Office: +501-223-353 WhatsApp: +501-621-9902
With more than 30 years of experience our firm provides ship owners with excellence in ship registration for Belize.
We draft and Prepare Ship Mortgages and Maritime Liens
We have multilingual staff – Spanish and English
Registration of Vessels
- vessels of all class, type, size and weight.
- Bareboat Charter Registration
- Vessels may register as a second flag (“Charter-in”) Note: the original Registry must grant a written consent.
- Vessels may also apply for a parallel registration in another country registry without affecting its Belize status.
- Special Registration under certain circumstance can be done such as delivery voyage for scrap.
Can one register their boat as Commercial or Barefoot?]
- We can register as Private, Bareboat and Commercial
What Vessels do we register?
We are open to any shipowner in the world and accepts any types of vessels including bulk carrier, cargo ships, tankers, container ships, passenger ships, fishing vessels, tugs, yachts, barges, MODUs and other ocean-going vessels.
What Registration services we offer?
We process all applications for temporary and permanent registration of a vessel including the registration of a vessel mortgage, issuance of seafarer endorsements, obtaining transcript of registry
Ownership?
no restriction in ownership as all international owned companies or individuals may register vessels under the Belize Flag.
Special Registration
Our firm assist the application 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.
Advantages of Registering in Belize.
- No restrictions on nationality, type, class or size of the vessel
- Can obtain provisional or permanent status
- Dual registrations are allowed
- No requirement to have a local crew
- Access to Belizean waters
- Provisional Registration done within 24- 48 hours
- No age Limit to boats registered in Belize
What flag is permitted to fly on a boat with Belize Registration?
You need to fly the Belizean flag.
What is the minimum size required before a vessel can be documented?
5 net tons
How big is 5 net tons?
If your boat exceeds 26 feet in length, you can assume it weights at least five net tons. However, while this is a good way to get a general idea of your boat’s weight, you should always double-check since some boats of this length may not weigh enough.
What is considered a small vessel?
Small vessels include commercial fishing vessels, recreational boats and yachts, towing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels, or any other small commercial vessels involved in foreign or U.S. voyages.
What size vessel is considered a ship?
A ship is any vessel or conveyance that floats on or operates on the water and is equal to or larger than 197 feet (60 meters) length overall (LOA). A ship may be used for pleasure, commercial, or residential purposes.
What is the difference between a boat and a vessel?
Vessels intended for navigation of coastal and inland waters are generally called boats, while ocean-going vessels are generally called ships. However, the former are also generally smaller than the latter.
What is the size of a standard vessel?
Length: 200 to 250 meters (656 to 820 feet) Width: 32 to 44 meters (105 to 144 feet) Draft: 12 to 16 meters (39 to 52 feet) Capacity: 80,000 to 120,000 dwt.
What do I need to register a vessel in Belize?
Application and Documentation:
- Application Form: Complete the official application for vessel registration.
- Proof of Ownership: Provide a bill of sale or builder’s certificate, depending on whether the vessel is new or previously registered.
- Power of Attorney: Appoint a shipping agent in Belize with a duly notarized power of attorney.
- Tonnage Certificate: Obtain a Tonnage Certificate issued by a recognized survey company.
- Safety Documents:Application for Minimum Safe Manning Certificate.
- Application for Minimum Safe Manning Certificate.
- Proof of Liability Insurance.
- ISM Code Declaration (for vessels over 500 GRT).
- Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (if applicable).
- Documents of Compliance and Safety Management Certificate.
- Other Documents:
- A deletion certificate if transferring from another registry.
- Proof that the vessel is free of liens and encumbrances.
- Special inspection report if the vessel is over 20 years old.
- Passport copy.
- Insurance policy document.
- Fishing License: If the vessel will be used for commercial fishing, a Fishing License is required.
For further information kindly contact us for a free consultation through email services@godfreylaw.net