The Operation of Gliders Under the International Law of the Sea

In contrast to traditional ocean observation systems such as research vessels and moorings, gliders, a specific category of autonomous underwater vehicles, can be operated individually or as fleets. These devices are designed to allow for continuously and remotely commanded ocean observation from the surface down to at least 1 km depth and deliver data with high horizontal and temporal resolution. This article assesses the legal framework and identifies the legal conditions that ought to be fulfilled in order to deploy and operate gliders in conformity with the international law of the sea.