Supporting Cook Islands With Audit Preparations
Members of Maritime NZ’s Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP) were in the Cook Islands in April, supporting its maritime administration as it prepares for an audit by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
As an IMO member, the Cook Islands is obliged to participate in the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). This scheme provides member states with a comprehensive assessment of how effectively they administer and implement IMO conventions – for example, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
The preparation focusses on port, coastal and Flag State responsibilities.
A collaborative approach by key partner agencies is paramount to ensuring those with delegated functions are meeting the standards required.
The PMSP has been working with the Cook Islands Ministry of Transport to prepare for the audit – reviewing its documentation and where necessary, updating or creating new resources to meet IMO requirements.
In addition to supporting Cook Islands Ministry of Transport in working through its maritime documentation, PMSP has also:
- worked with Maritime NZ’s Investigations team to deliver a maritime casualty investigations course to 16 participants
- supported the development of a revised Maritime Transport Strategy
- conducted a “mock” internal audit to help identify where the gaps are in anticipation of the real thing in September.
Cook Islands Ministry of Transport is working with agencies across and outside government to support their preparations.
The PMSP is a New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade programme, funded through the International Development Cooperation programme and delivered by Maritime NZ.
https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/public/news/2025/may/supporting-cook-islands-with-audit-preparations/