GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman
Cayman Registry has been mentioned by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for the sixth year running as being top-of-class in their 2016/2017 Annual Flag State Performance Table.
Cayman Registry is one of the flag states who have received such distinction in this year’s performance table. The ICS is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, committed to the technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues affecting international shipping.
The Flag State Performance Table serves a double purpose: encouraging ship-owners and operators to examine the substance of a flag before registering their vessels; and, encouraging shipowners and operators to urge their flag administrators to ensure that any necessary improvements relating to safety of life at sea, marine environment protection, and the provision of decent working and living conditions for seafarers are put in effect.
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. The Cayman Islands also qualifies under the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Qualship 21 Programme, which enables Cayman flagged vessels to have considerably less PSC Inspections by the USCG.
The Flag State Performance Table highlights the sound performance of all the world’s major flag administrations, irrespective of whether they are open registers or traditional maritime flags. In response to feedback from the IMO Member States, the member shipowner associations agreed to make some improvements to make the Table more useful and objective.
Mr. A. Joel Walton, CEO of Cayman Registry noted: “We are very pleased to be acknowledged, for the sixth year running, by the ICS 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.”