ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the purpose of State ocean jurisdiction. It dwells briefly on the premise on which the exercise of State ocean jurisdiction is based, i.e., the sovereign equality of States and the independence that it entails. The chapter then outlines the historical development of the international law of the sea. The principles pointing towards the lawful purpose of State ocean jurisdiction that are identified in the course of that process, i.e., the protection of the ius communicationis, the avoidance of harm to State, individuals as well as the cultural and natural environment, the pursuit of equity and integrative cooperation, are discussed before light is also shed on parameters within which the purpose for which State ocean jurisdiction is exercised is to be lawfully achieved, that is to say good faith, the abuse of rights and reasonableness.
