[1][2] It is responsible for border protection in the exclusive economic zone of Australia and its 59,700 kilometres of coastline[3] and issues such as illegal fishing and exploitation of natural resources, maritime terrorism and piracy, biosecurity threats, and marine pollution.
The Australian Federal Police supports the MBC and particularly the ABF with criminal investigations, law enforcement and national security matters.
The MBC delivers a coordinated national approach to offshore protection by operating as a single maritime surveillance, response and interception agency.
Its activities take place under a variety of legislation covering areas such as customs, fisheries, quarantine, immigration, environment and law enforcement.
The MBC is responsible for coordinating and controlling operations to protect Australia's national interests against the following maritime security threats: