When a 7.8 earthquake hit New Zealand 5 days ago the HMCS Vancouver was off the coast of Auckland preparing to take part in anniversary celebrations for that country's navy.
Commander Clive Butler says the ship received a request for help shortly afterwards and are currently anchored offshore from Kaikoura providing humantiratian and disaster relief.
The huge quake left 2 dead and cut off the small coastal town.
Speaking to CFAX 1070 Butler says the ship is prepared for such incidents carrying humanitarian and disaster relief kits on board when it leaves port.
"And it comes with a whole bunch of things like chemical toilet, like extra weaters. Tools for working ashore to help with recovery efforts. So yes, absolutlely, we deploy with all this stuff."
The HMCS Vancouver is deployed with the New Zealand Navy, and with an Australian and American ship.