Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coastguard on Sunday began a vessel safety inspection programme, coinciding with Eid al-Adha holidays.
Every year, a large number of people travel by sea to the atolls for Eid.
Under the programme, the Coastguard would inspect passenger and cargo vessels to ensure that maritime safety regulations are followed.
They would also check whether vessels have enough life jackets and proper GPS and communication devices.