Prostitution in International Waters

Hi, I have a question I have been wondering about. I have not been able to find any reliable answers on the Internet. First off let me assure you I am not planning on doing this, I am just curious.

Let's say someone stations a ship in international waters (250 miles off the coast of San Diego let's say), and on board he has 5 sex workers. And he pretty much runs a brothel on the ocean. Assuming everyone involved is a United States citizen, is any crime being committed?

Also, what about other iffy activities such as drugs and gambling?

Could everyone involved safely come to shore during the weekends without a SWAT team waiting at the beach? Or would they have to live in International waters for the rest of their lives?

Google "Committing Crimes in International Waters" and you'll find plenty of resources that will answer your questions including the following article that discusses the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/...ach-of-the-law

So, basically you cannot likely commit crimes in international waters with impunity.

You can go to Nevada for legalized gambling and prostitution and some states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana and I suppose that some countries have legalized or ignore use of other controlled substances.

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Quoting adjusterjack

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Google "Committing Crimes in International Waters" and you'll find plenty of resources that will answer your questions including the following article that discusses the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/...ach-of-the-law

So, basically you cannot likely commit crimes in international waters with impunity.

You can go to Nevada for legalized gambling and prostitution and some states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana and I suppose that some countries have legalized or ignore use of other controlled substances.

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As far as I know prostitution is not a federal crime. Assuming the vessel flew a US flag, would the federal government take action?

My understanding is that prostitution is actually legal in the United States, while it is the states (except Nevada) that actually criminalize it. With that being said, prostitution in international waters flying a US flag would be legal, right?

As for marijuana, it is illegal in the US at the federal level, while the states have bucked the system and legalized it on their own accords, but it is still illegal at the federal level. Clearly the feds would take action against a floating drug den. I am not sure about a floating brothel tho.

Cruise lines run casinos in international water, consistent with the laws of the nations in which they are flagged. The U.S. is not going to tolerate drug trafficking or sex tourism operations, even if the act themselves occur in international waters. See, e.g., 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2422; 46 U.S.C. Sec. 70503.

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Quoting Mr. Knowitall

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Cruise lines run casinos in international water, consistent with the laws of the nations in which they are flagged. The U.S. is not going to tolerate drug trafficking or sex tourism operations, even if the act themselves occur in international waters. See, e.g., 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2422; 46 U.S.C. Sec. 70503.

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So they tolerate sex tourism within their own borders (Nevada), but not in international waters?

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Also, what if said vessel declared independence and flew it's own flag? Which country would take action against it?

Go ahead, roll the dice and start your venture. Tell us how it goes.