As a point of departure, no foreign-flagged vessel can be interfered with without a legal basis. The fundaments of this are vested in three principles: The freedom of the high seas, exclusive jurisdiction of flag States over vessels and the principle of non-intervention. These principles also lead to the conclusion that, as a point of departure, in international law interfering with a foreign-flagged vessel is considered an exception to the rule. Current focus on enhancing maritime security has put pressure on these principles as political engagement in maritime security starts from an opposite idea: everything and everyone at sea should be under a certain level of control.