Role of the ITLOS in the Dispute Settlement Mechanism of the 1982 UN Convention

In today's world, role of the seas and oceans in the livelihood and the process of development is essential and undeniable. Considering the diversity in operations and the probability of disagreements among countries, the existence of an international tribunal is required. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is the most important and comprehensive instrument on the law of the seas, providing a diverse and efficient system for settlement of international disputes of the field. The International Tribunal for the law of the Sea(ITLOS), as an independent judicial body, is one of the methods proposed in this Convention. The Tribunal can play not only an important role as a judicial forum of dispute settlement but also can assist formation of customary international law and practice and in turn development of international law. In fact, this Tribunal can go beyond a court and act as one of the most effective and appropriate instruments for implementing the rules of the law of the seas with varying conditions.