Coast Guard begins vessel inspections as school holiday season begins

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s Coast Guard has launched a vessel inspections' operation, with the start of the school holiday season.

While the schools closed for nearly two months on Thursday, “Operation Niyaama” began the same day.

Noting that a number of people travel via sea during the holiday season, MNDF said that the purpose of the operation is to ensure that all rules and standards that come under the vessel safety certificate and safety of vessels are being followed.

In addition, officers will be inspecting whether the vessels carry more than its maximum capacity, as well as whether the boat captains are licensed and if proper working communications systems are placed.

MNDF is to conduct the operation in other regions across the country as well.