Yachts Under 24m

Not engaged in trade

Yachts under 24 metres and not engaged in trade are not subject to international Conventions with the exception of COLREG and MARPOL (both of which apply to all yachts) and are therefore regulated through national legislation. This depends on the nature of operation, i.e., whether the yacht is in commercial use (engaged in trade) or private pleasure use (not engaged in trade).

Whilst the COLREG and MARPOL Conventions apply to these vessels and there are no survey requirements in respect of them even so the owner remains responsible for compliance with these two Conventions. However, these vessels do require a Cayman Certificate of Survey and a Cayman Tonnage Certificate to facilitate their registration.

Engaged in trade

Yachts under 24 metres and engaged in trade are subject to the Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2002 and consequently are required to undergo surveys in accordance with the Small Vessel Code of Practice, which is in the process of being harmonised from the 4 Small Vessel Codes currently in existence.

The surveys for these vessels are carried out in the main by Certifying Authorities, who are authorised by the UK MCA. These 11 organisations have surveyors throughout the world and provide a cost-effective means to ensure compliance with the Small Vessel Code. Cayman Surveyors can and do offer these survey services as and when required, however, most surveys are carried out by these organisations.