Interpretation

For the purpose of these Regulations “approved” means approved by– (a) IMMARBE; (b) traditional Maritime Administrations which are members of IMO and which have national Merchant Ships (Registration) 45 provisions for the approval of types of (c) organizations recognized by Belize; “IMMARBE” means the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize established under Section 3 of the Act; “I.M.O.” means the International Maritime Organization; “length” refers to overall length of the hull, extending from end to end over the deck excluding sheer, measured in a straight line from the foremost part to the aftermost part of a vessel; (Bowsprits, bumpkins, rudders, outboard motor brackets and similar fittings or attachments are not to be included in the “machinery” includes an inboard or outboard engine and any other type of motor or mechanical device capable of propelling a vessel; “motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery of 20 meters (or 65.5 feet) in length or less; “motor vessel” means any vessel propelled by machinery over 20 meters in length; “operator” means the person who operates or is in charge of the navigation of a vessel; “owner” means the person or company claiming lawful possession of a vessel by virtue of a legal title or equitable interest which would entitle one to such a status; “recognized organization” means a classification society or other, organization duly recognized by IMMARBE to carry out the survey and issuance of certificates under these Regulations; Merchant Ships (Registration) 46 “sailboat” means a vessel, whether or not equipped with an auxiliary engine, which is propelled by the wind effect on the sail; “vessel” means every type or description of craft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water and engaged in leisure activities and includes but is not limited to boats, motorboats, powerboats, sailboats, cruisers and motor vessels. E