Cayman shipping registry rated top class

Cayman Maritime Flag

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry has been rated as one of the best in the world in the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Flag State Performance Table for 2018/19 for the 8th year on the run. Cayman received positive indicators across the board on the Performance Table, one of 16 countries from 117 with maritime services to achieve this level of quality and compliance. Four other Red Ensign Group registries join the Cayman Registry in the top group, showing they are maintaining the highest standards in relation to safety, environmental and social performance.

The ICS is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, committed to the technical, legal and employment affairs and policy issues affecting international shipping.

The ICS ranks flags based on classifications, including their standing with the Port State Control Memoranda of Understanding (PSC MOUs) – namely the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and demonstration of an excellent ship safety and pollution prevention record. Cayman Registry is “white listed” and is rated as a “low risk” flag state in both these MOUs.

Cayman also qualifies under the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Qualship 21 programme, which enables Cayman flagged vessels to have considerably less Port State Control Inspections by the USCG.

Speaking about the latest accolade for the registry, CEO of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) Joel Walton said the team was very pleased to be acknowledged, for the 8th year running, as one of the world’s leading flags.

“This is a testament to the hardworking team of the Registry and shipowners for their continued outstanding efforts. The Registry will continue to set the pace with quality service by tradition, leadership through innovation,” he added.

The table highlights the performance of the world’s major flag administrations, irrespective of whether they are open registers or traditional maritime flags. The table uses a system of performance indicators against international requirements and obligations expected of a flag state and highlights the sound performance of all the world’s major flag administrations.

The table is an important benchmark for the international shipping industry and, along with its guidelines, encourages ship owners and operators to examine the substance of a flag before registering their vessels with it. The table and guidelines also encourage owners and operators to put pressure on their flags to make improvements relating to safety of life at sea, marine environment protection, and the provision of decent working and living conditions for seafarers.

On the high seas, flag states hold sole jurisdiction over the vessels registered with them and it is the flag state that has overall responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of international maritime regulations for all vessels flying its flag. Effective regulation by governments of the technical and social aspects of shipping is therefore vital to ensure safe, secure and pollution-free ship operations, and good employment conditions for seafarers.