What is defined as "Near Coastal" waters?

The term "Near Coastal" waters refers specifically to ocean waters that extend up to 200 miles offshore from the baseline. This designation is crucial for understanding the jurisdictions and regulations that apply within this range, including those concerning navigation, fishing, and offshore activities. Being within this zone means mariners must comply with particular safety and operational guidelines tailored to coastal conditions, which can be significantly different from those further out at sea.

The other options depict different types of waters. For example, the Great Lakes and inland rivers and lakes do not pertain to the definition of "Near Coastal" as they are entirely separate bodies of freshwater and have different regulations and characteristics. Waters extending beyond 200 miles offshore are categorized as "offshore" rather than "Near Coastal", marking a boundary where different international and jurisdictional rules apply. Thus, the distinction emphasizes the importance of this 200-mile limit in maritime operations and regulations.