The Cayman Islands has a seafaring history that goes back more than a century.
The Cayman Islands has a long-established maritime tradition, with seafaring playing an important role in the Islands’ history and development. Today, this legacy is overseen by the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI), which manages the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (Cayman Registry) from its headquarters in Grand Cayman.
Established in 1903, the Registry has evolved alongside the growth of international shipping and the Cayman Islands’ financial services sector. It now operates globally, with a network of offices in more than 20 locations, including the United Kingdom, United States and Southeast Asia. This international presence allows the Registry to provide services across the main shipping centres and time zones, supporting a diverse client base.
The Cayman Registry is responsible for the registration and regulation of vessels flying the Cayman Islands flag. Its core services include vessel registration, surveys and certification, crew compliance, and oversight of vessel construction. These functions ensure that vessels meet applicable safety and operational standards throughout their lifecycle.
In addition to its regulatory role, MACI provides advisory and consultancy services to governments and organisations worldwide. This includes guidance on establishing maritime administrations, developing regulatory frameworks, managing the financial aspects of a maritime authority, and drafting relevant legislation.
As a Category One British Registry, the Cayman Registry is authorised to register vessels of all sizes and types, from private yachts to large commercial vessels, including supertankers. It is also a well-established registry within the international yachting sector, particularly for large private and commercial yachts.
Vessels registered in the Cayman Islands operate under the Cayman Islands flag and are required to comply with its associated safety and regulatory standards. Cayman-flagged vessels are entitled to assistance from the Royal Navy, as well as access to British consular services worldwide, providing an additional layer of support for owners and operators.
For more information on ship registration and related services, visit www.cishipping.com.
