In this article the author discusses the military aspect of the Convention on the law of the sea of 1982. He touches on: the definition of a warship; the institution of innocent passage; the right of search and inspection, and the right of pursuit; transit through maritime straits; areas ofarmed conflict; mined areas; and the exclusively peaceful use of seas and oceans. The use of armed force at sea is permissible as an act of self-defence as defined in article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The use of armed force at sea is also permissible within the framework of international sanctions authorised by the UN Security Council. However it is not permissible as an act of mutual aid.