The Friendly Flag Belize

Where your vessel registration feels effortless

Welcome to the Friendly Flag

The Friendly Flag is more than a slogan, it reflects what shipowners and maritime professionals actually need: a clear, practical route to get a vessel registered, keep operations compliant, and support the seafarers working on board. That is exactly why so many operators choose Belize for vessel registration. Belize offers an established international registry with a straightforward legal framework, reliable documentation processes, and a reputation for being accessible and business-friendly without cutting corners on compliance.The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, commonly known as IMMARBE, operates under the authority of the Ministry of Finance in Belize. Through IMMARBE, shipowners can register commercial vessels under the Belize flag while maintaining internationally recognized standards for maritime documentation and registry services.The foundation for Belize ship and vessel registration is set out in the Registration of Merchant Ships Act of 1989, later amended in 1996 and 2010. This legislation remains the primary instrument governing the enlistment of ships into the Belize merchant fleet. Belize is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and benefits from a stable political environment, which contributes to long-term continuity for owners who value consistency in their registry and compliance processes. The Belize Ship Registry officially began its activities in May 1991 and has since supported a wide range of maritime operators across different vessel types and trading areas.The Head Office of IMMARBE is based in Belize City. The registry has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification and has participated successfully in the IMO Audit Scheme, reinforcing its commitment to quality management and internationally aligned maritime oversight.In 1997, Belize Ship Registration expanded its international presence by moving toward becoming a Designated Office in The Netherlands. This office is managed by Deputy Registrar Erik A. de Koning of Hubel Marine B.V. and is fully empowered to process applications for both temporary and permanent registration of a vessel. In addition, the office can handle the registration of maritime liens, support the issuance of seafarer endorsements, and assist with obtaining transcripts of registry, along with many other Belize Ship Registration vessel documentation services that shipowners and crew operators rely on for day to day maritime operations.

Our Services

SHIP REGISTRATION

The Friendly Flag 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

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 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.

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.

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

About Us

The Friendly Flag and its dedicated team of specialists have proudly served as the leading designated office for the Belize Ship Registry, delivering the highest contribution in ship registration between 2013 and 2018 and earning the No. 1 position among all IMMARBE designated offices. The Friendly Flag is committed to supporting shipowners, vessel managers, banks, shipbuilders, crew agents, S & P brokers, and a wide range of maritime professionals by providing reliable Belize vessel registration services 24/7. With a strong international reputation, The Friendly Flag continues to strengthen the Belize Ship Registry by welcoming a steady flow of new vessels and delivering responsive, professional service worldwide. From 1997 through 2018, The Friendly Flag successfully registered 396 vessels in Belize. By 31 December 2018, the Belize registry fleet included 965 active vessels, representing a combined 2,741,895.78 Gross Tonnage. By maintaining strict fleet oversight and vessel inspections, The Friendly Flag helped improve Port State Control performance, reaching 1,060 inspections in 2018, while also adjusting the minimum fleet age requirement to 19 years. Approximately 60% of the Belize fleet trades in Asia, 30% operates across Europe, and 10% consists of vessels trading in other global regions. To protect the integrity and long-term reputation of the Belize Ship Registry, and with the goal of achieving White List status, the technical team developed an Occasional Survey Program for vessels operating within the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU regions. The Friendly Flag welcomes a broad range of vessel types, including bulk carriers, cargo ships, tankers, container ships, passenger vessels, fishing vessels, tugs, yachts, barges, MODUs, and other ocean-going ships seeking Belize ship registration. Vessel age requirements depend on vessel type and trading area. In most cases, ships should be under 20 years of age at the time of Belize vessel registration to receive fast approval. Vessels above the age limit may still be accepted following a full review of their detention history, class society, vessel manager, and overall compliance record. In certain cases, a General Safety Inspection may be required to confirm seaworthiness and proper vessel management standards. There are no ownership restrictions. Foreign-owned companies and private individuals are fully eligible to register vessels under the Belize Flag through The Friendly Flag.

3,689

Registrations

598

ISPS Audits

459

Surveys

8,765

Satisfied Clients

What They Say

24 Hour Registration and
Technical Services

THE FRIENDLY FLAG