What distance defines State Waters?

What distance defines State Waters?

• A. 12 nautical miles from Baseline
• B. 0 to 3 kilometers
• C. 0 to 3 nautical miles from Baseline
• D. 24 nautical miles from Baseline

Answer: (C)

State Waters extend from the Baseline to 3 nautical miles seaward. The Baseline is the reference line along the coast (typically the mean low-water line), and measuring outward from that line sets the boundary of state jurisdiction. Within this 0–3 nautical mile band, states regulate coastal uses and resources; beyond it, federal waters begin (up to 12 nautical miles as the Territorial Sea, with further zones beyond that). The other options mix units or reference different maritime zones—12 nautical miles marks the Territorial Sea, 24 nautical miles corresponds to a Contiguous Zone, and 0–3 kilometers uses the wrong unit.

State Waters extend from the Baseline to 3 nautical miles seaward. The Baseline is the reference line along the coast (typically the mean low-water line), and measuring outward from that line sets the boundary of state jurisdiction. Within this 0–3 nautical mile band, states regulate coastal uses and resources; beyond it, federal waters begin (up to 12 nautical miles as the Territorial Sea, with further zones beyond that). The other options mix units or reference different maritime zones—12 nautical miles marks the Territorial Sea, 24 nautical miles corresponds to a Contiguous Zone, and 0–3 kilometers uses the wrong unit.