The Ministry of Transport is participating in a Regional Foundation Course on Marine Casualty Investigation to ensure accurate and accountable marine safety investigation reports.

The Ministry mentions this in its response on February 20, 2025, to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Annual Review 2022-2023.

The PAC recommended that the Ministry increase its transparency by ensuring that investigations into serious boating incidents are thorough and transparent, and by publicising findings and improvements to demonstrate accountability and commitment to safety and compliance.

The Ministry says that the Maritime Safety Authority is actively participating in the regional course organised by the Pacific Community (SPC) supported by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) through its Integrated Technical Cooperation programme (ITCP) – hosted by the Fiji government.

It aims to assist maritime administrations in enhancing the capacity of officers responsible for marine accident and incident investigations and focuses on improving their ability to effectively apply relevant international and national standards through a standardised approach to the safety investigation of marine casualties and incidents.

The Ministry says the training will ensure that a marine safety investigation report utilises all the information obtained, taking into account its scope, required to ensure that all relevant safety issues are included and understood so that safety actions can be taken as necessary.

It further stated that the report will be available to Cabinet through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister before reporting requirements to IMO.

Meanwhile, the PAC also recommended that the Ministry’s evaluation of the responsibility of liquor licences would be more appropriately assigned to another Ministry with relevant expertise to ensure effective management and oversight of licencing processes.

The Ministry responded that the issue on the functions of the liquor licence roles and responsibilities has been a contentious issue between the Ministry and the Cook Islands Police Service.

“In addition, we have been advised that the Liquor Licensing Authority was established by section 7 of the Sale of Liquor Act (SOLA) 1991- 1992 as a body corporate and the agency of the Government responsible for the administration of the Act,” the Ministry stated.

“Section 7 also establishes that the Authority is to be made up of the Commissioner of Police and five further members to be appointed by the Minister on two-year terms. Under section 10E of the Act, the Authority may, with the approval of the Minister, appoint a Secretary of the Authority.”

The Ministry states in accordance with government functions, agency structures can be modified as a result of changes to its functions or key activities mandated through government policies and/or legislation, or as a result of a capacity assessment.

“The Ministry of Transport’s primary function is regulatory oversight responsible for licensing, certification, sector/industry regulation, permissions, accreditation, inspection, compliance and financial audits.”