The right of innocent passage is applicable to archipelagic waters. In this regard, Article52(1) of the LOSC provides:Subject to article 53 [right of archipelagic sea lanes passage] and without prejudice to article50 [delimitation of internal waters], ships of all States enjoy the right of innocent passagethrough archipelagic waters, in accordance with Part II, section 3 [the right of innocent passagein the territorial sea].The right of innocent passage in archipelagic waters is essentially parallel to the right ofinnocent passage in the territorial sea. Accordingly, under Article 52(2), the archipelagicState may suspend temporarily the right of innocent passage in archipelagic waters if suchsuspension is essential for the protection of its security. Part IV of the LOSC holds noprovision concerning submarines and other underwater vehicles. Like the right of innocentpassage in the territorial sea, it seems that submarines and other underwater vehicles will be required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag in archipelagic waters. The rightof innocent passage in archipelagic waters contains no freedom of overflight.
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