For the uninformed (me), can someone clarify innocent passage under UNCLOS regulations? Does it allow you to sail anywhere you like in another country's waters or does your route need to be appropriate for a required tack based on wind/sea conditions? Could they have gone on a slow cruise all the way around Tortola based on innocent passage?
I would say a cruise around Tortola would not be acceptable. Here is a simple explanation.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) enshrines the concept of innocent passage through a coastal state’s territorial sea. Passage is innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal state. A vessel in innocent passage may traverse the coastal state’s territorial sea continuously and expeditiously, not stopping or anchoring except in force majeure situations.
