TALOS - Edition 6 - Technical Aspects of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) Manual

Oct 26, 2026

Preface to the TALOS manual outlines the origin and development of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) from its 1982 signing to its entry into force in 1994. It describes how the convention consolidates multiple 1958 Geneva sea-law treaties and extends coverage through 320 articles and 9 annexes, including environmental protection and deep-ocean resources. It explains hydrographer-relevant technical work, and the creation and evolution of subsequent first to fourth editions and related working-group contributions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages216

Reading Time9 h 4 min

AccessFree to download

Preface

Origins and scope of UNCLOS

Hydrographer-focused technical aspects

Establishment of the TALOS working group

Edition history: First to Fourth

C-51 Edition 6.0.0 A MANUAL ON TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA – 1982 (TALOS) Published by the International Hydrographic Organization 4b quai Antoine 1er Principauté de Monaco Tel: (377) [93.10.81.00](93.10.81.00) Fax: (377) [93.10.81.40](93.10.81.40)[ ](93.10.81.40)[info@iho.int](info@iho.int)[ ](info@iho.int)[www.iho.in](www.iho.in) PREFACE The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on 10 December 1982. The signing of the Convention marked the conclusion of the Third United Nations Conference on Law of the Sea, which had lasted from 1973-1982. The Convention entered into force on 16 November 1994, twelve months after the sixtieth instrument of ratification or accession had been deposited with the United Nations. It is not necessary to dwell on the accomplishments of the Conference or the future impact of the Convention on humankind. It is sufficient to note that the Convention combines in one treaty the four conventions that were signed at Geneva in 1958, dealing with the Law of the Sea, namely: The Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone; the High Seas; Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas; and the Continental Shelf. In addition, within its 320 articles and 9 annexes, the 1982 Convention covers many new areas of concern, including in particular the protection and preservation of the environment and theresources of the deep ocean floor. Aspects of the Convention that are of particular concern to hydrographers include those articles dealing with delimitation of maritime boundaries, the conduct and promotion of marine scientific research and the development and transfer of marine technology. It was clear that the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) would have a part to play in some of the technical aspects of implementing the Convention. Accordingly, in July 1983 a meeting was arranged between Ambassador Bernardo ZULETA, Mr. Jean-Pierre LEVY (UN), Rear Admiral Frank FRASER (President IHB) 1 , Vice Admiral O.A.A. AFFONSO (Director, IHB), Dr. Mario RUIVO (Secretary IOC) and Mr. Desmond SCOTT (Secretary GEBCO) . As outlined in IHB Circular Letter 28/1983, the IHO was invited to provide technical advice and information on baselines and geodetic datums. First Edition In order to fulfil its obligations the President of the IHB initiated the concept of a Working Group to develop an IHO Special Publication on the Technical Aspects of the Law of the Sea Convention. Participation in this group was invited in IHB Circular Letter 37/1984 and Circular Letter 16/1985 announced the twelve members of the group. The TALOS (Technical Aspects of the Law of the Sea) Working Group was duly constituted. (See Appendix 4 for the Group's membership) . At the Working Group’s first meeting in Monaco, 2-4 October 1985, the late Rear Admiral FRASER agreed to assume the Chairmanship. There was consensus that the manual should have the following structure: (a) Introduction-explaining the scope of the manual. (b) List of hydrographic terms and concepts related to the Law of the Sea including illustrations ofa general nature. 1 IHB- International Hydrographic Bureau-the Secretariat of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) . (c) Possible practical applications - field work, charting work and computations. Appendix of computer programmes. (d) Annotated bibliography-this section would not have an IHO endorsement and would simply list available published literature, work done in different countries, etc. During 1986 work proceeded on (b) which became Part I - the GLOSSARY and the Appendix to (c) which became Appendix 2 - Computer Programmes. The latter was completed under the supervision of Japan. Work commenced on (c) which became Part II Practical Applications. France and Italy undertook initial work on this section and the IHB

FAQs

When was UNCLOS signed and when did it enter into force?

UNCLOS was signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on 10 December 1982, and entered into force on 16 November 1994.

What areas does the 1982 Convention cover beyond the original sea-law topics?

Beyond consolidating earlier Geneva conventions, the 1982 text addresses new concerns, notably protection and preservation of the environment and resources of the deep ocean floor.

How did the TALOS manual’s structure and editions evolve?

A working group was formed to develop an IHO special publication, producing a glossary, practical applications, and computer-program appendix items that were later revised or omitted across subsequent first through fourth editions.

Oct 26, 2026

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