Ship Registration in Belize

GOVERNING LAW

The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, popUlarly known as IMMARBE, is constituted by the provisions of the Registration of Merchant Ships Act 1989 (the Act), the Registration of Merchant Ships (Amendment) Act No.5 of 1996 and Statutory Instruments No.147 and No.148 of 1991 and 54 and 123 of 1992.

PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION

On August 15, 1996 provisional registration came into effect. This registration is valid for six months during which time the ship owner or his/her representative is expected to gather all documents necessary for permanent registration. To apply and obtain a provisional documents necessary for permanent registration. To apply and obtain a provisional license from IMMARBE, the following requisites apply:

(a.) a request for name availability;
(b.) submission of a duly completed application from signed by the applicant (copy attached). Application may be made by fax. One application is required for each vessel;
(c.) a duly notarized power of attorney in favor of the vessel's agent; (d) copy of tonnage certificate from previous registry

PERMANENT REGISTRATION

Permanent registration is valid for five years and can be effected immediately if all the documents required are readily at hand, otherwe it can be effected during or at the end of the provisional registration period once the needed documentation is filed at IMMARBE, and the ship is in good standing with the Administration.

(a.) If the vessel is a new building and has never been registered before, a duly notarized builder's certificate.
(b.) In the case of vessels previously registered:
(b.1) A duly notarized Bill of Sale and Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance;The recordation of the ownership title is essential to obtain the
(b.2) A deletion certificate from the previous registry stating the name of the owner at the moment of deletion;The deletion certificate is an indispensable reQuirement to obtain permanent registration. The Bill ofSale and Protocol ofDelivery and Acceptance must be presented along with it only when a chan~ ofownership has occurred
(b.3) Original or duly notarized copy of international tonnage certificate (1969) issued on behalf of the Government of Belize by surveying Company or Classification Society authorized by IMMARBE;
(b.4) A power of attorney in favour of the vessel's resident agent.
(b.5) An application for Ship Station License, thereby appointing a radio accounting entity authorized by IMMARBE;
(b.6) Copy of the contract agreement from an authorized Radio Accounting Authority, or in lieu, a Letter of Confirmation, indicating contract number and date of commencement.
(b.7) Where a vessel is over 20 years old, an inspection report prepared by an authorized Government Safety Inspection (OSI) Surveyor stating that the vessel has passed an inspection to determine seaworthiness.

NB: Documents will be considered duly authenticated or notarized only in the following manner:

(I) If an original is submitted, a notary public or other recognized and authorized public official must certity the authenticity of the signature(s) that appear on the document as well as the authority of the person(s) executing the document;

(II) if a photocopy is submitted, the notary public or other recognized and authorized public official must certity the authenticity of the signatures(s) that appear on the document as well as the authority of the person(s) executing the document, and the document is a true copy of its original.