March 23, 2015 

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 U.S. Department of Defense 

 Freedom of Navigation Report 

 for Fiscal Year 2014 

Below is a summary of excessive maritime claims that were challenged by 

Freedom of Navigation (FON) operations and other FON-related activities 

conducted by U.S. forces during the period of October 1, 2013 to September 

30, 2014, in order to preserve the rights, freedoms, and uses of the sea and 

airspace guaranteed to all nations in international law: 

Claimant Excessive Maritime Claim(s) 

Argentina Prior notification required for foreign warships to enter the 

territorial sea. 

Brazil Authorization required for foreign military exercises or 

maneuvers in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

China* Excessive straight baselines; jurisdiction over airspace above 

the EEZ; restriction on foreign aircraft flying through an Air 

Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) without the intent to 

enter national airspace; domestic law criminalizing survey 

activity by foreign entities in the EEZ. 

Ecuador Excessive straight baselines. 

India* Authorization required for foreign military exercises or 

maneuvers in the EEZ. 

Indonesia* Partial designation of archipelagic sea lanes; prior 

notification required for foreign warships to enter the 

territorial sea and the archipelagic waters; restriction on 

stopping, dropping anchor, or cruising without legitimate 

reason in seas adjoining the territorial sea. 

Iran* Excessive straight baselines; restrictions on right of transit 

passage through Strait of Hormuz to signatories of the Law 

of the Sea Convention; prohibition on foreign military 

activities and practices in the EEZ. 

Libya* Claims historical waters status (i.e., internal waters) for the 

Gulf of Sidra. 

Malaysia* Authorization required for nuclear-powered ships to enter 

the territorial sea; authorization required for foreign military 

exercises or maneuvers in the EEZ. 

Maldives* Permission required for foreign vessels to enter the EEZ; 

prior permission for overflight of the archipelagic waters by 

foreign military aircraft. 

   
U.S. Department of Defense 

 Freedom of Navigation Report 

 for Fiscal Year 2014 

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Claimant Excessive Maritime Claim(s) 

Nicaragua* Excessive straight baselines; 200-nautical mile breadth of 

the territorial sea; prior notification required for foreign 

vessels to enter the territorial sea; security jurisdiction in 

the contiguous zone; prior notification to enter the 

contiguous zone. 

Oman* Requirement for innocent passage with permission through 

the Strait of Hormuz (an international strait). 

Peru* 200-nautical mile breadth of territorial sea. 

Philippines* Claims archipelagic waters as internal waters. 

South Korea Excessive straight baselines; prior notification required for 

foreign military or government vessels to enter the territorial 

sea. 

Sri Lanka Security jurisdiction in the contiguous zone. 

Taiwan Excessive straight baselines; prior notification required for 

foreign military or government vessels to enter the territorial 

sea. 

Venezuela* Prior permission for overflight of the EEZ and a Flight 

Information Region (FIR). 

Vietnam Excessive straight baselines. 

Note: * denotes multiple challenges to the claim(s) during the reporting period. 

Website: http://policy.defense.gov/OUSDPOffices/FON.aspx

Point of Contact: Oceans Policy Advisor, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)