National Seas Act 1977.

The Act provides for the description and demarcation of: (a) the territorial sea; (b) the Internal Waters; (c) Offshore Seas; (d) Archipelagic Waters. Schedule 1 provides for principles for ascertaining baselines. As a general principle, in respect of each part of the coast the baseline follows the low water line. Where the distance between the low water line on each natural entrance point of a bay: (a) does not exceed 24 miles, the baseline follows a straight line between those points; or (b) exceeds 24 miles, the baseline follows a straight line of 24 miles length within the bay positioned so as to enclose the maximum area of water. Where a low water elevation is wholly or in part within 12 miles of the coast the baseline follows the low water line of the elevation. In respect of a river mouth the baseline follows a straight line across the river mouth between the points on the low water line of each bank. For purposes of section 2 (description of the territorial sea) the location of a baseline or a part of a baseline may be determined by the Head of State, by Notice in the Official Gazette (sect. 3). Where no determination has been made under section 3, then the baseline shall be ascertained in accordance with Schedule 1. Subject to delimitation of boundaries in relation with neighbouring states, the offshore seas of the State: (a) extend to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines; and (b) unless otherwise specified, shall be deemed to comprise all waters outside the baselines and within a line proclaimed for the purpose of this section by the Head of State, acting on advice, in the National Gazette" (sect. 6). Archipelagic waters are describes in section 7. Schedule 2 provides for an interim delimitation of Archipelagic Waters.