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 when an International Oil Pollution Prevention certificate (IOPP), International Sewerage Pollution Prevention certificate (ISPP) and International Air Pollution Prevention certificate (IAPP) are required. In addition to this, regardless of the tonnage of the yacht, if it is certified to carry more than 15 persons, guests, staff, and crew, it will require an International Sewerage Pollution Prevention certificate (ISPP). The Surveys for ISPP and IAPP are fully delegated to 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 not engaged in trade. Generally the Cayman Registry undertake the surveys required for the issue of the Large Yacht Code certificate, IOPP certificate, Safety Radio certificate and Safety Equipment certificate as applicable. The remaining applicable surveys and certification are delegated to the 7 authorised classification societies. This includes the surveys associated with the issue of the Load Line certificate, Safety Construction certificate and MARPOL certificates, other than Annex 1 as stated above, where applicable. Whilst it is the intention of the Cayman Registry to visit each Large Commercial Yacht at least once a year and undertake the above noted surveys we are able to delegate on a case by case basis to the appropriate classification society where this is not possible or practical.

All yachts 300 GT and over and on international voyages are required to have an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and where they proceed beyond area A1 are required to comply with the requirements of LRIT contained in SOLAS Chapter V 19-1. Yachts over 500 GT engaged in trade, in addition to the other statutory requirements, are also subject to the ISM and ISPS Codes. The audits required in compliance with these Codes are not delegated and therefore will be conducted by the Cayman Registry, 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.