Maritime NZ’s Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP) supported the maritime administration of the Cook Islands last month as it participated in its five-yearly International Maritime Organization Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) assessment.
As an IMO member, the Cook Islands is obliged to participate in IMSAS. This scheme provides member states with a comprehensive assessment of how effectively it administers and implements 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 audit was conducted by three assessors over five days - the culmination of an intense preparation and work plan process spanning the past 18 months.
The PMSP has played a key role in supporting and coordinating these preparations, bringing Cook Islands government agencies and non-government organisations together to identify the gaps in its maritime system and, where possible, helping address these ahead of the IMO visit.
Preliminary indications from the audit align with the team's expectations. There were no surprises, but the findings offer helpful direction on areas to focus on over the next five years.
Auditees approached the interviews with an open mind and provided honest and transparent responses. The audit preparation has enabled collaborative teamwork between Cook Islands Ministry of Transport, Maritime Cook Islands, and partner agencies, and this was applauded by the auditors.
The auditors will provide the Cook Islands with a final report and the next step will be to develop a corrective action plan to address the findings - the PMSP will continue to support the administration as they work through this process.
The assessment highlighted the strong maritime partnership we share through the PMSP and the opportunity that partnership provides us to build resilience through collaboration across the Pacific.
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.
