The three regimes:-
i. Right over Territorial Waters: The right over territorial waters extends up to 12 nautical miles (NM) from the baseline of a coastal state. Territorial waters are deemed to be a part of the sovereign territory of a state, the same way the land and airspace of a country are. In other words, the state asserts nearly unqualified right over this territory. The reservation is that it is subject to the right of innocent passage. Foreign vessels are allowed to innocently pass through without any objection or intervention from the coastal state. However, many coastal states (Pakistan included) are of the opinion that all foreign vessels must seek prior approval from the coastal state when entering into their territorial waters. Many other states are of the contrary opinion.
ii.Exclusive Economic Zone: The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a self- explanatory term. Coastal states enjoy the lawful right over economic benefits from the EEZ, which extends 200 NM into the sea. However, it is important to note that the EEZ does not form part of the territorial limits of a state. Coastal states merely benefit from exercising the right to reap economic benefits from
the resources available in the EEZ. These rights are confined to the water
column.
iii. Continental Shelf: There is a distinction between the geological and legal definition of a continental shelf. The geological term merely defines a feature of the sea bed where the continental slope reaches a certain depth. On the other hand, the legal definition is a precise measurement of area which confers upon coastal states limited rights over the area. It continues for a maximum of 150
NM from the EEZ. The difference between the rights of the state with regard to the EEZ and the continental shelf is that the state is not allowed to exploit (or grant permission to exploit) the aquatic resources of the continental shelf.