What distinguishes Internal Waters from other types of waters?

Internal Waters are recognized as those bodies of water landward of the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. What sets Internal Waters apart from other types of waters is that they do not provide access to the open sea or to foreign countries. This definition emphasizes their inland nature, meaning that vessels cannot traverse these waters to move into maritime international navigation.

This characteristic is crucial in international law and affects the rights of a coastal state over such waters, as they possess sovereignty over Internal Waters, similar to that of their land territory. This contrasts with territorial seas, which do allow for passage to the open sea. Understanding this distinction is vital for legal and operational considerations in maritime activities.