11. 2　Maintenance of New Ocean Order

11. 2. 1　Establishment of New Ocean Order

　 　The Territorial Waters Law and the Tentative Law concerning Fishery Zones were approved by the Diet on 2 May, 1977 and became effective from 1 July of the same year: According to these laws, Japan's territorial waters were extended to 12 nautical miles and 200-nautical mile fishery zones were established, increasing the tract of waters over which Japan has sovereignty.

11. 2. 2　Patrol of Territorial Waters and Fishery Zones

　 　As the waters under Japan's control have been expanded, the Maritimes Safety Agency is busy mobilizing its patrol boats and aircraft for keeping watch and guard over territorial and fishing waters.

11. 2. 3　Buildup of Maritime Security to Meet New Ocean Order

　 　The Maritime Safety Agency is upgrading and building up its guard forces by increasing its fleet of patrol boats and aircraft. Along with this, the Agency is pushing forward construction of new patrol boats to replace those now in use.