As nuclear technology continued to develop throughout the 1960s, there was a growing concern that nuclear-weapon states would consider using parts of the ocean floor as military installations for their arsenals. In an effort to prevent conflict from escalating over territorial seas, the United Nations General Assembly commissioned an ad-hoc committee in 1967 to preserve peace on the seabeds.

The United States and the Soviet Union, while both in favor of a seabed prohibition, were in disagreement over its verification measures. As such, the Treaty places a ban on emplacement of weapons past a twelve-mile coastal zone, with each country responsible for their own verification. However, all signatories to the Treaty are allowed to observe other signatories’ actions outside of their respective twelve-mile zone.

The Seabed Arms Control Treaty is important in preventing the oceans from being used for or being damaged by nuclear proliferation. While nuclear weapons cannot be emplaced on the ocean floors, the use of nuclear submarines does circumnavigate the goal of a truly nuclear-free seabed.