In the Cook Islands, call 999, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. Offshore, the search is run by RCCNZ (Maritime NZ): +64 4 577 8030. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
The Cook Islands lie inside the area of Fiji Meteorological Service's South West Pacific marine bulletin (Equator to 25°S, 160°E–120°W).
Fiji Meteorological Service (RSMC Nadi) ▾
met.gov.fj (2026-10-14): “South West Pacific Marine section provides weather bulletins for islands from Equator to 25S, between 160E and 120W.”
The tropical cyclone season runs from November to April; out-of-season cyclones have occasionally formed in October and May.
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel) · Fiji Meteorological Service (RSMC Nadi) ▾
safetravel.govt.nz (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Tropical cyclone season, which runs from November to April.”
met.gov.fj (2026-10-14): “While the TC season in the region is between November and April, occasionally cyclones have formed in October and May and rarely in September and June.”
Official warnings
When swimming, watch for strong tides and breaks.
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel) ▾
safetravel.govt.nz (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Swimming—watch for strong tides and breaks.”
Arriving by boat
All marine craft, including yachts, must arrive at and depart from a designated Customs port (the notice lists Avatiu, Arutanga, Taunganui, Tukao, Tauhunu, Yato and Omoka wharves as active), and advance notice of arrival must reach Cook Islands Customs at least 48 hours before arrival. Suwarrow is not a port of entry; calling there needs prior authorisation from the Comptroller of Customs.
Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (Customs) · Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (Customs) · Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (Customs) · Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (Customs) ▾
mfem.gov.ck (2026-10-14): “it is mandatory for ALL marine craft (including yachts) visiting the Cook Islands to arrive at and depart from a designated Customs port.”
mfem.gov.ck (2026-10-14): “Rarotonga Avatiu Wharf ACTIVE Aitutaki Arutanga Wharf ACTIVE Atiu Taunganui WHarf ACTIVE Manihiki Tukao Wharf ACTIVE Manihiki Tauhunu Wharf ACTIVE Pukapuka Yato Wharf ACTIVE Penrhyn Omoka Wharf ACTIVE”
mfem.gov.ck (2026-10-14): “Advance notice of arrival must be given to the Cook Islands Customs Service no less than 48 hours before the estimated time of arrival of the vessel.”
mfem.gov.ck (2026-10-14): “Suwarrow Island is not a nominated Customs Port of Entry. Marine craft intending to arrive at or depart from Suwarrow Island MUST obtain authorisation from the Comptroller of Customs.”
What number do I call for help at sea in the Cook Islands?+
In the Cook Islands, call 999, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. Offshore, the search is run by RCCNZ (Maritime NZ): +64 4 577 8030. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in the Cook Islands?+
999 is the number the authorities in the Cook Islands give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for the Cook Islands.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in the Cook Islands?+
The tropical cyclone season runs from November to April; out-of-season cyclones have occasionally formed in October and May.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for the Cook Islands?+
The Cook Islands lie inside the area of Fiji Meteorological Service's South West Pacific marine bulletin (Equator to 25°S, 160°E–120°W).
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