Belize Policy on Paris MoU

C24002 | 29 January 2024

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators / Environmental Verifiers :

The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) has revoked its Circular No. TD/IMM/GOB001-17 which is superseded by ‘Circular No. TD-IMM-GOB001-24 Paris Mou Policy’.

The new Policy, which takes immediate effect covers:

1. New Registration of vessels intending to operate in the Paris MoU.
2. Occasional Survey Program for vessels detained in the Paris MoU.
3. RO and Owner / Operator Responsibilities.
4. Noncompliance.
5. Vessels operating in the Paris MoU not subjected to the Occasional Survey Program.

New Registration

IMMARBE requires that any vessel that has been detained within 24 months will only be accepted for registration if the ship is certified by:

• an IACS member, or
• a high performance non-IACS member, as determined by the latest Paris MoU RO Performance List.

Occasional Survey Program

Vessels detained under the Paris MoU will undergo Occasional Surveys, equivalent to an Annual Mandatory Survey, carried out by the RO responsible for the vessel’s Statutory Certification. The Circular provides details on:

• issuing of a Statement of Compliance (with 6-month validity),
• the timing of the Occasional Surveys, in relation to Annual, Intermediate, and Renewal Surveys.

RO responsibilities

ROs are responsible for :

• giving owners at least thirty days’ notice of due occasional surveys,
• submitting Survey Reports and Statements of Compliance, supported by photographs to IMMARBE’s Technical Department.

Non-compliance

Any vessel that is detained whilst included in the Occasional Survey Program will receive a fine and/or cancellation. A second detention will result in immediate cancellation.

Detentions will be attributed to the responsible RO where:

• the RO fails to complete the required occasional survey, or
• if the vessel is detained within 90 days after the RO’s attendance

Vessels operating in the Paris MoU not subjected to the Occasional Survey Program

The Circular reminds that all Belize registered vessels operating within, or intending to call at Ports within the Paris MoU must comply with the latest version of:

• MMN-19-006,
• MMN-23-001,
• MMN-23-006.

Such vessels must submit to IMMARBE Technical Department (technicalservices@immarbe.com and inspections@immarbe.com) :

• PSC Checklsit,
• Crew List, and/or
• PSC Inspection report (Forms A and B)

The Circular further notes that ROs with the most detentions accountable to them will be issued warning letters and repeat offenders may have their authorization cancelled.

Act now

Shipowners / Managers / Operators / Surveyors / Auditors should take note of the above and ensure that the requirements of this, and other mentioned Circulars, are followed.