Section 2. Coast Guard Objectives. —

The Philippine Coast Guard created pursuant to Republic Act No. 5173 shall have the following general objectives:

1. To enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable laws upon the high seas and territorial waters of the Philippines including all ports, customs zones, waterways and other inland waters;

2. To enforce laws, promulgate and administer regulations for the promotion of safety of life and property within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines;

3. To develop, establish, maintain and operate with due regard to the requirements of national defense, aids to maritime navigation for the promotion of safety on and over high seas and territorial waters of the Philippines;

4. To promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations for national sea search and rescue operations, operate rescue facilities and participate in behalf of the Philippine government in international conferences for regional cooperation relative to the promotion of safety of life and property at sea;

5. To provide necessary assistance to government agencies promoting the economic development of the maritime industry in the Philippines; and

6. To enforce laws, promulgate and administer regulations for marine environmental protection of the territorial waters of the Philippines.