For an overview of the history of the International Tribunal for the Law and the see, visit History of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Hamburg, Germany.
Jurisdiction of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
The ITLOS website, under "Jurisdiction" includes information on Competence, Procedure, Contentious jurisdiction, Advisory jurisdiction and a Guide to Proceedings of the Tribunal as detailed in articles 297 and 298 of the Convention. The Tribunal's "Seabed Disputes Chamber is competent to give an advisory opinion on legal questions arising within the scope of the activities of the Assembly or Council of the International Seabed Authority (article 191 of the onvention). The Tribunal may also give an advisory opinion on a legal question if this is provided for by "an international agreement related to the purposes of the Convention" (Rules of the Tribunal, article 138)." *
* Adapted/selected from the ITLOS website page on Jurisdiction (viewed 6 August 2016)
* The following text and links (12 August 2013) are adapted/selected from the ITLOS website
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is an independent judicial body established by the Third United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the Convention.
The Tribunal has jurisdiction over any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention, and over all matters specifically provided for in any other agreement which confers jurisdiction on the Tribunal (Statute, article 21).
Basic documents
Rules of the Tribunal (ITLOS/8), as amended on 17 March 2009
Resolution on the Internal Judicial Practice of the Tribunal (ITLOS/10)
Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Guidelines Concerning the Preparation and Presentation of Cases before the Tribunal
Guidelines Concerning the Posting of a Bond or other Financial Security with the Registrar
Resolution on the Seabed Disputes Chamber
Resolution on the Chamber for Fisheries Disputes
Resolution on the Chamber for Maritime Environment Disputes
Resolution on the Chamber for Maritime Delimitation Disputes
Relationship with the United Nations
Headquarters Agreement
The Terms of Reference of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea Trust Fund (Annex I and Annex II of UN/A/RES/55/7 of 27 February 2001) - see page 9
According to its Terms of Reference, the purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to States parties to the Convention for expenses incurred in connection with cases submitted, or to be submitted, to the Tribunal, including its Seabed Disputes Chamber and any other Chamber.
