Cayman Islands issues note on carriage of privately contracted security personnel

Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) has issued a guidance note on the carriage of privately contracted security personnel onboard Cayman Islands ships in the former high-risk area. It is addressed to all owners, operators, charterers, and masters.

This Guidance Note was published on December 15th, 2022, and became effective on January 1st, 2023. It replaces Guidance Note 03/2011.

The purpose of these guidelines is to outline the policy of the Maritime Administration of the Cayman Islands on the carriage of Privately Contracted Security Personnel in the former high-risk area.

As is known, the Cayman Islands Merchant Shipping Act does not specifically prohibit the carriage of firearms or Privately Contracted Security Personnel on Cayman Islands vessels.

The Cayman Islands Maritime Authority is aware that many ship owners feel that the transport of security personnel is still necessary to protect crew, ships, and cargo, despite the removal of high-risk areas.

Therefore, the decision of whether to carry armed security personnel remains with the ship owner, and the Cayman Islands Maritime Administration will not prohibit that.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Carriage of Privately Contracted Security Personnel Onboard Cayman Islands Ships in the Former High Risk Area