In the Cayman Islands, the carriage of navigation charts and publications is regulated under the Merchant Shipping Regulations. According to section 166 (1), (3), and (4), the Governor in Council has the power to review and change these laws.

The policies specified in the law apply to Cayman Island ships and passenger vessels registered in the territory, regardless of their geographical location. The law also regulates other ships hovering the Cayman Islands waters.

However, there are certain situations and circumstances where the law does not apply. For instance, registered ships with a length of 12 meters [and below] are not subject to the law. The policies are also not applicable to unregistered ships with a length less than 12 meters. The definition of "length" must fit the one stated in the International Convention of Load Lines, 1966, as reviewed. Other water vessels not regulated by the law include pleasure sea crafts or a vessel with a bottom planking of a length less than 12 meters.

Requirements for Carriage of Nautical Charts and Publications

Under the Cayman Islands' Merchant Shipping Law:

1. All ships are required to carry nautical charts and publication with adherence to regulation 5. Additionally, they must also carry adequate and up-to-date sailing maps, Notices to Mariners, list of lights, tide tables, and other nautical publications of different formats as they are critical when navigating the sea.
2. All passenger vessels and other ships of 300+ tons are required to carry to have onboard the International Code of Signals by the IMO.
3. Without undermining the provision provided in (1) and (2), all Cayman Islands ships shall carry nautical and sea navigation publications specified in Part A of the Schedule as well as sections of the publications as highlighted in Part B of the Schedule.

Charts and Publications

The Cayman Islands law requires maritime charts² to contain navigation marks used during sea voyages, any potential dangers on the waters, and information about any vessel's routing and other reporting channels related to the waters. The charts must be updated and approved by a Hydrographer of the Navy in any authority in any country apart from the UK.

Sea-going ships must carry the latest version of publications with the necessary connections and supplements. Under the Part B Schedule, the sections of the publications thereof should be the primary navigation reference.

The law also accepts other publications apart from that issued by the Hydrographer of Navy, so long as it conforms to the standards and content specifications.

Carriage of Electronic Publications

Apart from charts, Cayman Islands registered vessels can carry electronic versions of the publications, as long as it is identical in content and substance to the printed format and a read-only version. In this context, "read-only format" refers to a representation where the details of the publication can be read and printed but cannot be changed, edited, or altered in its current format.

Required Publications

All publications on board vessels, in any of format, should be the most current edition or updated with the latest corrections. Unless stated otherwise, official digital publications are permitted. It is recommended however mariners consult with their respective flag state authority regularly on the use of digitized publications and their acceptance.

¹ Emergency use copies of these publications must always be readily available in physical, paper editions.

² Nautical Charts & Publications

1. Adequate charts for the intended voyage – up to date
2. Chart catalog – up to date
3. Admiralty Sailing Directions / NGA Sailing Directions
4. Admiralty List of Lights / NGA List of Lights
5. Notices to Mariners
6. Admiralty Tide Tables / NOAA Tide Tables
7. Mariners Handbook
8. Nautical Almanac
9. Navigational Tables
10. Admiralty List Of Radio Signals Volumes I to VI Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) / NGA Radio Aids
11. Tidal stream atlases

Disclaimer: American Nautical Services, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and contents of this article.The information in this article has been provided for informational purposes only. Mariners should consult with their respective flag state authority, company administration, and safety management system (SMS) to ensure compliance with all current chart and publication carriage requirements on the domestic and international level.