GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman; 16 February 2016
The International Chamber of Shipping has for the fifth year running rated Cayman Registry as top-of-class in their 2015/2016 Annual Flag State Performance Table.
Cayman Registry is one of 15 flag states who have received such distinction in this year’s performance table. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has been the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, committed to the technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues affecting international shipping. Representing ship-owners and operators in all sectors and trades (including the International Maritime Organization) the ICS comprises national ship-owners' associations in Asia, Europe and the Americas whose member shipping companies operate over 80% of the world's merchant tonnage.
The Flag State Performance Table serves to encourage ship-owners and operators to examine the substance of a flag before registering their vessels, as well as to put pressure on their flag administrations to make any necessary improvements, particularly with regards to: safety of life at sea, marine environment protection, and the provision of decent working and living conditions for seafarers.
Cayman Registry continues to implement the legislative and regulatory framework necessary to retain the top of class designation and maintains these standards by employing and training highly qualified professionals in areas of surveying, registration and maritime administration matters.
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 qualify under the prestigious Qualship 21 programme, meaning considerably less Port State Control inspections by the USCG. Cayman Registry saw a doubling of the number of Qualship 21 qualified vessels for 2015.
Mr. A. Joel Walton, CEO of Cayman Registry commented: “We are very pleased to be recognized, for the fifth year running, by the International Chamber of Shipping as one of the world’s leading flags and would like to congratulate our team and the shipowners for their continued efforts in maintaining an outstanding safety and quality record for the Cayman flag.”
For further information contact: Corporate Communications