top of page

Cayman Islands Flag Makes Waves: New Law Protects Yacht Crew

14 March 2024

The Cayman Islands, a popular registry for luxury yachts, has taken a big step towards crew welfare with a brand new law. The Cayman Islands Ship Registry (CISR) now requires written contracts for all crew members on Cayman-flagged yachts, including private vessels. This is a major first in the yachting industry and sets a strong example for better working conditions at sea.


What Changed?


Many crew members, especially on smaller yachts, don't have formal employment contracts. This can lead to confusion and disagreements about pay, work hours, and other important aspects of their jobs.


Now, with a written contract in place, everyone is on the same page. The contract clearly outlines the crew member's rights and responsibilities, along with the yacht owner's obligations. This helps to ensure fair treatment and a more professional work environment for all.


What This Means for Yacht Owners and Crew


If you own a Cayman-flagged yacht, you'll need to have a written contract for each crew member. The CISR will be checking for compliance during surveys, and failing to provide a contract could be considered a violation of maritime law.


For crew members, this new regulation is a positive development. It guarantees a clear understanding of their employment terms and provides essential protections.

How You Can Get Help


The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) supports yacht crew members in navigating this change. Here are some resources we offer:

The PYA is here to answer any questions you may have about crew employment contracts. Feel free to contact us at advice@pya.org for further assistance.

More news

PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article

"There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations.

Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives

An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS.

The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”.

For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing:

Onboard Safety Group Announcement

The PYA is excited to announced the launch of the PYA Safety Group, a dedicated platform for fostering a culture of safety and well-being in yachting. This group brings together Captains, Engineers, DPAs, Managers, and industry professionals to share knowledge, identify emerging safety risks, and share best practices. Available on Telegram!

bottom of page