Which statement best describes Archipelagic Sea Lanes Passage?

• A. Continuous and expeditious transit through designated archipelagic sea lanes or normal routes used for international navigation
• B. It applies only within a single archipelago
• C. Submarines are prohibited from passing
• D. It requires prior clearance from all islands before transit

Answer: (A)

Archipelagic Sea Lanes Passage means freedom of ships and aircraft to transit through an archipelagic state's waters along designated archipelagic sea lanes or normal routes used for international navigation in a continuous and expeditious manner. The lanes are set by the archipelagic state, and once designated, vessels may move through them as part of international navigation without needing to obtain clearance from each island. This ensures efficient, predictable passage through complex island chains.

This is why the correct statement is best: it captures the idea of continuous, expeditious transit through designated lanes or routes used for international navigation. The other ideas—that it’s limited to a single archipelago, that submarines are prohibited, or that prior clearance from all islands is required—do not align with how ASL Passage functions under international law.