by Lauren Beck

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) issued a Guidance Note on Harassment and Sexual Misconduct on Board Ships in September to raise awareness and explain the steps individuals can take to report such behavior.

According to the note, “CISR receives a regular and concerning number of complaints relating to harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct on board Cayman Islands-registered vessels.” CISR maintains a “zero-tolerance policy” to harassment and, as such, wants to send the message that this conduct will be handled “within the full extent of the law.”  

“In addition to potential prosecution, there is power within the law to remove a Cayman Islands endorsement where an individual commits a crime or is seriously negligent in their duties,” the Guidance Note outlines. In addition, CISR suggested consideration could be given to a register of offenders that could be implemented by industry, although legal hurdles may exist.

CISR outlined various changes implemented in the yachting industry to effect change, including amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), which require companies to enhance their health and safety policies to eliminate bullying and harassment. Measures are also under consideration at the IMO, which will require amendments to the ISM Code to mandate companies to establish policies specifically addressing sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault. The IMO also introduced STCW amendments to educate seafarers about sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault, and how to prevent and respond to incidents. These STCW amendments will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Additional amendments are also being considered that would provide enhanced investigative powers and facilitate the swift removal of perpetrators.

To report harassment, CISR suggests:

1. Report to a responsible person, like a senior officer or master. If that’s impossible, report to a trusted crewmember.
2. If not addressed effectively, advance the complaint to shore management.
3. If no shore management, if there’s no solution, or if you’re concerned about how the complaint was handled, contact the CISR Shipping Master at [email protected] for a confidential, not anonymous, complaint.
4. Complaints sent to the shipping master may result in an unscheduled MLC inspection to investigate breaches or failures to implement policy under MLC. For non-MLC vessels, there is a general power under the law to conduct an investigation where misconduct or negligence is suspected.

CISR emphasizes that Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) cannot prevent crew from reporting safety or well-being incidents.

To report sexual abuse or assault, CISR suggests:

1. Report to the relevant law enforcement authorities without delay to facilitate investigation and evidence preservation in the jurisdiction where the assault occurred. CISR Shipping Masters have a limited scope, and incidents will likely be referred to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.
2. If the assault happened at sea, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) requires that Flag States have primary jurisdiction for criminal acts.

The Cayman Islands Merchant Shipping Act holds the shipowner and master responsible for maintaining a safe environment on board and imposes penalties for misconduct resulting in death or serious injury.

While these regulatory amendments generally apply to commercial vessels subject to MLC, the Guidance Note maintains that solutions still apply to those working on private yachts. “The general enforcement provisions set out … would apply to all ships, and therefore, the absence of MLC Compliance should not be regarded as a barrier to obtaining a remedy.”

CISR also maintains that ISM companies need to gather more honest feedback from crew, suggesting exit interviews. “Greater attention will be paid by Cayman Registry as to how effectively crew complaints are being managed during Company audits, as it is recognized that this is a key to creating a culture of compliance and safeguarding,” the Note said.

“All stakeholders have a responsibility to tackle this issue as we strive to stamp out this behaviour and remove the abusers from the industry,” the Note said, sharing that, while flag states have a role, they caution that surveyors are not specifically trained to deal with sexual harassment or abuse. However, regardless of where the offense occurred, there are external resources for victims.

Read the entire CISR Guidance Note

Check out our recent issue

Related Posts

• Cayman Islands Shipping Registry tops White List of Paris MoUThe Cayman Islands Shipping Registry, a division of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, has been listed as No. 1 on the “White List”…
• Cayman head arrestedPremier McKeeva Bush of the Cayman Islands was arrested Dec. 11 on suspicion of corruption over misuse of a government credit card and importing explosives…

Cayman Islands Now Requiring Crew Contracts

The Cayman Islands Ship Registry (CISR) now requires all Cayman-flagged vessels to have written contracts for all crew members on board.