The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) has issued Shipping Notice 01/2025 (Rev 01), which replaces Guidance Note 04/2022 and introduces an important update on the carriage of additional guests onboard pleasure yachts not engaged in trade.

Until now, owners and operators wishing to carry more than 12 guests on a yacht in private use were required to obtain time-limited, voyage-specific exemptions from CISR. These exemptions were available up to September 2025.

With the publication of this new Shipping Notice, such exemptions are no longer required – provided the yacht is:

• appropriately certified, and
• operating under shore-side ISM Code management

Key updates:

• Large Yachts are permitted to carry up to 36 guests
• Passenger Yachts are permitted to carry up to 60 guests
• Included in the number of “additional guests” are the security, entertainment and catering personnel hired for the event
• The Shipping Notice acts as a general exemption to the Merchant Shipping (Pleasure Yachts Carrying Passengers) Regulations, 2011

Note: It is important to highlight that there is no obligation on Port States to accept arrangements allowing more passengers than the ship is designed for, particularly if the number of passengers contravene the definition of a ‘pleasure vessel’ in their national legislation.

What this means for yacht owners & managers:

This regulatory change provides greater flexibility for private yachts while maintaining compliance and safety standards under the ISM framework. It also simplifies administrative requirements by removing the need for repeated exemption applications.

For owners considering increasing guest capacity, it is essential to ensure that vessels are properly certified and managed to meet CISR requirements.

At Oceanskies, we continue to monitor regulatory developments closely and provide support to yacht owners, managers, and crew to ensure smooth compliance with the latest standards.

You can read the full Shipping Notice 01/2025 (Rev 01) here.