Coastal State Jurisdiction around Installations: Safety Zones in the Law of the Sea

As human activities in the oceans increase, so does the number of maritime installations. To avoid collisions, installations are surrounded by safety zones, where the coastal State enjoys some jurisdiction. Safety zones have to be respected by all ships. However, technical advancements and economic feasibility have made it possible for installations and their surrounding safety zones to occupy large areas of sea; see, e.g., offshore wind farms, which were previously open to the international community. This article argues for a restrictive understanding of the coastal State’s jurisdiction, based on the purpose of the safety zone regime.