Where to Boat

Environment (DoE) on (345) 949 8469. See below for a list of numbers that may be useful while on the water and in the case of an emergency.

Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To reduce the impact of plastics on Cayman’s marine ecosystem, we encourage you to reduce your usage, recycle all of the rubbish you can, and pick up garbage you find on the shore or at sea. See the Being Green chapter for recycling locations for glass, plastic, and other waste.

WHERE TO BOAT

SEVEN MILE BEACH (SMB) Seven Mile Beach is typically the calmest side of the Island but does occasionally get battered by Nor’westers in the winter months and tropical storms in the summer months. Navigation is easy here because there are no barrier reefs in this area, however, the only boat ramps on SMB are at the Lobster Pot dock and at the beginning of North West Point Road in West Bay. Boaters will often anchor off of beach bars and restaurants such as those at the Westin, Ritz-Carlton and Kimpton Seafire hotels. You can also take your boat around from the North Sound and South Sound to Seven Mile Beach, but you need to be familiar with the channels through the reef in the North Sound, have a suitable and well-maintained boat and be prepared for a slightly rougher trip outside of the reef until you get to calmer waters off Seven Mile Beach.

Important Phone Numbers

Flying Dutchman (345) 329 7723

(Call if your boat has broken down/is sinking/has sunk)

Cayman Port Authority (345) 949 2055 Marine Enforcement /DoE (345) 649 7710 Cayman Brac/DoE (345) 948 0331 Little Cayman/DoE (345) 948 0100

(Report offences such as poaching to the Chief Officer)

Joint Marine Police Unit (345) 649 7710 US Coast Guard (RCC Miami) (305) 415 6800

Currently there are no gas stations where members of the public can dock and refuel along the west side of the Island. If you are considering regularly keeping your boat in the water overnight, it is mandatory to seek authorisation from the Department of Environment (DoE) to install a mooring. Unfortunately, even with a mooring, your vessel (and engine) is vulnerable to theft.

Nor’westers can occasionally make the sea very rough, and if you are not conscious of the weather conditions, your vessel could easily be damaged. Even though a number of commercial and personal vessels anchor regularly off SMB (and George Town) overnight, it is not advisable. It is possible that a propeller from another vessel could accidentally cut the anchor line and, if the anchor drags, the wind will take the boat offshore.

Snorkelers and divers in this area should be flying the divers down flag; however, when travelling close to shore, always be cautious. Do not exceed five knots within 600ft from the coast and do not anchor in marked boat channels, coral, diving or swimming areas. Note that beach front properties and hotels, with designated swim areas cannot be entered by any vessel.

THE NORTH SOUND There are several launching ramps that provide access in this area and most boat owners keep their boats docked in the North Sound. The Sound is enclosed by a barrier reef and has a network of canals that provide excellent protection from the weather in all but the most extreme conditions (such as a hurricane). Theft is uncommon and a canal generally offers access to fresh water as well as fuel stations.

The North Sound also offers excellent shallow snorkelling areas, such as Coral Gardens and the world-renowned Stingray City. North Wall diving is very good as well, but sea conditions can be rough. Beachside bars and restaurants at Rum Point and Kaibo, as well as boat hangouts at Starfish Point and the Mini Sandbar are popular stops for the boating crowd.

Also popular is Morgan’s Harbour where Calypso Grill and Tukka West, Restaurant & Bar are located right on the water, although docking space is limited and the onshore breeze can make docking a challenge, so be careful. Just to the north of Morgan’s Harbour is an area called Barkers that offers miles of undeveloped white sand beaches and some good light tackle fishing for bonefish. Navigate carefully; it is easy to strike a coral head and damage your propeller and the coral. Watch out for kite surfers too. At the Cayman Islands Yacht Club, boaters can enjoy two more fantastic restaurants, Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant and bàcaro. Both restaurants are popular with boaters and there is ample docking space. You can also take your boat into George Town Yacht Club (GTYC) or Camana Bay. At GTYC, you can enjoy lunch or dinner while the children play in the pool. Camana Bay is suitable for large and small boats, has a well-marked entry and free sheltered docking with access to lots of restaurants and bars.

The North Sound is great for fishing and catching conch and lobster, but abide by the Marine Parks Act. Violations can result in serious fines, confiscation of your boat or even a prison term. Although partially enclosed by a barrier reef, the Sound can get choppy. If your boat is under 22ft long, you (and your guests) are very likely to get wet from sea spray on an average day.

The Central Mangrove Wetland is on the east side and is a protected Environmental Zone. All in-water activity, fishing and anchoring are completely prohibited, but boats can access the area provided they do not exceed five knots. People enjoy kayaking around the canal systems and also in English Bay, located east of Kaibo, as it is a great nature experience.

The Cayman Islands Sailing Club is located on the south-western side of the North Sound and you will often see dinghies sailing out from the club. Larger sail boats venture into the Sound, but the access through the reef is fairly shallow, so no boats with drafts greater than 10ft can enter. Watch out for areas that have shallow coral heads, such as The Blower’s,

Fisherman’s Rock, Barkers, the Standards and Four-Way Reef; these areas have claimed many propellers and some boats.

SOUTH, EAST & NORTH COASTS On the south, east and north coasts, there are areas where you can find undeveloped beaches, great fishing and pristine diving and snorkelling. The first few times you venture out, you may want to accompany a local guide as it is easy for your propeller to hit a coral head if you don’t know where you are going. It is very likely that if you are out on the water, you will be approached by a vessel operated by Marine Parks or Marine Police officers. Have fun, but be aware that penalties for breaking the rules on the water are very serious. Before boating, it is worth reading the Marine Parks Rules and Regulations, as well as the Port Authority laws.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

RULES OF BOATING Throughout the years, boating rules and conventions have evolved and are now codified in the Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. In all circumstances where a collision is possible, these rules determine which vessel has right of way and which must take avoiding action.

The basic rules are that all boats approaching each other pass port to port (left to left) i.e. opposite to driving in Cayman. Power boats must always give way to sail boats and boats that are overtaking must keep clear of other boats. These are just the two basic rules, make sure to read up on more complex situations.

BOAT TRAINING Boat training is a form of vocational training that helps beginners learn the ropes and can help boost employability, give companies formal safety qualifications and even lower boat insurance.

See the Vocational Training & Adult Education section in the Education chapter for a list of companies that provide boat training. NAVIGATION A GPS or a chart plotter is highly recommended, however, basic navigational knowledge is helpful. Get to know landmarks on the horizon, such as the airport, the dump, The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Seafire, Harbour House Marina and more. Fixed or hand-held GPS units can be purchased from either Harbour House Marina, Kirk Marine or Scotts Marine.

Whenever you are on your boat, insert any navigational aids as marks on your GPS. These can be channel markers for your canal, floating metal mooring buoys in the Sound or the Main Channel markers. This can help if you are in a situation with no visibility or out at night and discover a channel marker light is out.

The world is divided into two regions for navigation markers. Cayman is in Region B, which uses the convention that red port marks are on the left when exiting a channel. Remember this by using the mnemonic “Red Right Returning”. This is the opposite system to the UK and Europe.

If a vessel is approaching from your port side, you will see a green light and have right of way. A vessel on your starboard side will show you its red light, so you have to give way. The most dangerous situation is if you see both a red and a green light, as this means you are looking at a head on collision. Make a distinct course change to starboard so the other vessel knows you are taking avoiding action. Remember: “If two lights you see ahead, turn to starboard, show your red”. This information is very crucial when boating at night.

BOATING AT NIGHT Darkness distorts perceptions. Therefore, at night, winds seem stronger, waves bigger and it is difficult to tell if a light is 600ft or two miles away. Out on the North Sound, it is impossible to see water depth or coral heads, especially on a moonless night. At night, safe boating involves more common sense. Ensure your navigation lights are working (so other boats can see you!) and carry a powerful torch, at least a million candle power, so you will be able to pick out channel markers from 300ft away. Use your GPS if you have one.

Although many channels have lights, be aware that markers can drift and if one marker light is not working, it is easy to mistake a working middle marker for a defunct outer marker.

VHF RADIO If you are out of cell range in an emergency, use a VHF radio to call Port Security on channel 16. Tell them your boat name, position/coordinates and nature of the problem and they will help. Although channel 16 is the emergency channel, it can carry routine calls to establish communication. Once contact has been made, the conversation must be switched to another working channel. Mayday calls on channel 16 are for life threatening emergencies only.

Boat owners should acquaint themselves with VHF etiquette in the case of an emergency. In order to have a VHF on board, the boat must have a Maritime ICT Licence and the operator must have the appropriate Maritime Radio Operators’ Certificate for the type of equipment on the vessel. In Cayman, the legal framework for VHF’s is a nightmare as few boats have a licence and virtually no operators have the required certificate. Visit www.ofreg. ky/ict/ship-radio for more information.

BOAT SECURITY Although a relatively rare occurrence, there have been incidences of boats being stolen. Store expensive equipment indoors since the theft of valuable fishing, diving and boating equipment/ gear has become more frequent and you are advised to take extra precaution when securing your boat at night. More common is the theft of small engines, movable outboards and electronics. If you see any suspicious activity, please report it to the police immediately and provide a full description, including serial numbers, of anything that has been stolen.