Section 254. Powers and duties of Central Government in relation to salvage operations.

(1) The Central Government shall take such measures as may be necessary to protect its coastline or related interests from pollution or threat of pollution arising out of a maritime casualty or acts relating to such casualty which may result in major harmful consequences. (2) The Central Government may give such directions as it deems fit to the ship owner or the master or the salvor or a port authority or a public authority or any other person in relation to salvage operations. (3) The Central Government may, for the purposes of efficient and effective salvage operations, saving life or property in danger and preventing damage to the environment, seek cooperation from the concerned ship owner or the master or the salvor or a port authority or a public authority or any other person, to give assistance to vessel in need, to admit to ports of vessel in distress or in need of assistance and to give facilities to salvors. (4) The circumstances under which the salvage operation shall be exercised by the Central Government shall be such as may be prescribed.