The Cook Islands places a high priority on maritime security, reflecting the vast scale of its 1.9 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Managing such an extensive maritime domain requires strong national coordination, reinforced by regional and international partnerships to ensure effective surveillance, fisheries protection, and shipping security.
The Cook Islands’ EEZ is increasingly being exploited as a transit corridor for the movement of narcotics from Latin America toward the eastern Pacific. Strengthening maritime domain awareness and operational coordination is therefore critical. In this context, EU CRIMARIO continues to support Pacific partners in enhancing their capacity to prevent and respond to complex maritime security challenges.
Supporting the Cook Islands in the operational use of IORIS is particularly important. The platform provides real-time information-sharing capabilities that directly contribute to narcotics interdiction and disruption operations, while enhancing inter-agency and regional coordination.
Delivering MARCO3 training
With this objective, the EU CRIMARIO Regional Representative for the Pacific delivered two MARCO3 courses — Fundamentals and Leadership — from 2–13 February 2026.
The training brought together 14 representatives from key Cook Islands government agencies, including:
- Cook Islands Police Service – Maritime Surveillance Unit
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Transport
- Cook Islands Customs Service
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
- Office of the Prime Minister
- Ministry of Marine Resources (Fisheries)
The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives of participating agencies, including the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Karopaerangi Ngatoko.
Delivering the opening address on behalf of the Government of the Cook Islands, Mrs. Ngatoko emphasised that the utilisation of IORIS aligns directly with the National Security Policy’s focus on maritime protection and inter-agency coordination. She described IORIS as: “A vital practical mechanism for turning policy intent into operational reality.”
From training to operational integration
During the mission, dedicated meetings were held with the Deputy Commissioner of the Cook Islands Police Service (Maritime Surveillance Unit) and the Comptroller of the Cook Islands Customs Service. Both leaders expressed strong interest in integrating IORIS into their business-as-usual procedures.
Significantly, the Commanding Officer of the patrol vessel CIPPB Te Kukupa II agreed to incorporate IORIS into the operational patrol directive for an upcoming deployment. The deployment of IORIS onboard Te Kukupa II demonstrates the platform’s practical value in bridging communication between land-based command centres and sea-based operations — enhancing coordination, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness.
Participant Feedback
The training was very positively received by participants, who emphasised both the practical relevance of the programme and its direct operational value. Several participants highlighted how the in-country delivery strengthened not only technical knowledge, but also inter-agency confidence and cooperation.
One participant reflected on the broader impact of the workshop:
“The workshop provided valuable in-country training and strengthened my understanding of the maritime domain. These new skills will help us better safeguard our Blue Pacific. Through collaboration, communication, and coordination, we can achieve stronger and more effective outcomes.”
Others noted that even experienced users of IORIS discovered new functionalities that significantly enhanced their operational capabilities.
“I am a frequent user of IORIS, but I discovered many functions I had not previously used. The training has given me greater understanding and confidence to apply the platform more effectively.”
Participants also appreciated the practical, hands-on components of the course, particularly the opportunity to simulate real operational scenarios and customise tools according to national needs.
“Practising the creation of new forms and documents within the platform was a highlight, as it directly impacts how we share information with our regional partners. The Exercise Moana Vigilance was particularly insightful in preparing for real-life operations.”
Operational personnel further underscored the system’s immediate value for day-to-day coordination and maritime response activities.
“The system streamlines inter-agency cooperation and ensures seamless communication with community partners. The secure chat function and satellite AIS tracking significantly enhance operational efficiency and response times.”
Conclusion
The delivery of MARCO3 training in the Cook Islands represents more than a capacity-building activity — it marks a concrete step toward operational transformation in the Pacific maritime domain.
By embedding IORIS into national procedures, operational patrol directives, and inter-agency workflows, the Cook Islands is moving from policy commitment to practical implementation. The integration of IORIS aboard CIPPB Te Kukupa II further demonstrates that maritime coordination is no longer confined to shore-based planning but actively supports decision-making at sea.
In a region where vast ocean spaces, limited assets, and evolving transnational threats present constant challenges, digital coordination tools are not optional — they are essential force multipliers. Strengthened information-sharing, real-time situational awareness, and trusted inter-agency collaboration directly enhance the nation’s ability to counter illicit trafficking, protect fisheries, and safeguard sovereignty.
As maritime challenges evolve, so too must the partnerships and tools designed to address them. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to a safer, more secure, and more resilient Blue Pacific.