Legal Definitions - right of innocent passage

The right of innocent passage is a term used in international law to describe the right of a foreign ship to pass through a country's territorial waters without paying a toll. This right is guaranteed in Article 17 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Passage is considered innocent as long as it does not harm the peace, good order, and security of the coastal country. This means that the ship must respect local regulations on navigation, pilotage, and other rules. If the ship does anything that could disturb the tranquility of the coastal state, it would not be considered innocent passage.

For example, if a ship from Japan wants to travel to the United States and needs to pass through the territorial waters of Canada, it has the right of innocent passage. However, if the ship were to engage in activities such as fishing or spying, it would no longer be considered innocent passage.

Another example is if a ship from China wants to travel to Russia and needs to pass through the territorial waters of Japan. As long as the ship follows all the rules and regulations set by Japan, it has the right of innocent passage.