Status Hukum Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) menurut Hukum Laut Internasional: Peluang dan Tantangan

Technological advancements, particularly in marine technology, necessitate a legal framework to keep pace with these developments. One notable trend in marine technology is the growing use of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) for a variety of purposes, ranging from recreation and tourism to military applications. Given that human use of the sea is limited by our capacity to adapt to the marine environment, the automation of sea activities is becoming increasingly common. However, the operation of UUVs still presents numerous legal issues, particularly when a UUV enters another country's territorial waters. This challenge arises because UUVs remain unregulated within the context of international maritime law. The frequent presence of foreign UUVs in coastal states' waters raises complex questions regarding how these states should respond. Naturally, the actions available to coastal states depend on the legal status of the UUV in question. This article will explore the legal status of UUVs under the International Law of the Sea and the opportunities and challenges associated with their regulation. In addition to the benefits offered by UUVs, states must establish or reach an agreement on their legal status and regulate their operation. Consequently, regional cooperation is essential.