International legal status of the fl oating drill rigs
In terms of the construction and legal status the fl oating drill rigs are considered to be marine vessels as stated in the international treaties and agreements. However, being built and operating on the continental shelf they acquire the legal status of artifi cial islands, structures. Nevertheless, the changes in the legal status lead to change in jurisdiction but does not aff ect the legal status of the fl oating drilling rigs as marine vessels.