✈️ An aircraft accident is considered to have occurred in international sea waters (also called the high seas) when it takes place outside the territorial waters of any country. Definition of International Sea Waters: ▪️According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): ▪️Territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from a country’s coastline. ▪️Beyond that, up to 200 nautical miles is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), but the EEZ does not include full sovereignty like territorial waters. ▪️International waters, or high seas, begin beyond 12 nautical miles from any country’s coast and are not under the jurisdiction of any single state. 🌐Application to Aircraft Accidents: When an accident occurs: ▪️Within 12 nautical miles of a coastal state → it's within that state's territory. ▪️Beyond 12 nautical miles → it's considered to have occurred in international waters. 📘 ICAO Annex 13 (Aircraft Accident Investigation) - Key Point: 🌏 Even if the accident occurs in international waters, the State of Registry of the aircraft has the responsibility to conduct or delegate the investigation, unless another arrangement is made. ✈️ Example: If an aircraft crashes 15 nautical miles off the coast of Country X, it is officially considered to have occurred in international waters, and Country X does not automatically have jurisdiction over the investigation, though they may assist.