This hydrographic risk assessment allows the Cook Islands Government, with the support of regional charting authorities, to come to a decision about the nature and scope of chart improvement surveys in the Cook Islands. It provides recommendations and conclusions to assist decision makers to prioritise hydrographic surveys throughout the Northern and Southern Cook Islands. These are based on the needs of contemporary shipping for the provision of accurate and adequate nautical charts.
The overall conclusion, based on a navigational safety perspective, is a need for improved charting in some areas of Cook Islands waters. The findings are supported on grounds of traffic risk and the potential for economic growth. The cost benefit analysis considers economic and safety advantages for international, as well as domestic coastal shipping in the Cook Islands.