Belize
Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize is situated on the east coast of Central America bordering the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Mexico. For 4,000 years, Belize formed the keystone of the empire of the ancient Maya Indians whose advanced culture flourished even as the first shipwrecked British vessels landed. Belize is a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented in the country by Governor General Dr. Colville N. Young, Sr., a Belizean and Belize's second governor general. The primary executive organ of government is the cabinet, led by a prime minister (head of government). Cabinet ministers are members of the majority political party in parliament and usually hold elected seats in the National Assembly concurrently with their cabinet positions. The capital is Belmopan, and Belize is a member of the UN, and the IMO.
A combination of natural factors - climate, the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, numerous islands, excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, jungle wildlife, and Mayan ruins - support the thriving tourist industry. The Government of Belize has designated tourism as one of its major development priorities. English is the official language, and the United States is the main trading partner. The unit of currency is the Belize dollar, worth one-half of a US Dollar (fixed exchange rate).
The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) operates under the authority of the Minister of Finance who is also the Prime Minister. IMMARBE develops its activities through a main office located in Belize City known as IMMARBE’s Head Office and through a number of designated offices located in the main ports of the world.
· No restrictions as to who can apply for registration;
· The maritime Law is derived from the English common Law system supplemented by local legislation. There is also a pool of legal professionals devoted to the expeditious processing of most maritime related affairs;
· No restrictions on the class, type, or size of vessel that can be registered;
· There is an extensive network of overseas deputy registrars to facilitate registration of vessels. Applications may be submitted by fax allowing for same day registration;
· No requirement to have a local crew;
· Belize is known for its high standard of safety and is signatory to numerous maritime safety conventions including: Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Tonnage Measurement of Ships, International Convention on Load Lines, Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea;
· Vessels registered with IMMARBE are exempt from all forms of local income tax and stamp duties.