High Seas (UNCLOS Part VII)

The high seas under UNCLOS Part VII, Articles 86 to 120, are all parts of the sea not included in the EEZ, territorial sea, internal waters, or archipelagic waters of any state. Article 87 guarantees the freedoms of the high seas: navigation, overflight, laying cables and pipelines, constructing installations, fishing, and scientific research. Article 89 bars any state from validly claiming sovereignty over any part. Ships are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of their flag state under Article 92, with narrow exceptions for piracy, the right of visit, and hot pursuit.