Yachts 24m and over

Yachts 24 metres and over are subject to various international Conventions, such as the International Load Line Convention, depending again on the size of the vessel.

The survey regime for large yachts differs significantly from the approach adopted for the yachts under 24 metres. The major difference aside from the number of Certificates required is that the degree of delegation by Cayman for large yachts is generally less.

Not engaged in trade

Yachts 24 metres and over and not engaged in trade are not subject to surveys and audits unless the vessel is 400 GT or over then an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP) is required. Surveys for this certificate may be carried out on behalf of Cayman by one of the 7 authorised classification societies or by Cayman, depending on the circumstances. For the most part, however, these surveys are conducted by Class except for the initial and renewal surveys which are normally done by Cayman but may be delegated on a case-by-case basis as well.

Engaged in trade

The survey regime for Yachts over 24 metres engaged in trade differs significantly from that for Yachts over 24 metres and not engaged in trade. Generally, Cayman will undertake as many of the statutory surveys as practicable with a much reduced level of delegation. Some surveys are still delegated such as Load Line, Safety Construction Survey and MARPOL (other than Annex 1), where applicable. However, Cayman will conduct many of the surveys and as far as is possible the intent is to visit each Large Commercial Yacht at least once a year. That said, there will be times where it is not possible for Cayman to attend and it may then exercise the option to delegate to Class.

All yachts 300 GT and over and on international voyages are required to have an Automatic Identification System (AIS). Yachts over 500 GT engaged in trade (in addition to the other statutory requirements) are also subject to the ISM and ISPS Codes. Audits for initial compliance, intermediate, and renewal verification with these Codes are not delegated and therefore will be conducted by Cayman, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Periodic Inspections

Large Commercial Yacht Certificates are valid for a maximum of 5 years; however, to maintain the validity for the full 5-year term, the yacht must be subject to annual inspections followed by a renewal survey at the end of the 5 years.

The annual inspections can be carried out within 3 months either side of the anniversary date, which corresponds to the expiry date of the certificate. For example, a certificate that expires on the 24th June 2008 needs to have an annual survey carried out between the 24th March and 24th September each year. If the annual survey is not carried out within this period the certificate becomes invalid and a renewal survey must be carried out and a new certificate issued.