What is the contiguous zone in relation to territorial waters?

The contiguous zone is defined as the area of water that extends from 3 to 12 nautical miles (nm) from the baseline, which is typically the low-water mark along the coast. This zone is significant because it allows a coastal state to exercise limited control in relation to customs, immigration, sanitation, and other regulations. Within this area, a state can enforce its laws to prevent and punish infringement of its laws and regulations.

This understanding highlights the importance of the specific distance range—from 3 to 12 nm—established by international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The contiguous zone serves as a buffer between the territorial sea, which extends from 0 to 3 nm, and the exclusive economic zone and high seas beyond 12 nm. The other options do not represent the correct distance limits for the contiguous zone, demonstrating a misunderstanding of maritime jurisdiction.