GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman From Cayman Registry

The
Cayman Islands has qualified for continuance in the United States
Coast Guard’s Quality Shipping for the 21st
Century (QUALSHIP 21) Program for the 9th
consecutive year.

The
United States Coast Guard (USCG) has again recognized the Cayman
Islands Shipping Registry (Cayman Registry) for their excellent Port
State Control record and listed them as one of the few qualifying
Flag Administrations eligible for the prestigious QUALSHIP 21.

QUALSHIP
21 is the USCG’s matrix system of extending recognition to foreign
ships, which fly the Flag of a State which has demonstrated an
excellent safety and pollution prevention record with respect to its
ships. Ships in the QUALSHIP 21 system are required to undergo
significantly less Port State Control inspections by the USCG whilst
in US waters. Essentially, the QUALSHIP 21 system rewards good ships
thereby contributing to the elimination of substandard vessels.

Cayman’s
commitment to quality shipping is evident as Cayman Flagged vessels
that call on U.S. ports have complied an excellent Port State Control
record in the past three calendar years. Cayman’s rolling
three-year detention percentage is below the 1.0% threshold that is
required for inclusion into the QUALSHIP 21 program.

Mr.
A. Joel Walton, CEO of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands
(parent organization of the Cayman Registry), remarked, “The Cayman
Registry is very pleased with its qualification for continuance in
the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 Program.” He
continued by saying “This qualification is a testament to the
hardworking team of the Registry, shipowners and managers for their
continued outstanding efforts. We will strive to maintain QUALSHIP 21
status by continuing to uphold international standards pertaining to
shipping.”

Undoubtedly, having
QUALSHIP 21 status brings significant benefits to ships flying the
Cayman flag. The Honorable Premier, Mr. Alden McLaughlin, Ministry of
International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs said,
“The Government is very happy to once again accomplish the QUALSHIP
21 and will continue to support the Cayman Registry, to ensure it
meets all necessary requirements in order to remain compliant.” He
continued, “I would like to thank the Cayman Registry and its
partners for maintaining an outstanding safety and quality record for
the Cayman Flag.”

The
status is reviewed by the USCG annually and the names of QUALSHIP 21
ships are posted on the USCG’s website.