Navigable Waters


In the maritime context, navigable waters refer to bodies of water that are deep, wide, and slow enough for a vessel to pass. These waters can include oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, canals, and other water bodies that are capable of being used for interstate or foreign commerce. The term is significant in maritime law as it determines the jurisdiction and the application of certain laws and regulations. For instance, the laws governing the operation, safety standards, and pollution control of vessels are applicable only in navigable waters. The determination of a water body as navigable is not static and can change over time due to natural or man-made alterations such as dredging, damming, or climate change. The navigability of a water body is assessed based on several factors including its depth, width, flow velocity, and the presence of obstructions such as rocks, sandbars, or ice.


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