7 May 2025

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR), on behalf of the Red Ensign Group (REG), has released an urgent safety flyer to the yachting industry following a serious flooding incident involving a commercially operated 375 GT motor yacht during a routine personal watercraft (PWC) recovery.

The incident occurred during calm sea conditions but escalated rapidly when the vessel—engaged in water sports operations—was struck by a series of large, unexpected waves. At the time, the transom and port side shell doors were open, and the yacht had developed a port list due to lifting operations. The sudden water ingress overwhelmed the bilge system, disabled the hydraulics, and rendered the shell doors inoperable, ultimately forcing the vessel’s Master to beach the yacht to prevent capsize. No injuries or environmental damage occurred thanks to decisive onboard actions.

Investigations revealed that the tender garage shell door sill was only 160 mm above the design waterline, significantly below the 600 mm threshold introduced in LY3 and reinforced in the 2024 REG Yacht Code. While the yacht was built under the older LY2 Code, the incident has prompted regulators to stress that older vessels must still evaluate risks associated with low sill heights and shell door operations.

In response, the CISR has reiterated critical safety recommendations, including:

• Avoiding launch and recovery operations with open shell doors in conditions that may reduce freeboard or increase heel.
• Ensuring manual means of closure are functional in the event of hydraulic or electrical failure.
•  Installing temporary sills or washboards where feasible for low-opening shell doors.
•  Applying the flooding stability criteria of REG Yacht Code Chapter 11.5 to all applicable vessels.
• Conducting thorough risk assessments prior to operations involving hull openings.

This advisory follows the REG’s formal Request for Comment on proposed amendments to the Yacht Code, particularly in relation to hull openings and stability standards. The proposed changes aim to codify updated construction and operational requirements, such as enhanced bilge capacity, stricter equipment protection, and revised stability calculations when sill heights fall below regulatory minimums.

Industry stakeholders are invited to submit feedback by 15 June 2025 to the relevant authorities, as the REG works to enhance the safety framework of the commercial yacht sector.

A link to the safety flyer can be found here: Safety Flyer 01 - 2025 Shell Doors.pdf

Feedback regarding the proposed amendments contained within this document should be sent to: Julian.smith@cishipping.com and Marine.iomregyachts@gov.im and regyachtcode@mcga.gov.uk

British Marine and Superyacht UK Members can receive further information and guidance by emailing technical@britishmarine.co.uk