Cayman Ship Registry Using Technology To Extend Global Reach

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

16 February 2007

The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) has said that it is continuing to remain progressive in its client services by keeping abreast of new technological advancements and implementing new functions to its online services through its website.

A government-owned subsidiary, MACI is a leader in the Cayman Islands public sector for real-time on-line transactions for credit card payments and other services.

MACI's online system also allows customers to have 24-hour access to conduct business. Other automated online services now include: checks for vessel name availability; name-reservation for up to 1 year; and instant posting of payments.

Linda Dunn of Marine Documentation in the US, the first client to have utilised MACI's new services in December 2006, stated her satisfaction with the automated system's effectiveness: "We used the vessel name reservation system and it was extremely easy and efficient. We were able to reserve the vessel name for the customer, pay the fee, and receive an email on the same day confirming all details. The technology tools now in place for these types of services are valuable to us, and make our interaction with MACI very efficient."

The technical aspects of the MACI's new automated real-time on-line services have been made possible by the Cayman Islands Government's Computer Services Department.

Other on-line services which are expected at MACI by the end of the first quarter 2007 are: online form-filling for all MACI forms, such as registration and crew-compliance; the online "shopping cart" which will enable clients to purchase MACI items such as Cayman Islands Red Ensign flags, log-books and other products; and the online ability to view the status of application-processing in real-time.

Also expected to be fully functional by June 2007 is the new Virtual Office Environment web-based service, Head Start, which will be offered to owners and their representatives such a lawyers, company managers, and marine documentation agencies.

Head Start will include the ability to: search and browse vessel details; review account details; create and modify invoices; make payment of invoices for all services; submit registration details for vessels; request survey and audit services; view safety related information; and request transcripts and certificates.

The new Divisional Director (Designate) for Finance & IT at MACI, Kenrick Ebanks, expressed enthusiasm about the Authority's latest developments, "Our website capabilities are constantly improving, and MACI is excited to bring these new technological upgrades to its clients. The bottom line is to be able to provide quicker and more cost effective service."

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