NEWS

Maritime Administration of Belize (IMMARBE) has revised the requirements for certification of Ship Security Officer Certificates (SSO) (Regulation VI/5, STCW Convention).

The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (the Nairobi Convention) will enter into force on the 14th of April, 2015. All vessels will need a certificate from a State party attesting that the insurance is in force. It will be required (under the principal of no more favorable treatment) that all ships carry insurance and Wreck Removal Certificates on 14 April 2015.

In an effort to provide guidance in regards to the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments, the Belize Administration pays special attention to the complying of the revised medical standards requirements while applying for endorsements and Certificates of Competency.

Belize is the 62nd ILO member State to have ratified this Convention.

The Maritime Authorities of the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) with the purpose to establish that watchkeeping personnel are meeting the requirements regarding hours of rest as per STCW 78 as amended (including the Manila amendments). This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from 1 September 2014 and ending on 30 November 2014.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted new SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 regarding Persons’ Recovery from the Water. This regulation will apply to all SOLAS ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014 and to existing SOLAS ships by the first periodical or renewal safety equipment survey after 1 July 2014.

PSC in Turkish Ports require all the seafarers to possess courses “Familiarization and security awareness training for all seafarers” Regulation VI/6, table А-VI/6-1 and “Designated security duties of seafarers” Regulation VI/6, table А-VI/6-2.

STCW Convention and Code as amended by Manila Amendment (STCW 2010) contains new requirements regarding security training for all crew members Regulation VI/6.

Medical Fitness Certificate Form has been revised by International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE).

Belize implements and enforses with immediate effect 1st November, 2013 new directives regarding the registration of vessels intending to operate in the Paris MOU.