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EMERGENCY 966
Compulsory Pilotage:
The territorial waters of Belize are compulsory pilotage waters, meaning all ships operating within must do so under the guidance of a licensed pilot, except for those specified in the Belize Port Authority Act.
Failure to comply will result in a fine, in addition to the pilotage fee charged by the Authority.
Requirements
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Completed at least five (5) years of apprenticeship under the supervision of a qualified pilot.
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Served no less than six (6) years as a Master of a home trade or coastal ship of at least 25 tons registered tonnage.
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Provide two (2) reference letters.
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Submit a medical certificate showing physical fitness, sight, and hearing.
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Pay the examination fee and complete the necessary exams.
Responsibilities and Duties
Mariners must report the following:
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When they have embarked a vessel.
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When underway, indicating whether inbound or outbound.
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When arriving at anchorage, alongside, or mooring (end of the evolution).
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Before disembarking a vessel.
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Any onboard emergencies, such as loss of steering, power, navigation aids, fires, injuries, etc.
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Any grounding, collision, near-miss, or moving without Commissioner’s permission.
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Issues with aids to navigation (working dull, not working, out of position, or missing).
All reports and requests must be made to the Belize Port Authority through the National Maritime Communication Center (NMCC).
Please note:
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Any person whose application has not been approved, or whose license has been cancelled by the Authority, must not carry out pilot duties.
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Refusal to comply with this regulation will result in a fine and/or six months imprisonment upon summary conviction.
Certified Marine Pilots
view list of pilots that are licensed to operate all sailing vessels.