ITLOS is an independent judicial body established by the UNCLOS to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the UNCLOS Convention.

• There are currently 166 states plus the European Union. 
• The Tribunal is composed of 21 independent members, elected from among persons enjoying the highest reputation for fairness and integrity and of recognized competence in the field of the law of the sea. 
• The Tribunal is open to States and international organisations which are parties to the Convention. 
• It is also open to entities other than States Parties, i.e., States or intergovernmental organisations which are not parties to the Convention and to state enterprises and private entities.
• The convention which created this tribunal also helped create International Sea Bed Authority with responsibility for the regulation of seabed mining beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
• UNCLOS Convention requires States Parties to settle their disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention by peaceful means.
• However, if parties to a dispute fail to reach a settlement by peaceful means of their own choice, they are obliged to resort to the compulsory dispute settlement procedures entailing binding decisions, subject to limitations and exceptions contained in the Convention.
• Unless the parties otherwise agree, the jurisdiction of the Tribunal is mandatory in cases relating to the prompt release of vessels and crews.