Law and international waters (I live in Virginia if that makes a difference)?

by **kendrix** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:32 pm

So I'm not planning anything, just curious as far as my rights at sea. Anyhoo, I own a small open deck boat that I use pretty often. It is my understanding that after 12 kilometers from the coast of the United States, or any country, you have reached international waters and no nation can charge you with a "crime" as the open ocean is not under the control of any government ( After12 kilometers from the nearest coast)

AGAIN I AM NOT PLANNING ANYTHING

But just curious, suppose that while on my boat with some friends, more than 12 kilometers out, we got pissed at one person, and in the heat of the moment, killed him/her) is it true that in international waters, we can not be charged?

Oh, and this is a repost. I asked earlier and everyone said that under Maritime Law I could be tried by the captain of the ship. Remember: I own this boat, so I AM the captain of the ship.

Your thoughts?

by **aviya** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:38 pm

Yeah... you and your friends would be charged with 2nd degree murder.

The US boundary for international waters is "12 NAUTICAL MILES", not "12 KILOMETERS". To add to that, a "NAUTICAL MILE" is longer than a "MILE". However, if you're in international waters, nothing would happen, because you're within the US's jurisdiction.

by **eliot** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:45 pm

Google is your friend

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