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Comprehensive Guide to Registering a High Seas Fishing Vessel Under the Flag of Belize

Registering a High Seas Fishing vessel under the flag of Belize is a multi-step process that ensures compliance with international fishing regulations and Belizean maritime laws. The process involves obtaining approval from the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU), registering the vessel with the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE), and securing a High Seas Fishing License. Below is a detailed guide to each step of the registration process.

Step 1: Preliminary Approval from the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU)

Before initiating the registration process, the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU) must approve the vessel’s eligibility for licensing. This step is crucial to ensure that the vessel complies with international conservation and management measures.

Eligibility Criteria

The BHSFU conducts research and evaluation of the vessel to verify that it has not engaged in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The vessel must meet the following criteria:

Not listed on any IUU fishing vessel lists from regional fisheries management organizations.

  • No history of IUU fishing activities or related infractions.
  • Not owned by an operator or beneficial owner who has another vessel on an IUU fishing vessel list.
  • No involvement in flag disputes, legal proceedings, or international scrutiny.
  • Compliance with international conservation and management measures.

Once the vessel passes this evaluation, the BHSFU grants preliminary approval, allowing the owner to proceed with registration.

Step 2: Registration with the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE)

After receiving approval from the BHSFU, the vessel must be registered with IMMARBE, which oversees Belize’s maritime registry. This registration is mandatory before the vessel can operate under the Belize flag.

IMMARBE Registration Requirements

To register the vessel, the owner must:

  1. Submit an application to IMMARBE.
  2. Provide ownership documents proving legal possession of the vessel.
  3. Ensure compliance with IMMARBE’s registration requirements, which can be obtained directly from their website or by contacting them via email.
  4. Pay applicable registration fees.

Once the vessel is successfully registered, it is officially recognized as a Belize-flagged vessel.

Step 3: Compliance with Legal and Monitoring Requirements

After registration, the vessel owner must comply with Belize’s monitoring, control, and surveillance measures. This ensures that the vessel operates legally and transparently.

Key Compliance Measures

  • Installation of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS): The vessel must have an approved tracking system to monitor its movements.
  • Submission of ownership and supporting documents: These records must be maintained for BHSFU verification.
  • Payment of all necessary fees: The owner must pay licensing and operational fees as prescribed by Belizean authorities.
  • Adherence to international conservation and management measures: The vessel must comply with global fishing regulations.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties or revocation of registration.

Step 4: Obtaining a Belize High Seas Fishing License

Once the vessel is registered, the owner must apply for a Belize High Seas Fishing License to legally conduct fishing operations.

Application Process

The application must be submitted by the vessel’s resident agent or legal representative and must include:

  • Current certificate of registry.
  • Valid license or permit from another coastal state (if operating in their jurisdiction).
  • Power of attorney appointing a nominee or authorized representative.
  • Signed and stamped statutory declaration from the owner/operator/master, confirming no previous involvement in IUU fishing.
  • Annual operation plan for the vessel.
  • Crew list.
  • Current photo of the vessel.
  • Ownership documents as prescribed in the application form.

Types of Licenses Available

Belize offers different types of licenses depending on the vessel’s operations:

  1. Fishing Vessel License – For vessels conducting fishing operations on the high seas.
  2. Reefer Carrier Vessel License – For vessels transshipping or transporting marine products.
  3. Bunker Vessel License – For vessels providing bunkering services to fishing vessels.
  4. Support Vessel License – For vessels offering auxiliary/support services to fishing vessels.

License Validity and Renewal

  • A license is valid for one year unless suspended or canceled earlier.
  • Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration.
  • If the vessel undergoes significant changes (e.g., name, ownership, operator, or gear modifications), the license automatically terminates.
  • If a license is lost or destroyed, the owner must submit a written request for a duplicate license.
Step 5: Ongoing Compliance and Reporting

Once the vessel is registered and licensed, operators must ensure continuous compliance with Belize’s fisheries laws.

Key Responsibilities

  • Regular reporting to Belize’s Fisheries Monitoring Center.
  • Avoiding flag disputes or international scrutiny.
  • Maintaining compliance with international fishing regulations.
  • Ensuring proper operation of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, suspension, or revocation of the license.

Conclusion

Registering a High Seas Fishing vessel under the flag of Belize is a structured process that involves obtaining approval from the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU), registering with IMMARBE, and securing a High Seas Fishing License. To operate legally in international waters, vessel owners must ensure compliance with monitoring, control, and surveillance measures.

By following these steps, vessel owners can successfully register their High Seas Fishing vessel under the Belize flag and engage in lawful fishing operations.

This article was researched and written by Glenn D. Godfrey & Co LLP of #35 Barrack Road, Belize City.

Glenn D. Godfrey & Co LLP has extensive expertise in Belize maritime matters, having participated in the drafting of legislation that created IMMARBE. For more information, you may contact us at attorneys@godfreylaw.bz.