Is the Cayman Islands flag safe for seafarers?

The Cayman Islands flag holds a strong port-state-control (PSC) reputation across both Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU regimes. It has ratified MLC 2006, which gives seafarers the international right to inspection and complaint. A safer flag does not mean every vessel is safe — operator + classification society still drive day-to-day conditions.

Has Cayman Islands ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)?

Yes — Cayman Islands has ratified MLC 2006 (ratified 2013). Seafarers serving on Cayman Islands-flagged vessels are entitled to make MLC complaints through the flag administration, port state, or seafarer welfare organisations such as the ITF.

How do I file a complaint against a Cayman Islands-flagged vessel or operator?

Complaints can be lodged with the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry via their official complaint procedure. Under MLC 2006, complaints may also be lodged with the port-state authority of any MLC-ratified port. The ITF and seafarer welfare organisations (Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, Sailors' Society) can advocate on your behalf. Keep contract, wage records, and seaman's book ready.

What port-state-control rating does Cayman Islands have?

Paris MoU rating: white. Tokyo MoU rating: white. PSC ratings classify flags by inspection and detention history. White / low-risk flags face fewer PSC inspections; black / high-risk flags face more frequent inspection and a higher detention rate.

Is Cayman Islands on the ITF Flag of Convenience (FoC) list?

Yes — Cayman Islands is listed by the International Transport Workers' Federation as a Flag of Convenience. ITF FoC listing reflects the union's view that the flag has minimal genuine link to the beneficial owner of vessels registered. Seafarers on FoC vessels are eligible for ITF inspector intervention in any major port and for the ITF's globally-negotiated minimum wage benchmark when on an ITF-affiliated agreement.

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🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

ISO CYM / KY

Regulatory

MLC 2006: ratified (2013-08-07)
Paris MoU rating: white
Tokyo MoU rating: white
USCG Qualship 21: listed
ITF FoC: listed as Flag of Convenience

Registry

Vessel count: 200
Deadweight: 8
Administration: Cayman Islands Shipping Registry
File a complaint: Official form

British Overseas Territory; popular for luxury yachts and commercial vessels

Compliance history

Tokyo MoU
This page could not be found. Maybe try a search?
ページが見つかりませんでした - Tokyo MOU
ILO NORMLEX
ILO is a United Nations Agency
Ratifications of ILO conventions: Ratifications for

What this means for seafarers

MLC 2006: This flag has ratified MLC 2006. Vessels must hold a valid Maritime Labour Certificate + DMLC Part II posted onboard. You can file an MLC complaint via the flag administration.
Port-state-control profile: high-performing flag — fewer detentions on average. Read about PSC regimes →
ITF Flag of Convenience: This flag is on the ITF FoC list. ITF Total Crew Cost (TCC) scale applies as the wage floor. Contact an ITF inspector at the next port if your contract is below TCC. Unpaid-wages route →
STCW: Party to STCW. Verify a CoC issued under this flag at the administration.

Reference

III Code — the IMO flag-state audit scheme measuring implementation of IMO instruments.
Port state control — how Cayman Islands-flagged ships are inspected + detained in foreign ports.
Minimum safe manning — the SOLAS V/14 basis for Cayman Islands's manning documents.
Marine cyber incidents — case studies + the IACS UR E26/E27 cyber-resilience regime.

Ships flying Cayman Islands

Scorpio Tankers Bahamas · IMO 9355781 · Tanker
Tatoosh · IMO 1006336 · motor yacht
Predator · IMO 1009314 · motor yacht
C2 · IMO 1009833 · motor yacht
Serene · IMO 1010090 · motor yacht
Symphony · IMO 1012098 · motor yacht
Nautilus · IMO 1011886 · motor yacht
Alfa Nero · IMO 1009376 · motor yacht
Anastasia · IMO 1009388 · motor yacht
Sunrays · IMO 1010351 · motor yacht
Pegasus V · IMO 1007794 · motor yacht
Royal Romance · IMO 1012268 · luxury yacht
Amaryllis · IMO 1010519 · motor yacht
Al Mirqab · IMO 1009223 · motor yacht
Infinity · IMO 1012177 · motor yacht
Romea · IMO 1012309 · motor yacht
Lady Sheridan · IMO 1009170 · motor yacht
Eminence · IMO 1009481 · motor yacht
Aviva · IMO 1009053 · motor yacht
Illusion · IMO 1003267 · motor yacht

Top 20 shown. Indexed ships total: 21.

Ports in Cayman Islands

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

All ports in Cayman Islands →

Cayman Islands flag: FAQ

Is the Cayman Islands flag safe for seafarers?: The Cayman Islands flag holds a strong port-state-control (PSC) reputation across both Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU regimes. It has ratified MLC 2006, which gives seafarers the international right to inspection and complaint. A safer flag does not mean every vessel is safe — operator + classification society still drive day-to-day conditions.
Has Cayman Islands ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)?: Yes — Cayman Islands has ratified MLC 2006 (ratified 2013). Seafarers serving on Cayman Islands-flagged vessels are entitled to make MLC complaints through the flag administration, port state, or seafarer welfare organisations such as the ITF.
How do I file a complaint against a Cayman Islands-flagged vessel or operator?: Complaints can be lodged with the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry via their official complaint procedure. Under MLC 2006, complaints may also be lodged with the port-state authority of any MLC-ratified port. The ITF and seafarer welfare organisations (Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, Sailors' Society) can advocate on your behalf. Keep contract, wage records, and seaman's book ready.
What port-state-control rating does Cayman Islands have?: Paris MoU rating: white. Tokyo MoU rating: white. PSC ratings classify flags by inspection and detention history. White / low-risk flags face fewer PSC inspections; black / high-risk flags face more frequent inspection and a higher detention rate.
Is Cayman Islands on the ITF Flag of Convenience (FoC) list?: Yes — Cayman Islands is listed by the International Transport Workers' Federation as a Flag of Convenience. ITF FoC listing reflects the union's view that the flag has minimal genuine link to the beneficial owner of vessels registered. Seafarers on FoC vessels are eligible for ITF inspector intervention in any major port and for the ITF's globally-negotiated minimum wage benchmark when on an ITF-affiliated agreement.

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High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.

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