GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman
The Cayman Islands has qualified for continuance in the United States Coast Guard's Quality Shippping for the 21st Century (QUALSHIP 21) Program for the 9th consecutive year.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has again recognized the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (Cayman Registry) for their excellent Port State Control record and listed them as one of the few qualifying Flag Administrations eligible for the prestigious QUALSHIP 21.
QUALSHIP 21 is the USCG’s matrix system of extending recognition to foreign ships, which fly the Flag of a State which has demonstrated an excellent safety and pollution prevention record with respect to its ships. Ships in the QUALSHIP 21 system are required to undergo significantly less Port State Control inspections by the USCG whilst in US waters. Essentially, the QUALSHIP 21 system rewards good ships thereby contributing to the elimination of substandard vessels.
Cayman’s commitment to quality shipping is evident as Cayman Flagged vessels that call on U.S. ports have complied an excellent Port State Control record in the past three calendar years. Cayman’s rolling three-year detention percentage is below the 1.0% threshold that is required for inclusion into the QUALSHIP 21 program.
Mr. A. Joel Walton, CEO of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (parent organization of the Cayman Registry), remarked, “The Cayman Registry is very pleased with its qualification for continuance in the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 Program.” He continued by saying “This qualification is a testament to the hardworking team of the Registry, shipowners and managers for their continued outstanding efforts. We will strive to maintain QUALSHIP 21 status by continuing to uphold international standards pertaining to shipping.”
Undoubtedly, having QUALSHIP 21 status brings significant benefits to ships flying the Cayman flag. The Honorable Premier, Mr. Alden McLaughlin, Ministry of International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs said, “The Government is very happy to once again accomplish the QUALSHIP 21 and will continue to support the Cayman Registry, to ensure it meets all necessary requirements in order to remain compliant.” He continued, “I would like to thank the Cayman Registry and its partners for maintaining an outstanding safety and quality record for the Cayman Flag."
The status is reviewed by the USCG annually and the names of QUALSHIP 21 ships are posted on the USCG’s website.
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