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CISR

The original Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) maritime administration structure, which is the main forerunner to MACI, was first established in 1903 when George Town was formally recognised as a British Port of Registry. The CISR obtained British Registry Category 1 Status on 25 July, 1991. The Category 1 Group of British Registries currently includes Bermuda, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and the UK. As a category 1 Register, the Cayman Islands can register vessels of any size and type provided that they meet international standards.

The CISR is a division of MACI and offers a variety of services.

MACI

The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) is a statutory corporation formed as a separate legal entity under the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands Law (2005) which came into effect on July 1, 2005. The Authority is wholly-owned by the Government of the Cayman Islands but governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Governor of the Cayman Islands.

MACI reports to the Cabinet of the Cayman Islands through the Portfolio of Finance and Economics but the UK Secretary of State retains oversight to ensure that appropriate standards are being applied and maintained with respect to the implementation of applicable international Conventions, Treaties and related Instruments. This oversight is largely exercised, on the Secretary of State’s behalf, through the UK’s maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Such Conventions are extended to the Cayman Islands by the UK and are given effect through Cayman Islands legislation or the adaptation of relevant UK legislation.

In general, MACI functions as the maritime administration of the Cayman Islands and as such discharges, on behalf of the Cayman Islands Government, the range of responsibilities and services normally associated with such a maritime administration.

International Regulatory Environment

One of the primary roles of MACI is to keep abreast of developments internationally in the shipping industry and in particular with respect to the numerous international Conventions and related Instruments affecting ships and their operation and, where appropriate, to have an input into the development of these.  To this end MACI has input into various international bodies through liaison and attendance at the meetings of such bodies and, where appropriate, with the UK delegations to such meetings, where policy and standards are agreed.  The main bodies include-

  • The International Maritime Organization (IMO) which is the main international body responsible for prescribing international standards and requirements with respect to safety of life at sea, maritime security and the protection of the marine environment. 
  • The International Labour Organisation (ILO) which establishes internationally agreed standards for employment and working conditions for seafarers.
  • The Caribbean Port State Control Committee (CPSCC) of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) on Port State Control.

There are other players whose activities have significant impact on international shipping which affects Cayman-flagged vessels namely; the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the various signatories to other regional Memoranda on Port State Control and, increasingly the European Union (EU).

National Maritime Legislation Regime

Implementation of International Conventions and related Instruments is given effect through the enactment of national primary legislations (i.e. laws) and the passing of supporting secondary legislation (i.e. Regulations).  The Cayman Islands has therefore developed its own regime of maritime legislation (see the current main Laws and Regulations).

Affiliated Organisations

The Cayman Islands Maritime (Shipping) Sector Consultative Committee (MSCC) provides a formal mechanism through which the private sector may evaluate all aspects of the maritime services sector and provide advice and recommendations.

The Cayman Islands Ship-owners’ Advisory Council (CISAC) including the Yacht Committee is a forum for establishing and maintaining dialogue and for exchanging ideas between and among its Members and MACI, with a view to maintaining and improving the quality of the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) as well as promoting its interests generally.

Last Updated: 2009-01-09