What is the term used to describe the high seas and open ocean?

The term used to describe the high seas and open ocean is "Blue Water." This terminology is widely adopted in maritime contexts to differentiate between areas of deep oceanic waters and other types of bodies of water. Blue Water refers to the vast, deep areas of the ocean that are typically distant from land, often characterized by their deep blue color, which results from the absorption and scattering of light.

In contrast, other terms like "Green Water" typically refer to coastal regions where shallow water and continental shelf areas dominate, resulting in different water activity and characteristics. "Inland Waters" refers to lakes, rivers, and other non-oceanic bodies of water, while "Coastal Waters" describe areas that are affected by proximity to the shore, where oceanic and freshwater systems may interact. Understanding these distinctions is essential for marine navigation, environmental management, and operational planning in naval and shipping contexts.