ABSTRACT
The operation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) is governed by both public international law and national law. The main focus of this chapter is on the international legal framework. So far as national law is concerned, States are bound by common rules of international law and are obliged to ensure that their national law and practice comply with them. Over time, it may therefore be expected that the law of the various coastal States will develop along similar lines on such matters as deployment of foreign AUVs in offshore zones. However, as is shown by the brief review of national law and State practice and procedure presented below, there is still a long way to go with this assimilation process.
