The Coast Guard Administration of the Ocean Affairs Council (CGA; ), also known as the Taiwan Coast Guard or R.O.C. Coast Guard, is charged with maintaining law and order, protecting the resources of the territorial waters of the Republic of China (Taiwan), which surrounds Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu Islands, Green Island, Orchid Island, Pratas Island (Tungsha/Dongsha), and Nansha Islands as well as providing a first line of defense along coastal areas against smugglers and illegal immigrants. The CGA is considered a civilian law enforcement agency under the administration of the Ocean Affairs Council of the Executive Yuan, though during emergencies it may be incorporated as part of the Republic of China Armed Forces. The Coast Guard Administration is mainly composed of police officers, military personnel, and civilian civil servants. Organization The Coast Guard Administration is headed by one minister and three deputy ministers. The CGA includes eight departments, one office and five task forces, as well as a Maritime Patrol Directorate General and a Coastal Patrol Directorate General. Its jurisdiction covers the waters surrounding Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, and the main island of Taiwan to ensure proper protection of the 1,819.8 kilometers coastline and 540,000 square kilometers of "Blue Territory," which is 15 times larger than the island of Taiwan. Maritime Patrol Directorate General The Maritime Patrol Directorate General is responsible for all maritime patrols and operations at sea. 1 - 16th Offshore Flotillas Northern, Southern, Central, and Eastern Flotilla Sectors Coastal Patrol Directorate General The Coastal Patrol Directorate General is responsible for land based operations, primarily the patrolling of harbors, beaches and other coastal areas. Northern, Southern, Central, and Eastern Coastal Patrol Offices Special Task Unit The Special Task Unit is an elite special forces unit of the CGA similar to the Military Police Special Services Company or the National Police Agency's Thunder Squad. During the 36th annual Han Kuang exercises they participated alongside special operations units from other branches in anti-decapitation drills. Scope Article two of the Coast Guard Law splits the responsibilities of the CGA into three zones, their core area (Shoreline to the end of the Exclusive Economic Zone), Waters temporarily or tentatively within the area of law enforcement, and International waters fisheries patrol. Core area This includes all land within 500 meters of the high tide line, Territorial waters (extending 12 nm from shoreline), the Contiguous zone (extending 24 nm from shore), and the Exclusive Economic