Three Cook Islands police officers have made the grade in achieving their Boat Masters certification.

Maritime Division staff members, Constables Rio Kavana and Tehapai Marsters, and Sergeant Pakuu Poila, are now licensed to drive small motorised vessels (up to 12 metres), having completed a one-week training course. 

The course was conducted by the Ministry of Transport, during November, 2021.

Their achievements come on the back of dive training certification, adding significant value to police patrol boat Te Kukupa’s crew capacity.

Five maritime division police and one frontline officer completed a two-week open water diving course, alongside Ministry of Marine Resources staff last month. 

The crew of the vessel Te Kukupa now has a contingent of six certified divers.

The officers who completed the dive training included Sergeant Apolo Miria, Sgt Pakuu Poila, Acting Sgt Joe Napa, Acting Sgt Colin Matangaro, Constable Rio Kavana and trainee Constable Ataela Ataela.