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Cayman Islands

Who issues it
Port Authority of the Cayman Islands (local vessel licences); Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, through the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (seafarer endorsements and rating certificates).
Buoyage
IALA region B

Do you need a licence?

Official tourism guidance says smaller boat rentals typically need no skipper licence. Local vessels need annual vessel licences. In territorial waters, under-15s may drive boats over 5 BHP only under the control of someone over 15. Pleasure-vessel masters must ensure safe manning.

Professional deck titles

  1. Yacht Rating Certificate

    What it lets you do
    CISR certificate for yacht crew with navigational and engineering watch duties.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  2. Navigational Watch Rating Certificate

    STCW II/4
    What it lets you do
    Issued by approved companies for navigational watch duties on seagoing ships of 500 GT or more.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

Radio certificates

  1. GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate

    ROC
    What it lets you do
    Accepted for masters, chief mates and navigational watch officers under STCW IV/2.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

  2. GMDSS General Operator Certificate

    GOC
    What it lets you do
    Accepted for masters, chief mates and navigational watch officers under STCW IV/2.
    Where to study
    Study it in Academy

Ready to study for it?

The Academy is free with an account: lessons for every topic, timed mocks marked like the real exam, and your progress saved.

Study the theory in the Academy See the Exam Pass

Official sources: Cayman Islands Government — Port Regulations (2026 Revision), regulations 2, 31, 84, 143 and 148 · Cayman Islands Shipping Registry — Manning Policy Manual, September 2026, revision 14, sections 9 and 22.2 · Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands — Guidance Note 03/2017, revision 2.0, endorsement application guidance, section 2 · Port Authority of the Cayman Islands — Local Notice to Mariners 004-2026, Port of George Town Port & Starboard Lateral Markers · Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands — Shipping Notice 07/2011, revision 1.1, Issue of Watch Rating Certificates, sections 5–6 and Annex I · Cayman Islands official tourism website — Boating in the Cayman Islands, boat-licence FAQ