The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize called IMMARBE, is established and governed by the provisions of the Registration of Merchant Ships Act 1989 (the Act), the Registration of Merchant Ships (Amendment) Act # 5 of 1996 and Statutory Instruments #147 and #148 of 1991 and 54 and 123 of 1992.

There are no requirements concerning local ownership or participation in ownership, in order to apply for registration of a vessel in Belize.  The Registry is open to any type, class, or size of vessel used for navigation that is engaged in any lawful trade, service or international maritime activity.  However, vessels 25 years old or more are subject to any of the following conditions at the discretion of the Administration:

• To submit a valid class certificate to the satisfaction of IMMARBE's Head Office, undertaking to maintain said class during the vessel's registration in Belize, or,

• To pass a special safety inspection to the satisfaction of IMMARBE.

All vessels to which the ISM Code and the GMDSS regulations are applicable must submit proof of compliance to these regulations (DOC/SMC and Cargo Ship Safety Certificate or Record of Equipment) in order to be accepted for enrollment or for renewal of documents.  In the case of new enrollments the existing and valid proof of compliance from the former registry is accepted on temporary basis but the interested party will be given a reasonable period of time to obtain the corresponding certificate issued by any of the Recognized Organizations authorized by IMMARBE.

Regular Registration:

Regular registration of vessel can be divided into two status: provisional and permanent.

Provisional status:  The registration of a vessel under provisional basis is effected for six months and may be requested from any IMMARBE's Designated Offices worldwide.

Permanent status:  Full term registration is granted for five years and can be processed immediately if all necessary documents and requirements are readily at hand.  Otherwise, it can be effected during or at the end of the provisional status once the documents are filed at IMMARBE and provided that the vessel is tax clear with the Administration.  Where documents are in a language other than English an official translation shall accompany.

For the purpose of permanent registration the following requirements must be accomplished:

• Builder's certificate (if it is a newly built vessel),

• Bill of Sale with Acceptance of sale and Protocol of Delivery,

• Judicial sale Instrument or Resolution.

Other forms of Registration:

In addition to the standard procedures for regular registration of vessels status, IMMARBE has special procedures for different types of registration and for a limited period of time, which are used for specific purposes:

• Registration of yachts and non-commercial crafts,

• Vessels under construction,

• Special registration,

• Dual registration,

• Charter out,

• Charter in.
  

Important considerations regarding registering in Belize:

• Every vessel registered in IMMARBE shall at all times keep a SHIPPING AGENT appointed by the ship owners.  Only attorneys and accountants with Belizean practicing certificates, Belizean licensed banks and financial institutions, as well as persons designated by the Attorney General can act as agents.

• Upon application by the same owner or his agent to register more than one vessel at the same time or within a specified period not exceeding one hundred and twenty days, an INCENTIVE RATE REDUCTION OF UP TO 75% of the registration fee and/or first year's annual service tax may be approved by the Registrar on the recommendations of the IMMARBE'S Head Office.