Dive Sites & Public Moorings

Use of Public Moorings

Moorings for public use have been installed by the Department of Environment to prevent anchor damage to coral reefs. Please tie to a mooring buoy instead of anchoring whenever possible.

Public moorings are a white buoy (either 18" or 30" in diameter) with a blue stripe and yellow mooring line.

The public moorings are for use by the general public. Any boat, private or commercial, including fishing vessels, may tie on to the moorings provided that the following regulations are observed.

• Size Limits for vessels using the moorings are generally: vessels up to 60' may use 18" or 30" buoys; vessels over 60' and less than 100' may only use the larger 30" buoys.
• The buoy line should not be attached to the vessel. Please use a bow line with a minimum scope of ten feet to secure your vessel. Using your own bow line increases the shock absorbency of the buoy and prevents chafing of the buoy line.
• The safety of the vessel while on the moorings is the sole responsibility of the vessel operator. Please examine the condition of the mooring line and do not leave the vessel unattended while on the mooring.
• Please use good judgement when weather conditions are not ideal. Strong winds and heavy seas place a great strain on the moorings. Use a longer scope on the bow line and use a larger buoy if possible.
• Please reduce speed when passing within 200 yards of a vessel tied to a mooring. The boat wake increases the strain on the mooring, and the vessel may have divers on the surface or be fishing.
• Use of the moorings is regulated by the Department of Environment and vessel operators must comply with directions given by Marine Park Officers and D.O.E. staff.
• Please do not monopolise the mooring - there are many more boats in Cayman than there are buoys. Do not remain on the mooring for more than three hours.
• Vessels are not permitted to overnight on the moorings without the prior permission of the D.O.E. Exception is made for commercial live-aboard dive vessels operating in the Cayman Islands.
• There are also four large, orange, moorings in the George Town harbour and four at the Spotts anchorage specifically for visiting yachts to use during their stay.
• Damaged or missing moorings, or any questions regarding their use, should be referred to the Department of Environment.

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