In Belize, call NMCC Belize on +501 232 9440. Local short number: 966 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. Second 24-hour line: Belize Coast Guard, +501 222 5260. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
The Belize Port Authority says: in a maritime emergency, dial 966 or call on VHF channel 16. The National Maritime Communication Center and the Belize Coast Guard monitor marine radio.
Belize Port Authority · Belize Port Authority ▾
portauthority.bz (2026-10-14): “contact the National Maritime Communication Center at 222-5666 . In case of a maritime emergency, dial 966 or VHF Channel 16 .”
portauthority.bz (2026-10-14): “The National Maritime Communication Center monitors all stations along with the Belize Coast Guard”
Weather and season
The National Meteorological Service of Belize issues a marine forecast twice a day for offshore areas. It covers wind, sea temperature, wave height, small-craft cautions and warnings.
National Meteorological Service of Belize · National Meteorological Service of Belize ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “The Marine Forecast is issued twice daily, giving a general summary of expected weather conditions to mariners travelling over offshore areas.”
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “This forecast includes wind speed, wind direction, air and sea temperature, wave height, small craft cautions, and warnings.”
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · NOAA National Hurricane Center ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The hurricane season is from 1 June to 30 November.”
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
By law, commercial passenger boats and pleasure craft must carry one approved lifejacket for each person aged one and over. On passenger trips, lifejackets must be handed out before departure and worn while the boat is underway.
Belize Port Authority · Belize Port Authority ▾
portauthority.bz (2026-10-14): “The law requires that all vessels, especially commercial passenger and pleasure crafts, be equipped with one approved life jacket for each persons on board, from the age of one year and above.”
portauthority.bz (2026-10-14): “Life Jackets (personal flotation devices or PFDs) shall be distributed prior to departure and shall be worn by all passengers while the vessel is underway.”
The Port Authority says every master operating in Belize waters must hold a valid Certificate of Competency (Master's Licence). The page does not say whether foreign qualifications are recognised.
Belize Port Authority ▾
portauthority.bz (2026-10-14): “All Masters must be in possession of a valid Certificate of Competency (Master’s License) when operating in Belize’s territorial waters.”
Official warnings
The coral reef is protected by law; damaging it is a criminal offence with heavy fines or jail.
Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) ▾
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The coral reef is safeguarded by Belizean legislation. Damaging the reef is a criminal offense. Penalties are severe, from heavy fines to jail time.”
Snorkelling and diving trips have caused injuries and deaths, mainly through poor safety precautions and severe weather.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “There have been injuries and fatalities from adventure sports activities, including snorkelling and diving. The main causes have been inadequate safety precautions and severe weather conditions.”
Arriving by boat
Pleasure vessels must file a pre-arrival notice on SailClear (sailclear.com) at least 48 hours before arriving. Boats that arrive without notice must enter their data at an arrival kiosk and pay a penalty.
Belize Port Authority · Belize Port Authority ▾
portauthority.bz (2026-10-14): “Masters or agents must enter their voyage data through the website before arriving in Belize, at least 48 hours in advance.”
portauthority.bz (2026-10-14): “If a pleasure vessel arrives at a port without prior notification, in addition to submitting its pertinent information using the supplied Kiosks, they will incur a penalty for failure to notify, as required by law.”
In Belize, call NMCC Belize on +501 232 9440. Local short number: 966 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. Second 24-hour line: Belize Coast Guard, +501 222 5260. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Belize?+
The general emergency number in Belize is 911. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for Belize. In a sea emergency, call +501 232 9440.
Why a full number and not the short code 966?+
Short codes like 966 are routed by local phone networks and may not connect from a foreign SIM card while roaming. The full number +501 232 9440 reaches the same service from any phone.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Do I need a licence to skipper a boat in Belize?+
The Port Authority says every master operating in Belize waters must hold a valid Certificate of Competency (Master's Licence). The page does not say whether foreign qualifications are recognised.
When is the storm season in Belize?+
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November.
Are life jackets compulsory in Belize?+
By law, commercial passenger boats and pleasure craft must carry one approved lifejacket for each person aged one and over. On passenger trips, lifejackets must be handed out before departure and worn while the boat is underway.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Belize?+
The National Meteorological Service of Belize issues a marine forecast twice a day for offshore areas. It covers wind, sea temperature, wave height, small-craft cautions and warnings.
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