This publication, The Commander's Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations August 2017 Edition, sets out those fundamental principles of international and domestic law that govern U.S. naval operations at sea. Chapters 1 through 4 relate to peacetime naval operations. They provide an overview and general discussion of the law of the sea, including definitions and descriptions of the jurisdiction and sovereignty exercised by States over various parts of the world's oceans; the international legal status and navigational rights of warships and military aircraft; protection of persons and property at sea; and the safeguarding of national interests in the maritime environment. Chapters 5 through 12 relate to naval warfare. They set out principles of law of special concern to the naval commander during any period in which U.S. naval forces are engaged in armed conflict. Although the primary emphasis of these chapters is on the conduct of naval warfare, relevant principles and concepts common to the whole of the law of war are also discussed.