Our Mission
To regulate the maritime industry with a focus on sustainability, safety, and efficiency. We ensure the security of ports and shipping, uphold environmental standards, and promote financial stability. By facilitating maritime commerce and adhering to international standards, we aim to lead Belize’s maritime sector towards sustainable growth and global excellence.
Our Vision
To become the foremost leader in the maritime industry, driving sustainable growth and global excellence through our steadfast commitment to regulating with a focus on sustainability, safety, and efficiency. By ensuring the security of ports and shipping, upholding environmental standards, and promoting financial stability, we will continue to facilitate maritime commerce and adhere to international standards, ultimately shaping Belize’s maritime sector into a beacon of sustainable growth and global excellence.
The Port's Overview
The Belize Port Authority (BPA) is a statutory body established in 1980 and currently falls under the portfolio of the Ministry Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics. The Authority is administered by a Board of Directors.
The Ports Commissioner oversees the Belize Port Authority (BPA), a team of 66 professionals committed to supporting Belize’s maritime industry. The BPA is headquartered in Belize City and operates 24-hour marine offices in San Pedro, Big Creek, Punta Gorda, and Placencia.
As the country’s lead maritime agency, the BPA is responsible for port and harbor development, shipping regulation, maritime safety, patrol operations, and the clearance and inspection of foreign vessels in accordance with national and international requirements.
Mariners are urged to practice safe boating and familiarize themselves with all relevant laws and regulations!
Help us serve you better by reporting incidents such as:
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Speeding in no-wake zones
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Sabotage of navigational lights in the harbor
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Non-functional navigational lights
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Boating violations
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Overloaded vessels
Please report accidents/incidents by emailing vto@portauthority.bz or by calling our emergency hotline (number listed below).
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National Maritime Communication Center:
Toll Free Emergency Number: 966
Duties and Responsibilities of the Authority
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Operate the port in a way that best serves the public interest.
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Regulate and control navigation within national waterways, harbors, ports, and their approaches.
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Maintain, improve, and regulate port facilities and services as needed.
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Provide pilotage services, beacons, buoys, and other navigational aids for ports and their approaches, as required.
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Exercise duties and functions related to shipping and navigation as outlined in other laws.
National and Regional Organizations
