GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman
According to the most recent reports available, the Cayman Islands are still among the best performing flag states in the world. They rank highly in all major port state control criteria that are used to compare Flag State performance. These criteria include the frequency of vessel inspections and holdings at ports, as well as assessments of the safety and caliber of the vessels themselves.
These outstanding inspection results show that the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (Cayman Registry) is a reputable Flag Administration, acknowledged by the main international Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on Port State Control, and has one of the most reliable fleets of vessels in the world.
The flag has retained White-list, Low-Risk status on the Paris MOU and the Tokyo MOU for the 19th and 15th years respectively. Kenrick Ebanks, Global Director of Commercial Services and Registrar, said, "This shows that the Cayman Registry maintains strict standards for the quality and safety of vessels flying the Cayman Islands flag."
Under the US Coast Guard's Quality Shipping for the 21st Century (QUALSHIP 21) Program, which recognizes businesses and vessels that demonstrate the highest level of dedication to quality and safety ensuring the highest compliance with international standards and US law, the Cayman Registry also maintains its low-risk status. The Cayman Registry is one of the few Flag Administrations to be eligible for the coveted QUALSHIP 21 for a record 14 years running.
Cayman Islands flagged vessels also continue to receive most-favoured-nation treatment for access to and leaving ports, berthing, full use of port facilities, loading/unloading cargos, transhipment, payment of port dues and charges and use of navigational facilities. The Cayman Islands received Most Preferred Nation status in 2017 when the Maritime Agreement between the United Kingdom and the Peoples Republic of China was extended to the Cayman Islands.
This year marks 121 years of operation for the Cayman Registry, proving that keeping its focus steadfast on quality and technical excellence, along with a pragmatic approach, ensures maximum responsiveness to the needs of vessel owners, whilst maintaining international standards at the highest level.
"These accolades help to maintain the Cayman Registry as the flag of choice and give it a global reputation for excellence and efficiency." stated Mr. Ebanks. "We will continue to hold White-List and Low-Risk status because we are committed to upholding an exceptional safety and quality record for the Cayman flag by staying ahead of the curve and regularly updating legislation and introducing innovations that benefit ship and crew safety while also preventing pollution."
He stated, "These qualifications are a testament to the shipowners, managers, and hardworking Registry team for their ongoing outstanding efforts." I want to express my gratitude to the Cayman Registry team and our associates for upholding the Cayman Flag's exceptional safety and quality record.
- ENDS -