Public Mooring Guidelines

The Department of Environment (DoE) has installed over 380 public moorings to protect our coral reefs from anchor damage. Please use a mooring buoy instead of anchoring whenever possible and note that it is an offence to damage coral anywhere in Cayman waters.

Identifying Public Moorings

• Standard Moorings: White 18″ or 24″ diameter buoys with yellow reflective tape and yellow lines.
• Visiting Yacht Moorings: 24” orange buoys located in George Town Harbour (8), Spotts Port Terminal (5), and Cayman Brac (1).

Who Can Use Them

• All vessels, including private boats, commercial vessels, and fishing boats are able to use the moorings.
• All users must follow the guidelines below.

Vessel Size Limits

Securing Your Vessel

• Do not attach the buoy line directly to your boat.
• Use your own bow line: Run your bow line through the eye of the buoy’s pick-up line with at least 10 feet of scope. This prevents chafing and adds shock absorbency.
• Weather Conditions: Do not use moorings when wind speeds reach or exceed 25 knots! In heavy seas or strong winds, use a larger buoy (if available) and increase your bow line scope.

Rules & Regulations

• Time Limit: Maximum stay is 3 hours. Please do not monopolize the moorings.
• Overnighting: Not permitted without prior DoE permission (except for designated visiting yacht moorings).
• Wake Control: Reduce speed within 100 yards of a moored vessel to minimize wake strain on mooring and protect divers or fishers.
• Supervision: Do not leave your vessel unattended. The safety of the vessel is the sole responsibility of the operator.

Reporting & Compliance

Vessel operators must comply with all directions from DoE Conservation Officers and Staff. Report damaged or missing moorings to DoE:

• Phone: 949-8469
• Email: doe@gov.ky