Oh sorry...didn't realise all this had been gone through and sanctioned already.....
Naming or renaming international waters follows a structured process involving international organizations, national governments, and historical/geographical considerations. Here’s how it generally works:
1. Established Naming Authority
• The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) are the primary bodies responsible for standardizing maritime names.
• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) also play a role in defining maritime boundaries.
2. Criteria for Naming or Renaming
• The proposed name must reflect geographical, historical, or cultural significance.
• It should be widely accepted by the international community.
• It must not cause confusion with existing names.
• In cases of renaming, there should be a clear justification (e.g., decolonization, geopolitical changes).
3. Proposal Submission
• Countries or organizations submit proposals to the IHO or UNGEGN.
• The proposal must include historical evidence, cartographic references, and justification for the new name.
4. Review and Consultation
• The IHO and UNGEGN consult with member states, relevant stakeholders, and linguistic experts.
• If the area is politically sensitive, diplomatic negotiations may take place.
5. International Consensus and Adoption
• If a majority of member states agree, the new name is published in official documents like the IHO’s “Limits of Oceans and Seas” or the UN’s Gazetteer of Geographical Names.
• The name is then used in maps, navigation charts, and international treaties.