[tedesign]

This idea is based on the false assumption that there are no pre-existing laws for seas. There is a UN treaty and there are maritime laws and unwritten seamen laws. And the latest date way back in history. Pretending that seas are virgin territories as regards laws is a misconception.

[danenania]

I don't think the idea is based on that assumption. It's okay if there are international maritime laws, as long as they don't prohibit this sort of activity (I have no idea whether they do or don't).

These sorts of laws could even conceivably offer some protection to such a venture.

[billswift]

The most fundamental law, and one that effectively negates all floating "new country" ventures, is that any vessel that is not "flagged" by a real country is classified as a pirate vessel and will be taken over by any country, on the high seas most likely by the US Coast Guard which is the most widespread and aggressive enforcement presence on the high seas.

If your vessel is flagged, then this isn't a problem, but you must abide by the laws of the flagging nation. And, in international water, you are still vulnerable to random searches by the Coast Guard if for any reason they get their back up.

[stcredzero]

I just see another business opportunity for small nations who want the money from granting flags but have no agenda otherwise.

[gimpf]

The people are much more pragmatic than the project sounds; they are thinking about how much autonomy is even possible, realistically. Maritime laws are seemingly one of the simplest issues out there.