14. Duties and functions of Coast Guard.—(1) It shall be the duty of the Coast Guard to protect by
such measures, as it thinks fit, the maritime and other national interests of India in the maritime zones of
India.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the measures referred to
therein may provide for—
(a) ensuring the safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals, installations and
other structures and devices in any maritime zone;
(b) providing protection to fishermen including assistance to them at sea while in distress;
(c) taking such measures as are necessary to preserve and protect the maritime environment and
to prevent and control marine pollution;
(d) assisting the customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations;
(e) enforcing the provisions of such enactments as are for the time being in force in the maritime
zones; and
(f) such other matters, including measures for the safety of life and property at sea and collection
of scientific data, as may be prescribed.
(3) The Coast Guard shall perform its functions under this section in accordance with, and subject to
such rules as may be prescribed and such rules may, in particular, make provisions for ensuring that the
Coast Guard functions in close liaison with Union agencies, institutions and authorities so as to avoid
duplication of effort.