374. The right of the coastal State under article 76, paragraph 8, of the
Convention to establish final and binding limits of its continental shelf is a key
element in the structure set out in that article. In order to realize this right, the
coastal State, pursuant to article 76, paragraph 8, is required to submit
information on the limits of its continental shelf beyond 200 nm to the
Commission, whose mandate is to make recommendations to the coastal
State on matters related to the establishment of the outer limits of its
continental shelf. The Convention stipulates in article 76, paragraph 8, that the
“limits of the shelf established by a coastal State on the basis of these
recommendations shall be final and binding”.
375. Thus, the Commission plays an important role under the Convention
and has a special expertise which is reflected in its composition. Article 2 of
Annex II to the Convention provides that the Commission shall be composed
of experts in the field of geology, geophysics or hydrography. Article 3 of
Annex II to the Convention stipulates that the functions of the Commission
are, inter alia, to consider the data and other material submitted by coastal
States concerning the outer limits of the continental shelf in areas where
those limits extend beyond 200 nm and to make recommendations in
accordance with article 76 of the Convention.