Baseline of territorial sea

(1) Except as otherwise provided in sub-sections (2), (3) and (4), the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to Belize is measured shall be the low water line along the coast of the mainland of Belize as well as the coasts of all islands and cayes that form part of Belize. (2) For the purposes of this section, a low-tide elevation which lies wholly or partly within the breadth of sea which would be territorial sea if all low-tide elevations were disregarded for the purpose of the measurement of the breadth thereof shall be treated as an island. (3)(a) The baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured between Ambergris Caye - SE and Sarstoon River – shall consist of the series of loxodromes drawn so as to join successively, in the order in which they are there set out, points situate on the low water line on or adjacent to the features listed in the Schedule. (b) The provisions of sub-section (3)(a) shall be without prejudice to the operation of paragraphs(1) and (2) in relation to any island or low-tide elevation which for the purposes of that sub-section is treated as if it were an island, being an island or low-tide elevation which lies to seaward of the baseline specified in sub-section (3)(a). 8 (4) (a) In the case of the sea adjacent to a coast off which there are fringing reefs, the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured shall be the seaward limit of the low water line of the fringing reefs. (b) Where there is a break or passage through the fringing reefs referred to in sub-section (4) (a), the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured shall be a straight line joining the seaward entrance points of that break or passage. (5) For the purpose of delimiting the territorial sea, the outermost permanent harbour works which form an integral part of any harbour system shall be treated as forming part of the coast, but for that purpose offshore installations and artificial islands shall not be considered as permanent harbour works.