A total of 348 small motorised vessels (SMVs) were registered and entered into the Ministry of Transport database last year.

The Cook Islands Maritime team, under the Ministry of Transport, focused on SMV consultations in the Pa Enua islands (Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Rakahanga, Manihiki, and Penrhyn).

According to the Ministry of Transport’s annual report for the year ending June 30, 2023, the Maritime team also prioritised boat inspections and registration, ferry inspections on Rakahanga, and delivering the boat master course in the Pa Enua.

The report submitted to Parliament last month highlighted a very productive year for the team.

For Maritime Safety, the officer, ably supported by the Compliance Manager, Dangerous Goods Inspector, and Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP) staff, conducted a total of 235 SMV inspections across Rarotonga (41), Mangaia (25), Atiu (18), Mitiaro (19), Rakahanga (24), Manihiki (67), and Penrhyn (41).

Manihiki (104) and Penrhyn (98) boasted the highest number of SMVs.

Around 13 domestic commercial vessel inspections were carried out on the LCT Taunganui (4), MV Lady Moana (8), and MV Gold Country (1).

Five Cook Islands Boatmaster courses were held for 65 participants, with 14 women, across Rakahanga (12), Manihiki (22), and Penrhyn (31). Revalidations were conducted on Rarotonga (9), Manihiki (1), and Mitiaro (1).

Safety gear donations from PMSP faced distribution challenges, limiting availability to the Southern Group islands only, the report said.

Meanwhile, for compliance, the Maritime team is investigating the Gold Country for breaching a detention notice.