BELIZE SHIP REGISTRY
WELCOME TO BELIZE REGISTRY
BELIZE REGISTRY, officially known as IMMARBE (The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize), operates under the authority of Belize’s Ministry of Finance. Established in May 1991, it provides a solid legal foundation for vessel registration, governed by the Merchant Ships Registration Act of 1989, amended in 1996 and 2010. This act ensures that the registry adheres to international standards and best practices for flag administration.
Belize, as a proud member of the Commonwealth of Nations, offers a politically stable and commercially attractive environment for global shipowners seeking a reputable and efficient flag. The main office of IMMARBE is located in Belize City and holds ISO 9001:2008 certification, having also successfully completed the IMO Audit Scheme—demonstrating its commitment to quality and compliance.
In 1997, the Netherlands was officially appointed as a Designated Office for the Belize Registry, under the direction of Deputy Registrar Erik A. de Koning of Hubel Marine B.V. This office is fully authorized to oversee all aspects of vessel registration, including provisional and permanent flagging, registration of maritime liens, issuance of seafarer endorsements, and preparation of official registry transcripts. The office also serves as a direct liaison for shipowners throughout Europe, offering local support with global impact.
WORLD WIDE DESIGNATED OFFICES
ABOUT US
As the leading Designated Office within the IMMARBE network, Belize Ship Registration in the Netherlands achieved the highest vessel registration output between 2013 and 2018, ranking No.1 among all international offices operating under the Belize Registry. This recognition highlights the office’s consistent dedication to excellence and its strong track record in servicing the global maritime sector.
The experienced team at Belize Ship Registration is committed to providing tailored support to shipowners, managers, shipbuilders, financial institutions, S&P brokers, and crew agencies. By delivering fast, efficient, and 24/7 accessible services, they continue to expand the Belize-flagged fleet with new vessel registrations from across the globe, offering reliability and responsiveness every step of the way.
From 1997 to 2018, the department successfully registered 396 vessels under the Belize flag. By the end of 2018, the registry had grown to a fleet of 965 active vessels, representing a total of 2,741,895.78 gross tonnage. These vessels operate on international trade routes, with 60% engaged in Asia, 30% in Europe, and the remaining 10% across other major global markets.
In an effort to raise performance standards under Port State Control, IMMARBE conducted 1,060 inspections in 2018 and implemented a minimum age requirement of 19 years for new registrations. To further enhance safety and compliance, the Technical Department introduced a focused Occasional Survey Program for vessels operating within the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU regions—ensuring higher accountability and operational reliability.
BELIZE REGISTRY welcomes all vessel types for registration, including cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, passenger ships, fishing boats, yachts, tugs, MODUs, and barges. While vessels under 20 years are generally prioritized for fast-track approval, older ships may still qualify upon satisfactory review of their detention record, classification, technical management, and operational performance. A General Safety Inspection may be required to confirm seaworthiness and onboard standards.
Ownership under the Belize flag is unrestricted. Both foreign individuals and international companies are eligible to register their vessels, making BELIZE REGISTRY one of the most accessible, flexible, and forward-thinking maritime registries available to shipowners worldwide.
"Thanks for being the highest contributer to The Internetational Merchant Marine Registry of Belize"
– Claude Haylock
Director General, Immarbe – Registrar of Merchant Shipping and Registrar of Companies
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.
24 Hour Registration and Technical Services
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