BELIZE HIGH SEAS FISHERIES
Your Designated Office for Sustainable and Compliant Fishing
Belize High Seas Fisheries is a designated office dedicated to overseeing and supporting fishing operations under the Belizean flag. As part of our commitment to sustainable fishing practices and regulatory compliance, we provide essential services to vessel owners, operators, and stakeholders involved in high seas fisheries.
Our Role in High Seas Fisheries
Operating within the framework of international maritime and fisheries regulations, Belize High Seas Fisheries ensures that all Belize-flagged fishing vessels adhere to national and international legal requirements. Our responsibilities include:
Licensing and Certification:
We issue fishing licenses, authorizations, and certifications to vessels operating in international waters, ensuring they meet legal and environmental standards.
Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance: Our office plays a key role in tracking vessel movements, monitoring fishing activities, and ensuring compliance with sustainability protocols.
Catch Reporting and Data Collection:
We require vessels to submit detailed reports on their catch and fishing efforts. This information contributes to global fisheries management and helps maintain healthy fish populations.
Observer and Inspection Programs:
We coordinate observer programs and inspections to ensure vessels operate according to established guidelines. This enhances transparency and prevents illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Compliance with International Agreements:
As a designated office, we ensure that Belize-flagged vessels comply with regional and international fisheries management organizations, including ICCAT, IATTC, and others.
Quota Management System:
We regulate fishing quotas to prevent overfishing and protect marine biodiversity.
Investigation of IUU Activities:
Our office actively investigates and addresses cases of IUU fishing to uphold responsible fisheries management.
Commitment to Sustainability and Transparency
At Belize High Seas Fisheries, we recognize the importance of sustainable fisheries for future generations. We work closely with international organizations to promote responsible fishing practices. Our partnership with Global Fishing Watch allows for real-time tracking of Belize-flagged vessels, ensuring transparency in high seas operations.
Our office also prioritizes training and education for vessel operators, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to comply with environmental and legal standards. Through these efforts, we help maintain the integrity of Belize’s fishing fleet while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on the industry.
ABOUT US
Belize High Seas Fisheries, and its staff of committed experts are working for the number one designated office for the Belize Ship Registry with the highest contribution in ship registration for the period 2013-2018 and ranked as No1 amongst all IMMARBE designated office’s.
Belize High Seas Fisheries is committed in its endeavors to provide ship owners, managers, Banks, Shipbuilders, Crew Agents, S & P Brokers and a great variety of shipping professionals with distinction in ship registration for Belize by delivering 24/7 services and positions itself as a Belize Ship Registration leader among other IMMARBE designated offices worldwide, by adding a continuing stream of new vessels to the Belize Ship Registry.
From 1997 until 2018, the Belize Ship Registration department registered 396 vessels in Belize. As at 31st December 2018 the Belize Registry fleet consisted
965 active vessels totaling 2,741,895.78 Gross Tonnage.
Through thorough inspections of its fleet, the Belize High Seas Fisheries has enhanced its Port State Control performance of 1,060 inspections in 2018 and adjusted the minimum age to 19 years. 60 % of the Belize fleet carries out trade in Asia, 30% in Europe and 10% are vessels from different parts of the world. In order to safeguard the integrity and reputation of the Belize Ship Registry with an aim to accomplish a future goal as becoming a White Listed Registry, the Technical department of Belize Ship Registry developed an Occasional Survey Program for vessels operating in the area of Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU.
Belize High Seas Fisheries is open to all types of vessels including bulk carrier, cargo ships, tankers, container ships, passenger ships, fishing vessels, tugs, yachts, barges, MODUs and other ocean-going vessels.
There is an age policy dependent on type and area of operation and vessels should be under 20 years of age at time of Belize High Seas Fisheries to obtain fast approval. Vessels exceeding the age limit may be accepted upon a satisfactory evaluation of its previous detention record, class society, ship manager, and in some cases, be subject to a General Safety Inspection to determine seaworthiness and management of the vessel.
There is no restriction in ownership as all foreign owned companies or individuals may register vessels under the Belize Flag.
OUR SERIVICES
SHIP REGISTRATION
Belize High Seas Fisheries 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.
WHAT THEY SAY
24 Hour Registration and Technical Services
CONTACT US
