International Merchant Marine Registry Act 2025 (No. 10 of 2025).

This Act lays down provisions on the establishment, functions and powers of the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize; the appointment of Registrar, Managing Director, Deputy Registrars and staff; the operations and revenues of the International Merchant Marine Registry; the establishment of General Fund; and maritime training centres.
The functions of the International Merchant Marine Registry are listed in Section 4, as follows: (i) to foster the development of ship registration and maritime administration; (ii) to oversee, manage, and enforce regulations concerning all aspects of merchant shipping as provided under the Merchant Ships (Registration) Act; (iii) to actively contribute to global organizations and conferences addressing maritime-related issues; (iv) to implement, manage, and engage in maritime-related projects; (v) to provide assistance in the development of the maritime industry; (vi) to submit advise to the Government on any matter relating to merchant shipping or its functions and duties; (vii) to provide training, certification and safety of seafarers in accordance with the international Convention; (viii) to create and operate maritime training centers in Belize and abroad; (ix) to conserve and develop resources for high seas fishing under this Act and relevant international instruments; (x) to establish management plans and programs to manage the resources; (xi) to collect all registration fees, annual fees and other moneys payable under this the Merchant Ships (Registration) Act and the High Seas Fishing Act; (xii) to regulate, control and administer all matters related to high seas fishing under the High Seas Fishing Act; (xiii) to apply conservation and management measures from relevant RFMO resolutions and international treaties subscribed to by Belize, for Belize-flagged vessels operating on the high seas; (xiv) to coordinate and manage fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance for Belize-flagged vessels operating on the high seas; (xv) to designate officers and inspectors as provided under the High Seas Fishing Act; (xvi) to conduct summary administrative proceedings to sanction any infringements made against the High Seas Fishing Act; (xvii) to collaborate with other States and high seas jurisdictions in conserving and managing highly migratory fish stocks, and engage in relevant sub-regional, regional, and international fisheries organizations or arrangements; (xviii) to participate in the planning and execution of projects, programs or other activities related to fisheries or fishing, or the exploration of the non-living resources of the high seas; and (xix) to perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the high seas fisheries.