Port enforces boat registration, licenses
The Belize Port Authority will be cracking down on unregistered, unlicensed boats and commercial pilots who do not have a captain’s license, beginning July first. It is an attempt to reinforce laws already on the books, which are designed not only to help keep track of boats, but to increase passenger safety. News Five spoke with Deputy Harbour Master Victor Castillo today about why boat owners need to get licensed and have their boats inspected annually.
Victor Castillo, Deputy Harbour Master
?It is necessary because just lately we have a lot of boats stolen, especially in the area of the Princess Marina and Cucumber Beach here, so we need to track down all vessels and with the registration number we will be able to do that.?
?For the registration there is one registration for all vessels and that is for the life of the vessel. Just like a vehicle you register it and at the time of a change in ownership then you have to come into Port Authority with the registration documents and we will change the ownership right there.?
?If you license this month, you will have until the thirty-first of December, then the license will expire. So come next year, you have to re-license again and another inspection will be conducted. What we do, like life jackets, you have to ensure that you have the name of the vessel on the life jackets so you don?t have to switch jackets with the other guy when it is time for inspection.?
?Again, there is a penalty for this. If you do not abide by the rules then you will be fined. So the penalties are up to about a thousand dollars for each fine. The minimum is about five hundred dollars. Also, you can go to prison for at least six months.?
To register you need to provide a certificate and bill of sale, or receipt for a locally built boat. If it is built abroad, you need to provide a customs declaration form. In the absence of any of these documents, you must furnish a signed declaration form where you describe the vessel, length, width and so on. For the licensing, you also need to bring in a builder’s certificate, have an inspection conducted of your boat to ensure you have adequate lifejackets, fire extinguishers, communication equipment etcetera. A captain’s license is also required for anyone who works commercially, transporting either passengers or cargo, such as tour and fishing operators. Owners of private pleasure boats who take out family and friends do not need a captain’s license.
