What is the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)?

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body located in Hamburg, Germany, established to arbitrate and adjudicate disputes and issues related to the Law of the Sea. ITLOS is composed of 21 judges elected by UN member states, and is responsible for the adjudication of complex, international maritime issues. The Tribunal has exclusive responsibility for any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). All disputes between two or more states must be submitted to the Tribunal before a final decision can be reached. UNCLOS is considered the main international instrument for resolving disputes concerning the use of the world’s oceans and seas, and ITLOS is its governing body. South Carolina is not directly affected by the activities of ITLOS; however, the cases adjudicated by the tribunal can have a significant impact on domestic water management, marine pollution, navigation rights, and maritime boundary delimitations. For example, a recent case between Australia and Japan involved both parties’ claims to the continental shelf off the eastern coast of Australia. Though it does not affect South Carolina directly, it is important for residents to be aware of how ITLOS disputes and decisions may impact local and international marine management.

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What is the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)?

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