What is the main purpose of the peaceful passage doctrine?

The main purpose of the peaceful passage doctrine is centered around the concept of maintaining the security and tranquility of coastal waters. This doctrine governs the conditions under which foreign vessels can navigate through the territorial waters of a coastal state. It emphasizes the need for vessels to pass through these waters in a manner that does not threaten the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state.

Under this doctrine, while ships are granted the right of innocent passage, they must refrain from engaging in activities that could disrupt the coastal state's peace. This includes avoiding actions that could be deemed harmful or provocative, thus ensuring that their transit does not pose a risk to the security of the waters. The principle is significant in balancing the rights of navigation with the rights of coastal nations to protect their interests and maintain order within their territorial seas.

While the other options touch on related themes, they do not encapsulate the essence of the peaceful passage doctrine as effectively as the focus on maintaining security and tranquility. For instance, the idea of unrestricted navigation does not consider the necessary balance with a coastal state’s rights, and while enforcement of laws by nations is important, it is secondary to the concept of maintaining peace during passage. Similarly, establishing jurisdictional boundaries pertains more to rights of control rather than