At its 31th session (ICG/PTWS-XXXI 7-11 April 2025), the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System approved the conduct of Exercise Pacific Wave 2026 (PacWave26) in the months of September through November 2026 to support International Disaster Risk Reduction Day (13 October, Tuesday) and World Tsunami Awareness Day (5 November, Thursday)

PacWave26 intends to test PTWS tsunami service provider (TSP) arrangements, and country preparedness arrangements and operational procedures to respond and recover from a destructive tsunami through the support from the PTWS Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs) and the International Tsunami Information Centre (ITIC). PacWave26 is the twelfth in a series of PacWave exercises which have been conducted biennially since 2006.    

Given this context, PTWS Countries should choose to participate in any applicable mode of exercise outlined and carry out a twelfth Exercise Pacific Wave 2026 with the following characteristics:

- An exercise shall be conducted with the aim to test PTWS tsunami service provider arrangements, and Country preparedness arrangements and operational procedures to respond and recover from a destructive tsunami.
- An exercise shall be conducted with the following objectives

a) Test communications from the PTWS Tsunami Service Providers to Tsunami Warning Focal Points and National Tsunami Warning Centres of Member States.
b) Test national communication and cooperation, and readiness within the country.
c) Test regional communication and cooperation between Member States.
d) Test  NAVAREA Live communication from PTWC to each NAVAREA coordinator.


Recalling requests from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to disseminate maritime safety products to NAVAREA coordinators, PacWave26 intends to conduct a trial transmission of maritime safety products from the PTWC to NAVAREA directly.