Port Authority Brings Services to Boat Owners

Boat owners and tour operators are being urged to renew their licences early as the Belize Port Authority brings licensing and safety inspection services directly to coastal communities ahead of the new year.

Instead of travelling to Belize City, vessel operators can access the same services offered at the Port Authority office through mobile teams deployed to their communities. The “clinics” are intended to ease the renewal process and reduce delays.

“We have begun renewing boat licences for the new year… We’re starting early so that we have enough time for everyone to have the inspection and be licensed for the new year,” said Young.

Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young explained that teams are being sent out to provide full services on site.

“Normally, they would come here for the service, but now we take the service out to the people,” he said. “So anyone in the area can go to our team, and we offer full service. It’s not just boat registration and boat captain licence; everything.”

Clinics have already been held in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Dangriga, and Hopkins. This week, teams are stationed in Placencia, Mango Creek, and surrounding areas.

The service is free, with operators only required to pay their licence fees.

“If you miss this time. And then you need an inspector to go to your location to inspect your boat and to do a safety inspection, and then you’d have to pay an admin fee of $150. And you also have to pay for the transportation for the employee to go there,” Young said. “So this process, this clinic, limits all of that.”