Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, are home to one of the most popular registers for large yachts. We help you check the requirements and handle the registration for you.

Who runs the register

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry is a division of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) and registers vessels and ship mortgages for private and commercial yachts. The Cayman Islands are a Category 1 register of the Red Ensign Group, the group of British registers: vessels registered there are British ships and fly the Red Ensign.

Who can register a vessel

• Individuals who are citizens of a country approved by the Registry.
• Companies and bodies incorporated in an approved country, or registered in the Cayman Islands as foreign companies with a place of business on the islands.
• Non-qualified persons may only be minority co-owners (up to 31 of the 64 shares).

If the owner is not resident or incorporated in the Cayman Islands, a Representative Person resident on the islands must be appointed before applying. The Registry publishes the list of approved countries: we check for you that the owner or company qualifies.

Advantages

• A Category 1 British flag, well regarded in the large-yacht market.
• Registration of private and commercial yachts and of ship mortgages.
• A specific regime, known as Yacht Engaged in Trade, for private yachts that charter in line with the Registry's guidelines.

For EU residents it is important to assess the vessel's customs and tax position in advance: we will put you in touch with the relevant professionals.

How we help

• Analysing the most suitable ownership structure.
• Gathering, legalising and submitting the required documents.
• Coordination with the Registry, the Representative Person and the surveyors carrying out inspections.

Contact us using the form at the bottom of the page, describing the vessel and its intended use: we will suggest the best route.

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