Eastern Policy (Latium)
 | This article is incomplete because it is pending further input from participants, or it is a work-in-progress by one author. Please comment on this article's talk page to share your input, comments and questions. Note: To contribute to this article, you may need to seek help from the author(s) of this page. |
The Eastern Policy is a Latin policy, and series of laws, that dictates passage through the Alcaean Straits, and regulates passage of civilian, commercial and military vessels. The policy was first issued in 1839 by then Count of the East, and later Emperor Theophylactus I Augustus. It has been modified over the years and codified through various laws and edicts until it reached its current form.
Civilian and commercial passage
Civilian and commercial passage is primarily governed by the [ACT]. The ACT places reduced restrictions on the passage of these types of vessels. However, the heavy volume of traffic can create a queue for passage. Latin law states that use of the straits allows Latin authorities the reserved right to stop and inspect passing vessels. This typically happens for the law enforcement purpose of preventing smuggling or bypassing any active sanctions. The toll schedule is created ACT, which delegates authority to the Board of Trade.
Military passage
The 1840 Act of Passage, most recently amended in 2002, created the "Straits Maritime Identification and Defense Zone" that acts as the official entrance of the Alcaean Straits. Due to the high traffic of the straits, it is one of the heaviest militarized areas in Latium, featuring aircraft, surface search radars, anti-ship missile batteries, and a supporting naval fleet, mostly located at the entrances of the Straits Zone.
Passage of military vessels through the Alcaean Straits is heavily restricted. As the straits fall within Latin territorial waters, all military vessels are required to provide 72 hour notice of intent of passage to Latin officials and military personnel – this differs from the policy on passage of commercial vessels. Military vessels belonging to nations not of the Periclean Sea are required to provide 7 days notice for entrance into the Periclean Sea, and likewise for non-Ozeros nations seeking entrance into the Ozeros Sea. In the modern era, this is often a formality as surveillance and satellite technology makes approach visible well before the 72 hour window. Acceptance of passage is granted on a case-by-case basis. While there are no specific restrictions as to the type of vessels that may pass, the case-by-case approach effectively creates such restrictions. There are no exceptions provided for the 72 hour rule.
If an approaching foreign military vessel does not comply with the notice requirements, Latin law dictates that the foreign ambassador is summoned should a foreign government not provide notice of its intent of passage to officials within the allotted time frame. This summons acts as a warning that passage has not yet been granted, as does a direct warning to the approaching vessels. If a vessel passes the Straits Zone, Latin military and naval personnel are cleared to fire on the offending, approaching vessels. Even if a vessel is granted passage, payment of tolls are required, and visitation may be required to enforce tolls on a need basis.