Which statement describes the Right of Approach (ROA)?

Which statement describes the Right of Approach (ROA)?

• A. Under international law, the right of warships and other duly authorized vessels or military aircraft in international waters to approach any vessel in international waters and to verify its nationality through questioning.
• B. ROA does not apply in international waters.
• C. ROA is the same as ROV.
• D. ROA allows boarding a vessel suspected of piracy.

Answer: (A)

Right of Approach is the authority for warships and other duly authorized vessels or military aircraft to approach a vessel in international waters to verify its nationality by questioning and requesting identifying information. It is a verification step, not a right to board or detain. It applies in international waters and is distinct from the Right of Visit, which allows boarding for inspection. Therefore, the statement that describes approaching to verify nationality through questioning captures ROA accurately.

Right of Approach is the authority for warships and other duly authorized vessels or military aircraft to approach a vessel in international waters to verify its nationality by questioning and requesting identifying information. It is a verification step, not a right to board or detain. It applies in international waters and is distinct from the Right of Visit, which allows boarding for inspection. Therefore, the statement that describes approaching to verify nationality through questioning captures ROA accurately.