The 1982 Law of the Sea Convention: A Mere Declaration of Customary International Law?

Abstract

Prior to the advent of the Law of the Sea Convention of 1982, there were serious controversies and ambiguities surrounding the use and exploitation of the Sea by states. At some point, some powerful maritime nations even engaged in the controversial practice of partitioning and exercising sovereignty over the oceans. Such practices resulted in chaos and disorder on the sea.