With effect from the 11th March, 2024 a new Cayman Islands Merchant Shipping Act has been introduced.

The new Merchant Shipping Act 2024 (MSA 2024) repeals and replaces the previous in force act and provides the law underlying the registration and operation of yachts registered in the Cayman Islands.

One of the new requirements introduced by the MSA 2024 is the need for all crew working onboard Cayman registered yachts to be employed under a formal contract of employment containing certain minimum provisions.

The Cayman Islands are one of the world’s leading flag states for the registration of large yachts and therefore this section of the MSA 2024 applies to many crew who are working in the yachting industry.

We have prepared a guide on our website providing a summary of requirements here:

Crew Agreements – Cayman Registered Yachts

All crew employed by Oceanskies Crew and its subsidiaries are contracted through formal Seafarer Employment Agreements that are compliant with these new requirements.