous Zone extends up to 24 nautical miles. The other lines listed (Equator, Prime Meridian, International Date Line) are geographic reference lines for coordinates and are not used as baselines for measuring maritime breadth.

The breadth of the Territorial Seas and Contiguous Zone is measured from the coastal baseline. In practice, the normal baseline is the low-water line along the coast, though straight baselines may be used in certain situations. From that baseline, the Territorial Sea extends 12 nautical miles outward, and the Contiguous Zone extends up to 24 nautical miles. The other lines listed (Equator, Prime Meridian, International Date Line) are geographic reference lines for coordinates and are not used as baselines for measuring maritime breadth.