Shipping

The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) is under the Ministry of Finance, with its Head Office located in Belize City. The Registration of Merchant Ships Act, 1989 as amended in 1996 governs the merchant fleet that allows for the registration of vessels of all class, type, size and weight engaged in any kind of trade, service or international maritime activity.

Registry Services (Belize) Ltd acts as an agent assisting clients with the compilation and preparation of required documents and information for registration. IMMARBE facilitates Provisional Registration, Permanent Registration, Dual Registration and Special Registration of vessels.

Provisional Registration may be processed and granted using copies of required documentation. This type of registration is temporary and valid for six months during which time the shipowner or his representative is expected to gather all documents necessary for permanent registration. Provisional Registration is applied for in cases where the shipowner requires registration but is not yet able to supply all required documentation for permanent registration. Vessels under construction may also apply for and be granted provisional registration under special conditions.

Permanent Registration is valid for five years and is affected immediately upon submission of all required documentation. All documents submitted must be in the English language, and if otherwise must be accompanied by an official English translation thereof. Original documents submitted must be certified by a notary public or other recognized and authorized public official who must certify the authenticity of the signature(s) appearing on the document as well as the authority of the person executing the document. Documents submitted in copy form must be certified by a notary public or other recognized and authorized public official who must certify the authenticity of the signature(s) appearing on the document as well as the authority of the person executing the document and must certify that the document is a true copy of its original.

Vessels may also apply for Special Registration under certain circumstances such as on delivery voyage for scrap. Applying for and being granted Special Registration allows for documents to be issued with a validity of three months and automatic expiration when this period elapses. This special status does not entitle the vessel to a Deletion Certificate.