The Cayman Islands has introduced a significant regulatory change that benefits large private yachts.
Under Cayman Islands Shipping Notice 01/2025 (Rev 01, September 2025), private yachts over 500 gross tons managed in compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code can now carry up to 36 guests on board without needing to apply for individual voyage exemptions. Previously, any private yacht carrying more than 12 guests had to secure a time-limited flag-state exemption for each trip. Now, provided a yacht is appropriately certified and under robust ISM management, the Cayman flag grants a general exemption to carry these additional guests as a matter of course. This streamlines what was once a cumbersome process, while still underscoring that proper safety and risk management must be in place.
Why does this matter? For yacht owners and the family offices managing their assets, this change opens the door to using their vessels for larger gatherings without bureaucratic delays. An owner can host family, friends, or corporate guests (up to 36 people) for special occasions on a qualifying yacht, no longer capped by the old 12-person limit. This enhanced flexibility can increase the utility and enjoyment of owning a large yacht, and even boost a vessel’s appeal and market value. Yacht brokers and advisors will also find this update valuable – a Cayman-flagged yacht with ISM compliance can be promoted as capable of safely hosting more guests, a key selling point for clients planning big events or extended family cruises. Importantly, all parties should remember that the higher guest allowance comes with the responsibility to uphold ISM safety standards and proper certification. The flag state’s message is clear: greater freedom comes hand-in-hand with maintaining a robust safety framework for everyone on board.
At Rosemont Yacht Services, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate these new regulations. Our specialists support yacht owners with tailored ownership structuring, and expert regulatory navigation to ensure your yacht meets all requirements under the frameworks of different flag states. With our guidance, owners and their representatives can enjoy this new flexibility confident that all safety and compliance measures are in place.
For personalized guidance on leveraging this regulatory change, contact Rosemont Yacht Services to discuss how we can support your yacht ownership structuring under the new CISN 01/2025 framework: rys@rosemont-yacht.com
Source here: Cayman Islands Shipping Notice 01/2025 (Rev 01, September 2025)
11/2025