Marine Safety

Since the United Nations Maritime Law Treaties took effect on the November 16, 1994, other nations of the world have been actively promoting sovereignty of territorial seawaters and implementation of maritime law. To ensure the nation!|s sovereignty of national territorial seas, the Territorial Sea Waters and Neighboring Area Law and the R.O.C Exclusive Economic Sea Areas and Continental Shelf Law were promulgated on January 21, 1998. The first announcement of territorial sea base lines was published on February 10, 1999. The drawn territorial sea base lines are at a length of 1,981 kilometers with a total sea area of 584,898 km2.

To protect the seas of the nation, maintain order on the coastline, ensure the security of the nation, and safeguard the welfare of our citizens, the Administration has upheld its administrative motto, !§Internationalize our view of the ocean, serve the people, assure safety!‥ since its establishment on January 28, 1999, as well as sent sailors to patrol the territorial sea waters, neighboring areas, and exclusive economic seas to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and illegal immigration, and execute sea traffic control/maintenance. The administration has also been reviewing whether to downsize coastal areas needed for national defense and military purposes, for the goal of encouraging the public to come closer to the oceans and use the oceans and realizing the prospect of becoming an oceanic country. Moreover, the administration has also been actively promoting international cooperation to jointly fight crimes on the high seas and maintain sea safety.