Tuitui Moana Crew Completes Fire Safety Drill at Sea

The Command Team and delivery crew aboard Tuitui Moana completed a simulated emergency fire drill on 29 July 2026 while the vessel was underway approximately 50 nautical miles north of Western Papua.

The planned exercise tested the crew’s ability to respond to a potential fire onboard while at sea. It included activating emergency procedures, communicating between different areas of the vessel, preparing the vessel’s firefighting systems and ensuring each crew member understood their assigned responsibilities.

The crew responded promptly and worked together to complete the required procedures under the direction of the Command Team. The exercise also provided an opportunity to assess communication links, response times and the use of safety equipment onboard.

Operating a government merchant vessel requires a high level of preparedness and professionalism. Regular drills allow the crew to practise their responsibilities under simulated emergency conditions and ensure they are familiar with the systems and procedures that protect the vessel and everyone onboard.

This is particularly important during an international delivery voyage, where Tuitui Moana is travelling long distances through remote areas. Maintaining a strong focus on safety throughout the journey helps ensure the vessel and crew are prepared to respond effectively should an emergency arise.

There was no emergency onboard Tuitui Moana. The fire drill was part of the vessel’s routine safety and operational programme and was completed successfully. Tuitui Moana continues to make her way towards Lae, Papua New Guinea. The vessel will then travel to Suva, Fiji, before beginning the final leg of her journey to Rarotonga.

The exercise reflects the ongoing work taking place throughout the delivery voyage to prepare Tuitui Moana for future operations in the Cook Islands.

Further updates will be shared as Tuitui Moana continues her journey home.

For more information, please contact:

Taina Iro Major Projects and Procurement Support Division Ministry of Finance and Economic Management taina.iro@cookislands.gov.ck