Interpretation

(1) For the purpose of these RegulationsMerchant Ships (Registration) 12 “approved” means approved by IMMARBE; “cargo ship” means any ship which is not a passenger ship; “existing ship” means a ship which is not a new ship; “fishing vessel” means a vessel used for the purpose of catching fish or other living resources of the sea; “IMMARBE” means the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize established under Section 3 of the Act; “new ship” means a ship the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after January 1st, 1991. “passenger ship” means a ship carrying more than twelve passengers; “recognized organization” means an organization officially authorized by IMMARBE for issuing certificates or performing inspections, as applicable; “tanker” means a cargo ship constructed or adapted for the carriage, in bulk, of liquid cargoes of an inflammable nature. (2) A ship is engaged in “coastwise trade” if in the course of its voyages, it does not proceed more than 20 nautical miles from the nearest land. (3) A ship is engaged in “coastal trade” if in the course of its voyages, it does not proceed more than 100 nautical miles from the nearest land and is not engaged in coastwise trade. (4) A ship is engaged in “unrestricted trade” if it cannot fit into either of the above two categories. (5) A ship is in the “International Service” if it makes voyages between ports at least one of which is outside the jurisdiction of Belize. Merchant Ships (Registration) 13 (6) In these Regulations the words “ship” and “vessel” shall mean one and the same.