Registration FAQs

Can I have an Official Number and Call Sign allocated before vessel registration?

Yes, provided that Cayman is in receipt of the application forms and relevant fees. This facilitates the simultaneous marking of a vessel, the submission of an application for Ship Radio Station Licence, and other related items.

Can you complete the registration of a vessel with a copy of evidence of title documents such as a Bill of Sale for an existing vessel or a Builder’s Certificate for a new vessel?

Yes. All registration documentation may be provided either in original form or in faxed form accompanied by an Undertaking to deliver the originals to Cayman within 7 days.

How long does the vessel registration process take?

Under normal circumstances, transactions are completed within 2 working days of receipt of all of the forms, required documentation and applicable fees. For an additional service charge transactions may be completed on a “rush” basis within 24 hours, on the next working day. E-mail client.relationships@cishipping.com and use express fax # 1-345-946-7822.

Can the Shipping Registry transaction be done today?

Yes. By pre-arrangement, and for an additional service charge, we also offer an “over-the-counter” service whereby transactions may be completed “on-the-spot” by presenting, in person, the required forms, supporting documentation and applicable fees to Cayman. E-mail client.relationships@cishipping.com and use express fax # 1-345-946-7822.

Can vessel and mortgage registrations be done at any time other than within normal opening hours?

Yes. Cayman can provide a 24-hour registration and mortgage registration service for all vessels such as tankers, bulk carriers, and commercial yachts, by pre-arrangement with Cayman. For this “out-of-office service”, available outside normal office hours, there is an additional fee. E-mail client.relationships@cishipping.com and use express fax # 1-345-946-7822.

Is the Certificate of Survey from a previous Shipping Registry acceptable for vessel registration purposes?

Yes, provided that it has all of the information required by Cayman and that it has been issued by one of the seven Classification Societies authorised by Cayman.

Can I inspect the Shipping Register?

Yes. All information held on the Register, including mortgage details, is considered to be available, for a fee, to anyone. Persons may inspect the Register at Head Office (George Town) between normal office hours or we can provide the information in the form of a document called a "Transcript of Registry".

Can I have a copy of the Certificate of Registry for a vessel?

The documentation held on a vessel registration file is available only to the registered owner (or his/her authorised representatives) therefore no such documentation is available to third parties except for a “Transcript of Registry”.

Can I submit vessel registration forms, supporting documentation and mortgage documents at locations other than Head Office?

Yes. All can be faxed to 1-345-946-7822 and supported by a notarised Undertaking to deliver the originals to Cayman within 7 days of the date of registration. Additionally, mortgages and their related documents may be physically delivered at four other depositories worldwide.