Costs and upkeep
Governing: CISN 04/2026 Rev 1.1; Merchant Shipping (Fees) Order 2026 (SD 2026/0043); GMA Fees Brochure (1 Aug 2025); MSN 051 §§5–8; BSN 2025-015 §§1, 5. Builds on: L1.2. See also: Keeping Your CoC Valid.
Fees
| Flag | Endorsement fee | Other published figures |
|---|---|---|
| Cayman | US$380 (50% for cancellation or re-issue), from 1 Apr 2026 | Discharge book US$160; a discount "may be applied" when both are applied for together |
| Isle of Man | £253 including the CRA, from 1 Apr 2026 | Express processing +£41; replacement or amendment after an application error £80 |
| Bermuda | Not published | FAQ: discharge book US$85; ship's cook certificate US$160 |
| BVI | Not published; the fees page renders empty | Paid through SeafarerHQ |
| Gibraltar | £87 for all officer grades | Revalidation/extension £54; dispensation £87 |
Worked figures: an IoM application with express processing costs £253 + £41 = £294. A Cayman re-issue at 50% costs US$380 × 0.5 = US$190.
The yacht or manager usually pays. Cayman's form names the paying entity; the IoM and Bermuda only take applications from the company anyway.
Currency and unpaid fees
Cayman quotes and invoices in US dollars; payment in Cayman dollars is possible for the full amount due (CISN 04/2026 §17). Where a fee remains unpaid, MACI may withhold the endorsement or other document and suspend further services until payment (§12.1). A manager who disputes an invoice can therefore leave an officer sailing on a CRA that is running out.
Validity and renewal
- The endorsement expires with the underlying CoC; the IoM caps it at 5 years.
- Revalidate the national CoC first, then apply for a new endorsement. Cayman: "The renewal procedure is identical to that for a first application" (MPM §9(f)).
- No extensions: Cayman and Bermuda say so expressly.
- After an upgrade, Bermuda does not want the old endorsement back; the holder destroys it.
Digital endorsements and verification
| Flag | Format | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Cayman | A5 high-security paper, digital photo and signatures | QR code |
| Isle of Man | Digitally signed PDF; the electronic file is the original | Blue validation bar in Adobe; QR code; UTN on MAVIS. MSN 051 must be carried on board |
| Bermuda | Electronic, QR in the top right corner | QR code |
| BVI | SeafarerHQ documents with unique numbers and QR | QR code |
| Gibraltar | Electronic since 4 Apr 2022 | QR code or UTN at portal.gibraltarship.com |
WARNING — A printout is not the original The IoM says a printed digital endorsement is "uncontrolled" and cannot be validated. Keep the PDF where the master can produce it for PSC.
TIP — One reminder for the whole chain Set a single reminder well before your CoC expires: revalidate, then renew every flag endorsement you hold, then check the medical. Keeping Your CoC Valid covers the national side.