The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which opened for signature in 1982, is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. On this occasion, the delegates who took part in drafting the Convention agreed to bring together their personal recollections and reflections in the present commemorative publication. The result is a very personal tribute to the negotiations which led to the adoption of the Convention. It is a reflection of the consensus among delegates during the conference where the instrument was negotiated. Finally, it is an enduring testimony to the importance of the Convention in all matters related to the oceans and seas.