Survey And Audit: Merchant Ships FAQs

How can I contact a surveyor?

Call Head Office number (+1 345 949 8831) or send an e-mail to survey@cishipping.com.

What if I have an emergency?

Call Head Office number (+1 345 949 8831). Outside of normal office hours, on weekends and public holidays a recorded message will give details of how to contact a Cayman surveyor on duty.

Does our commercial vessel require to be surveyed prior to registration?

Yes. Prior to accepting a commercial vessel for registration, a Merchant Ship Flag-in Matrix “scoring” system is used by Cayman to ensure that the vessel meets minimum safety and operational standards. Generally vessels over 15 years old or those vessels with a medium to high score may require a pre-registration survey, depending on the particular case.

What surveys and audits can be carried out by the vessel’s classification society at Flag-in?

Providing the vessel has a low Merchant Ship Flag-in Matrix score (50 or less) surveys and audits at flag-in may be delegated to the relevant classification societies.

Can “Class” carry out Cargo Ship Safety Equipment and Cargo Ship Safety Radio annual, intermediate or renewal surveys?

Yes. For those vessels that are not in the Alternative Compliance Scheme (ACS) these surveys may be delegated to classification societies but only after a written request has been made to Cayman by the owner (or authorised representative), manager or master. These requests for delegation are reviewed immediately and approved on a case-by-case basis.

Can a classification society surveyor/auditor carry out ISM and/or ISPS Code audits on my Company or ships?

Only in very exceptional circumstances will Cayman authorise classification societies to carry out these audits. Cayman endeavours to carry out all such audits using its own fully trained and experienced auditors.

How much does a survey cost?

See Survey Fees.

Does Cayman issue Ship Radio Station Licences?

Ship Radio Station Licences for Cayman-registered ships are all issued by the Cayman Islands Information & Communications Technology Authority (ICTA). On-island assistance with your application for a Ship Radio Station Licence is also available from client.relationships@cishipping.com.

Do I need to report an accident to my vessel?

Yes. Under Section 159 of The Merchant Shipping Law (2005 Revision) the Owner or Master is required to report any accident resulting in loss of life or serious injury to any person. Also, the Owner or Master is required to report any material damage to the vessel which may affect its seaworthiness.

Do I need to keep an official log book?

Yes. Under Section 140 (1) of The Merchant Shipping Law (2005 Revision) all Cayman ships are required to keep an official log book. An official log book can be obtained by shopping online or by contacting our Head Office or our European Regional Office in the UK.

Where can I get an official log book?

An official log book can be obtained by shopping online or by contacting our Head Office or our European Regional Office in the UK. In addition to the official log book, we also supply oil record books, garbage record books, and GMDSS log books. We do not supply deck log books or engine room log books but these can be purchased from various maritime documentation suppliers.