BELIZE REGISTRY

Your Trusted Hub for Compliant and Sustainable Vessel Operations

The Belize Registry—officially known as the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize—operates under the Ministry of Finance and oversees all aspects of vessel registration under the Belize flag. Through a global network of Designated Offices, it ensures streamlined maritime services to vessel owners around the world.

Since 1997, the Registry has maintained a Designated Office in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, under the leadership of Deputy Registrar Erik A. de Koning from Hubel Marine B.V. This office is fully authorized to manage everything from initial applications to permanent vessel registrations. It also handles documentation like maritime liens, seafarer endorsements, transcripts of registry, and other essential certifications for ships flying the Belize flag.

The legal foundation of the Registry lies in the Registration of Merchant Ships Act of 1989, with key amendments in 1996 and 2010. Belize, a Commonwealth nation with a stable political environment, became a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1990. Its full compliance with STCW 95 standards has earned it a spot on the IMO White List. An extensive audit under the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme was completed in 2013, reinforcing the Registry’s reputation. The Belize Registry also holds ISO 9001:2008 certification, demonstrating its commitment to international quality standards.

When it comes to high seas fishing, oversight falls to the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit (BHSFU), established in 2013. This body regulates Belize-flagged vessels involved in fishing activities beyond national jurisdiction, and it reports directly to the Registrar of Merchant Shipping.

In 2019, the Rotterdam office was recognized by the Belize Registry headquarters as the top Designated Office, having contributed the highest number of vessel registrations from 2013 to 2018.

Age restrictions do apply. For swift registration, vessels should ideally be under 25 years old. However, older vessels may still qualify following a full evaluation of their detention history, classification society, and management profile. Some cases require a General Safety Inspection to confirm seaworthiness and compliance.

As part of its drive for continuous improvement, the Belize Registry conducted over 1,000 port state control inspections in 2018 and now allows vessels up to 19 years old to apply. Approximately 60% of Belize-flagged vessels operate in Asia, 30% in Europe, and the remaining 10% in various global markets. To maintain credibility and aim for continued inclusion on white lists like Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU, the Technical Department has launched an Occasional Survey Program to monitor vessel standards in high-regulation areas.

One major advantage of the Belize Registry is its open registration policy. There are no restrictions based on ownership. Both individuals and companies from outside Belize can register vessels under its flag.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR VESSEL REGISTRATION

To register a vessel with the Belize Registry, you’ll need to submit:

A completed Vessel Registration Application, including ownership details, radio accounting authority, and recognized surveyor information
A notarized Bill of Sale, or Builder’s Certificate if the vessel is newly built
A Deletion Certificate or certified extract of registry from the previous flag authority
A notarized Power of Attorney (template provided by us)
Copies of the Tonnage and Class Certificates issued by an authorized survey company
Minimum Safe Manning Certificate application
ISM Code Declaration (for vessels over 500 GRT)
Proof of liability insurance: oil pollution, bunker pollution, and wreck removal as applicable
Confirmation that the vessel is free of any recorded liens or encumbrances
Ship Station License application

Other Registration Types

The Belize Registry also handles:

Bareboat Charter (Charter-in or Charter-out)
Special registrations (for scrap or delivery voyages)
Vessels under construction
Yacht registration
Fishing vessels

MORTGAGE REGISTRATION

Any vessel registered with the Belize Registry may be mortgaged during its registration period. The following forms must be submitted:

Mortgage of a Vessel (Appendix 3)
Discharge of Mortgage (Appendix 4)
Transfer or Transmission of Mortgage (Appendix 5)
Amendment of Mortgage (Appendix 6)

Before processing, the shipowner’s title must be officially recorded in the Belize Register.

Registering Your Vessel with the Belize Registry

The Rotterdam Designated Office is here to support you through each step of the registration process.

🔹 Share your vessel’s IMO number, trade routes, and class status
🔹 Receive a free, no-obligation quotation tailored to your situation

For professional guidance and efficient handling, trust the experts at the Belize Registry.

OUR SERIVICES

SHIP REGISTRATION

Belize Registry is open to all types of vessels including bulk carrier, cargo ships, tankers, containerships, passenger ships, fishing vessels, tugs, yachts, barges, MODUs and other ocean-going vessels.

VESSEL REGISTRATION SERVICE

The office is completely empowered to process all applications for temporary and permanent registration of a vessel and including the registration of maritime Liens, issuance of seafarer endorsements, obtaining transcript of registry amongst many other Belize Ship Registration related vessel documentation.

ELIGIBILITY

There is no restriction in ownership as all foreign owned companies or individuals may register vessels under the Belize Flag.

MANNING REQUIREMENTS

Belize is a party to the STCW Convention, as amended and is on the IMO White List of countries that have given full effect to this Convention. There are no nationality restrictions.

BELIZE SEAFARER ENDORSEMENTS

The Seafarers Department is responsible for the processing of seafarer documents in accordance with the STCW Convention and the monitoring of crew compliance on board all Belize registered vessels. Application for endorsement certificates can be made through our office and will be issued within a matter of 2 hours.

RECORDING OF TITLE AND MORTGAGE

The recording of title deeds, mortgages, liens and encumbrances or any other assignments relating to any registered vessel is governed by the Merchant Shipping Act.

Registrations

ISPS Audits

Surveys

Satisfied Clients

WHAT THEY SAY

I did not know that there are no restrictions on nationality, type, class or size of the vessel. Belize Registry informed us about this and gave us more interesting tips that i did not know. What saved me a lot of money.