Determination of the Territorial Sea Baseline – Aspect of Using Unmanned Hydrographic Vessels

Abstract

Determining the course of the territorial sea baseline (TSB) of the coastal state is of primary importance to define its maritime borders, and hence it is indirectly a part of the state maritime policy. Besides the legal and methodical aspects described in conventions, laws, standards and regulations, equally important is the issue of measurement methodology with respect to the internal limit of the territorial sea. The article discusses an effective and optimal method of realization of bathymetric measurements that allows determining the course of the TSB. It proposes ‐ as an alternative method to classic measurements ‐ the use of unmanned hydrographic vessels, justifying their desirability. It reviews the currently available solutions, as well as highlights the advantages and limitations of the proposed method.