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Notice to Research Vessel Operators No. 25

Subject:: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Restrictions, February 13, 1976.
Released by the Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

Several private yachtsmen have recently been detained in the Nicobar and the Andaman group of islands. India has stated, in a note to the American Embassy, that they have had to resort to firing in some instances and that the fire has occasionally been returned. They go on to say that on most occasions the ships and their crew have been subsequently released following the intervention of the Government of India. The position of the Indian government is provided in full:

"(I) As regards Indian territorial waters in general, there are no formal orders as such regulating innocent passage through them. Government of India generally conforms to the provisions of the Geneva Convention on Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zones, in so far as the passage of warships is concerned, prior notification to and permission of the Government of India is necessary;

(II) In the territorial waters around Andaman and Nicobar Islands, entry of all foreign vessels has been temporarily sealed off for security reasons. The relevant notice No. 4A/75 issued to mariners is reproduced below for information:

'The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is sealed off to all foreigners excepting when the visit of a foreigner to these islands is at the instance of a government agency and in the interest of government work. It is notified for general information that the territorial sea surrounding the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is sealed off temporarily until further orders to all foreign vessels of whatever description for reasons of security, excepting vessels in urgent distress.'

All foreign diplomatic and consular missions, are requested to kindly bring the above regulations to the notice of all concerned for strict compliance."

Department advises research vessels to stay clear of the 12-mile territorial sea claimed by India around the islands. Notice to Mariners 4A/75 applies. In view of the information provided by India, requests for clearance to conduct research would be turned down by India.

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