Frequently Asked Questions - Belize Yacht Registration

Belize registration is available for all nationalities.

You can either apply for the provision or permanent registration.
To apply for the provisional registration, we need the following documents:

• Proof of ownership of the boat, such as a bill of sale or transfer of ownership document
• Copy of your passport
• A valid insurance policy for the boat
• A valid certificate of survey or safety inspection, issued by a recognized marine surveyor
• A valid fishing license or other permit, if the boat will be used for commercial purposes 

To apply for the permanent registration, we need the following documents:

• A duly notarized Builder Certificate
• Notarized Bill of Sale 
• Original deletion certificate
• Original or notarized true copy of Belizean shipping agent designation power of attorney.
• Copies of all legal statutory certificates, such as the ITC, DOC, SMC, ILLC, CSSRC, etc., that have been issued by a reputed organisation on the behalf of the government of Belize.
• International Tonnage Certification issued on behalf of the Ministry of Belize by a Recognized Organization (if applicable).
• Copies of the Government of Belize's Document of Compliance and Safety Management Certificate, both provided by reputable organisations (if applicable)

Yes, you can register a boat for the commercial or bareboat charter.

The Belize Port Authority typically requires that all boat registration documents be submitted in English. If the documents are not English, we will take care of the sworn translation for you.

There are two types of boat registration: permanent and provisional.
Permanent registration is valid for five years and requires all necessary documents to be submitted at the time of application. Provisional registration is valid for six months and allows the boat to be operated during that time, but the necessary documents for permanent registration must be obtained before the provisional registration expires. If the necessary documents are not obtained, the registration may be canceled.
You can apply right away for the permanent registration, that is valid for 5 years, if you have all the necessary documentation on hand.

The registration document for a boat in Belize is typically a certificate or decal that includes the following information:

• The registration number assigned to the boat by the Belize Port Authority
• The name of the boat
• The name and address of the owner of the boat
• The make, model, and length of the boat
• The date of registration and expiration date of the registration
• Any other relevant information that the Belize Port Authority deems necessary

Permanent registration is valid for five years.
Provisional registration is valid for 6 months.

In Belize, a boat registration typically requires a certificate of survey or safety inspection, issued by a recognized marine surveyor, as part of the registration process. This inspection is to ensure that the boat meets safety and equipment standards set by the Belize Port Authority.

Once a yacht is registered in Belize, it is required to fly the Belize flag while in operation. The Belize flag is a blue field with a red stripe along the top and bottom edges, and in the center is a white disk with the national coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms features a shield with a logwood tree, a bayman and a mahogany tree in the background, and the national motto "Sub Umbra Floreo" (I Flourish in the Shade) at the bottom.

Yes, it is possible to register a jet ski in Belize. In Belize, jet skis are considered personal watercraft and fall under the same regulations as boats. Therefore, jet skis must be registered with the Belize Port Authority to be legally operated in Belizean waters.

Yes. To obtain a MMSI license, the owner of the vessel will need to provide the following information:

• Proof of ownership of the vessel
• Name and contact information of the vessel's owner or operator
• Make, model, and serial number of the VHF radio or AIS transceiver
• A copy of the vessel's registration certificate, issued by the Belize Port Authority

We accept all payment methods.

We accept all payment methods.

For small recreational vessels, such as sailboats or powerboats, a valid registration certificate and a boat operator's permit are typically required. The boat operator's permit is issued by the Belize Port Authority and can be obtained by passing a boating safety course and exam.
For larger vessels, such as commercial charter boats or passenger vessels, additional licenses and certifications may be required. The operator of such vessels may be required to have a merchant marine officer's license, issued by the Belize Port Authority, which requires passing a medical examination, passing a series of written examinations, and completing a period of sea-time as a deck officer.
Additionally, commercial vessels

To apply for a change of ownership for a vessel registered in Belize, the following steps should be taken:

• Obtain a bill of sale from the current owner, which should include the vessel's name, registration number, and HIN (Hull Identification Number)
• Obtain a certificate of survey or safety inspection for the vessel, which should be conducted by an authorized surveyor or inspector.
• Obtain an application form for change of ownership
• Submit the bill of sale, certificate of survey or safety inspection, application form, and any other required documents to the Belize Port Authority
• Pay the necessary fees associated with the change of ownership
• Wait for the approval of the change of ownership from the Belize Port Authority, which can take several days or weeks
• Once the change of ownership is approved, a new registration certificate will be issued in the name of the new owner.

To cancel a current registration of a vessel in Belize, the following steps should be taken:

• Notify the Belize Port Authority in writing of your intention to cancel the registration of the vessel.
• Provide with the vessel's registration certificate and any other relevant documents, such as the bill of sale for the transfer of ownership or a certificate of destruction.
• Pay any outstanding fees or fines associated with the vessel.

Starting from 1st March 2005, all vessels, apart from yachts, fishing boats, non-propelled barges, special registrations, and newly registered vessels that are immediately hired out, have an age limit guideline of 25 years as opposed to 30 years.

Yes, the Belize authorities accepts boats that will only be registered for a brief time under exceptional circumstances, like a single delivery trip for junk. Documents with a three-month validity duration and automatic expiration after that time are permissible under particular registration procedures.