Summary:  vessel, the rule is that the flag state has jurisdiction over its vessels and persons on board, even in foreign waters, but this is subject to limitations during wartime, such as the seizure of ships for contraband. When a ship enters the territorial waters of another state, it becomes subject to the jurisdiction of that state to varying degrees, with public vessels enjoying immunity. The high sea is common to all nations for navigation and fishery, and the soil of its bed cannot be exclusively owned by any single state, except in cases where portions have been beneficially occupied. In summary, ships are subject to the laws of the state whose flag they sail under, while territorial waters grant jurisdiction to the coastal state, with certain exceptions for public vessels.