Oceans Act (S.C. 1996, c. 31)

Marginal note:Determination of the baselines

• 5 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the baseline is the low-water line along the coast or on a low-tide elevation that is situated wholly or partly at a distance not exceeding the breadth of the territorial sea of Canada from the mainland or an island.

• Marginal note:Geographical coordinates of points

  (2) In respect of any area for which geographical coordinates of points have been prescribed pursuant to subparagraph 25(a)(i) and subject to any exceptions in the regulations for

  • (a) the use of the low-water line along the coast between given points, and

  • (b) the use of the low-water lines of low-tide elevations that are situated wholly or partly at a distance not exceeding the breadth of the territorial sea of Canada from the mainland or an island,

  the baselines are straight lines interpreted as geodesics joining the consecutive geographical coordinates of points so prescribed.

• Marginal note:Baselines where historic title

  (3) In respect of any area not referred to in subsection (2), the baselines are the outer limits of any area, other than the territorial sea of Canada, over which Canada has a historic or other title of sovereignty.

• Marginal note:Low-tide elevations

  (4) For the purposes of this section, a low-tide elevation is a naturally formed area of land that is surrounded by and above water at low tide but submerged at high tide.