Abstract: The geomorphology and geological complexity around the global continental margin, and the ambiguity of the rules for the delineation of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles according to the Convention Article 76, led to the delineation of the outer limits of the continental shelf extremely complex. The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf that set up by the Convention is responsible for the consideration of submissions submitted by coastal states and providing the recommendations. Therefore the Commission plays an important role in the delimitation of the outer continental shelf. As of the end of December 2012, the Commission has received 65 submissions, and has completed the consideration of 18 submissions. Some critical issues such as the basic principles, the scientific technique adopted by the Commission during these submissions' consideration were systematically analyzed and summarized. These summary and knowledge can be use to provide the useful reference for our future delimitation of the outer continental shelf and actively respond to other country's claims which infringed on our maritime rights and interests.

Key words: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, outer continental shelf, submission, Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, recommendations summary