An intensive safety training course geared at Cook Islands marine tourism is underway.

The Cook Islands Bronze Medallion (CIBM) course for 2023 began on Wednesday, and runs until July 9. It is being held with the support of Water Safety and Surf Lifesaving Council Cook Islands and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

Water Safety and Surf Lifesaving Council Cook Islands president Brent Fisher said such courses were absolutely essential for marine tourism businesses.

“It’s about everyone getting on the same page. You’ve got to put water safety ahead of money,” Fisher said.

“We put a lot of emphasis on prevention, 99 per cent of the course is geared towards ensuring that the situations that could lead to a rescue situation don’t happen. “

The course is being led by Lisa Maddison, Australia’s national awardee of the 2022 Surf Life Saving Australia Rescue Medal and the 2022 Queensland Surf Life Saving Excellence Award.

This is the third time that Maddison has worked with Water Safety and Surf Lifesaving Council Cook Islands and Cook Islands Tourism to deliver this course.

“The Australians are miles ahead of New Zealand when it comes to water safety,” Fisher said.

“But this course is created for the Cook Islands’ particular water safety needs. You have obstacles like the Avaavaroa passage, which are unique to us.”

Maddison said there were 25 people signed up in total, with nine CIBM graduates from last year participating so they can do the required annual proficiency refresher course.

“In this age of evolving safety procedures, we are giving them a set of tools that they can use in a number of situations,” she said.

“I’m seeing a lot of confidence and desire to learn. It’s really exhilarating.”

Registered participants include turtle tour operators: Ocean Toa, Go Local Cook Islands, Rarotonga Turtle Tours, Ariki Adventures, AquaOz Turtleman Tours, Charlotte Piho Turtle Tours.  New to the CIBM training include new jetski operator TVK Water Sports and activity personnel from Edgewater Resort.  Notably absent from registering is Snorkel Cook Islands.

Snorkel Cook Islands spokesman Josh Utanga said it supported water safety training, but it already trained all its staff to New Zealand Bronze Medallion standards.

“We’re pretty happy with the standard of training we provide. It is to the same Health and safety standards that the majority of our customers base is familiar with,” Utanga said.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation chief executive Karla Eggelton said the CIBM Training Programme includes theory lessons during the week, and practical work undertaken on the weekends when turtle operators are not conducting tours.

“The course will conclude with an assessment, and successful participants will be awarded the CIBM certification.  This year the programme has been extended to include a train-the-trainer course, which will develop four locals to deliver training year-round,” Eggelton said.

“We are committed to providing our tourism operators with access to best practice skills and knowledge they need to keep people safe in the water.  We are obviously disappointed that some of the operators have not registered any of their team to the programme. 

“Regardless of how qualified operators think they are, a refresher is always helpful.  We need to take this seriously, and I commend those operators who have prioritised this opportunity.”