Since the dawn of history, we Citizens of the Sea have inhabited the sea and its shores.
The recent attempts of Landsmen to control and exploit our seas and the oceans compel us to organize in resistance. We have noted with dismay the mess that landsmen have made of their own affairs and wish to avoid the extension of their influence over the seas. By our resistance, we hope to free the Seas for all generations and, perhaps, assist the councils of landsmen to rediscover the honesty, wisdom and sanity that are born of association with the Sea.
The Citizens of the Sea recognize no distinction of race, creed, nationality, age, sex or place of domicile. Citizenship is open to all who regard the sea as their natural home regardless of their place of residence.
Title: The whole Sea is our home up to low tide level.
Our title to the Sea and the seabed is that of 'Guardian for all future generations'.
This Title is established by ancient tenure. The terms 'Territorial waters', 'International waters' etc. are the creations of the landsmen and of comparatively recent origin. These terms have no relevance to the Citizens of the Sea.
We Categorically deny and reject the right or power of landsmen to legislate, adjudicate or otherwise control any matters to do with the Sea or its bed - except with our consent.
Policy: We do not wish to restrict the access of landsmen to the Sea and hope that our citizens will be accorded similar privileges on land.
Our Seas and oceans are open to all for recreation and peaceful trade; BUT we will seek increasingly to restrict the use of the sea for warlike purposes, irresponsible exploitation and dumping.
Finance: Backed by the total resources of the Sea, the C.O.S. is the wealthiest institution on earth. NO TAXES are levied of the citizens and dividends are paid annually (minimum $50) in oceanic funds to all citizens to assist them in forwarding the aims of the C.O.S. All funds are held in trust.
Constitution: C.O.S. has a central information office but no other form of government at present. We have observed how badly the democratic process has served the landsmen and prefer to operate as free agents. We observe loyalty: first, to our fellow citizens, second, to other users of the Sea and third, to humanity as a whole.
We reserve the right to take part in such 'international' discussions as are conducted by the United Nations and other bodies, if we feel that our cooperation can be of real benefit.
Our conduct is guided by the dictates of Good Seamanship, Compassion, Common Sense and 'The Golden Rule'.
Untrammelled by the creeds, traditions and futile nationalism of land dwellers, the Citizens of the Sea identify more clearly the problems of Man and his World. With compassion, humour, common sense and limitless wealth we go forward - each in his own way - to find solutions, where land dwellers have feared to look.
Since the dawn of history, we Citizens of the Sea have inhabited the sea and its shores.
The recent attempts of Landsmen to control and exploit our seas and the oceans compel us to organize in resistance. We have noted with dismay the mess that landsmen have made of their own affairs and wish to avoid the extension of their influence over the seas. By our resistance, we hope to free the Seas for all generations and, perhaps, assist the councils of landsmen to rediscover the honesty, wisdom and sanity that are born of association with the Sea.
The Citizens of the Sea recognize no distinction of race, creed, nationality, age, sex or place of domicile. Citizenship is open to all who regard the sea as their natural home regardless of their place of residence.
Title: The whole Sea is our home up to low tide level.
Our title to the Sea and the seabed is that of 'Guardian for all future generations'.
This Title is established by ancient tenure. The terms 'Territorial waters', 'International waters' etc. are the creations of the landsmen and of comparatively recent origin. These terms have no relevance to the Citizens of the Sea.
We Categorically deny and reject the right or power of landsmen to legislate, adjudicate or otherwise control any matters to do with the Sea or its bed - except with our consent.
Policy: We do not wish to restrict the access of landsmen to the Sea and hope that our citizens will be accorded similar privileges on land.
Our Seas and oceans are open to all for recreation and peaceful trade; BUT we will seek increasingly to restrict the use of the sea for warlike purposes, irresponsible exploitation and dumping.
Finance: Backed by the total resources of the Sea, the C.O.S. is the wealthiest institution on earth. NO TAXES are levied of the citizens and dividends are paid annually (minimum $50) in oceanic funds to all citizens to assist them in forwarding the aims of the C.O.S. All funds are held in trust.
Constitution: C.O.S. has a central information office but no other form of government at present. We have observed how badly the democratic process has served the landsmen and prefer to operate as free agents. We observe loyalty: first, to our fellow citizens, second, to other users of the Sea and third, to humanity as a whole.
We reserve the right to take part in such 'international' discussions as are conducted by the United Nations and other bodies, if we feel that our cooperation can be of real benefit.
Our conduct is guided by the dictates of Good Seamanship, Compassion, Common Sense and 'The Golden Rule'.
Untrammelled by the creeds, traditions and futile nationalism of land dwellers, the Citizens of the Sea identify more clearly the problems of Man and his World. With compassion, humour, common sense and limitless wealth we go forward - each in his own way - to find solutions, where land dwellers have feared to look.