Question

A coastal state wishing to claim a continental shelf extending to 350 nautical miles must interact with which body?

• A. The International Seabed Authority
• B. The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
• C. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
• D. The International Maritime Organization

Hint:

This process highlights the role of technical and scientific expert bodies in international law, rather than leaving boundary-setting solely to political negotiation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Read the question.
Which body must a coastal state approach to claim a continental shelf up to 350 nautical miles?

Step 2: Recall Article 76.
A coastal state normally gets a continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles. To extend it further, up to 350 nautical miles, it must submit scientific data.

Step 3: Identify the reviewing body.
The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) reviews this geological and bathymetric data.

Step 4: Eliminate the others.
The International Seabed Authority manages mining in the Area. ITLOS settles sea law disputes. The IMO handles shipping. None reviews continental shelf extensions.

Step 5: Conclude.
The state must interact with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

Answer: The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf