Classification Societies

Seven authorised classification societies act on behalf of Cayman –

• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• Bureau Veritas (BV)
• Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
• Germanisher Lloyd (GL)
• Lloyds Register (LR)
• Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK)
• Registro Italiano Navale (RINA Class)

Surveys and Audits

At Flag-In

Providing the vessel has a low matrix score (50 or less) at “flag in”, surveys and audits may be delegated to the relevant classification societies. Subsequently, Convention and statutory surveys, which are not fully delegated to Class, are generally carried out by Cayman. However, these may be delegated to Class on a case-by-case basis depending on the safety record of a particular vessel, owning company, location of the vessel, degree of urgency and its Port State Control and survey/audit history.

Cayman does not normally delegate DOC audits, Safety Management audits and International Ship Security audits to the vessel’s Class. The exception may be at “flag in” when Class has been delegated to carry out all work on behalf of Cayman. In these cases, a “pre-assessment” audit for ISM and ISPS can be carried out and, if all is found satisfactory, then interim certification, valid for up to 6 months, may be issued by Class.

After Flag-In

In general, International Load Line and Cargo Ship Safety Construction surveys are fully delegated. Other surveys that Class may carry-out on our behalf include, but are not necessarily limited to, MARPOL Annex IV, MARPOL Annex VI and annual surveys for MARPOL Annex I. In addition, Cayman also offers a more structured approach to delegation under an Alternative Compliance Scheme that is available to qualifying vessels and plans to introduce a more integrated approach to survey and audit delegation and to financial aspects under a “pilot scheme’” called the Consolidated Compliance Scheme (CCS), which is scheduled to be implemented on July 1 2006.

ISM and ISPS Code Audits

Only in very exceptional circumstances will Cayman authorise a classification society surveyor/auditor to carry out ISM and/or ISPS Code audits. Cayman endeavours to carry out all such audits using its own fully trained and experienced auditors.

Other Surveys

For those vessels that are not in the Alternative Compliance Scheme (ACS) the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment and Cargo Ship Safety Radio annual, intermediate or renewal surveys may be delegated to “Class” 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.