I haven't seen discussion on this topic in quite some time, so I'm hoping for some current information on obtaining a captain's license.

My husband shipped a cataraft (an inflatable kayak-type "raft") down several months ago. He is now interested in occasionally using a motor on the cataraft (rowing that thing in a stiff wind is a little difficult!), and wants to know what he would need to do to get a captain's license and whether it could all be done in San Pedro (obviously, it would be impossible to row it to Belize City). We'll be back down in January and he would like to take care of the license and registration at that time.

I couldn't find an online copy of the study guide for the test, so could he get it from the Port Authority office in San Pedro, read it, and take the test in a short period of time? Are there any factors that might make the boating part of the test difficult on what is essentially a slow raft?

Thanks for any helpful information!

DebbieF

Is he a resident is the first question. After that you can do everything at the Port Authority office in San Pedro (back down by the barges).

Simon, I've heard conflicting stories about residency and qualification for a license. Could you please share your understanding of that issue?

Sorry I wasn't clear in my post. No, we aren't residents; we own a condo and come down several times a year. I thought from the Port Authority website, he would just need to show his passport. However, I remember that the requirements were pretty confusing in the earlier discussions. Also, does he need anything other than his receipt (bill of sale) and receipt from the shipper to show ownership for registration?

Thanks for the help!

DebbieF

My understanding was that you needed to be resident but it's best to go the Port Authority in San Pedro and talk to Mr. Martinez and get the current ruling.

Just found his number in my phone 610-4977.

I need to go and get my registration,if you e-mail me ;I will send you a test book if they have one.tim (@) investinbelize.com
The test is pretty easy,you may need to borrow a boat for practical part.

Thanks for the information, Simon. We can call Mr. Martinez when we arrive and see what needs to be done.

Tim, I'll send you an email and see if you can help with the booklet. Thanks!

DebbieF

Heads up on a new addition to the boats this year, Flares and Float Rings. I'm sure this makes James at Captain Sharks smile :-)

Don't forget the requirement for a fire extinguisher if the boat has a fuel source...

Also a 1st Aid kit, and enough life jackets for ALL passengers & Crew the boat is registered to hold.

And a hoop to jump through

I guess you still don't need any working running lights, at least it seems like that sitting on my varanda at night watching (hearing) the boats go by.

I think I saw a sign about Captain's licenses and Fido's Courtyard on the 24th??? Anybody else see it. It was taped to a power pole and I didn't stop to read the whole thing.

Oh my! We promised Wilson, our Castaway volleyball, he could always go out on the cataraft with us, but I'm not sure we'll be able to find a life jacket for him. Maybe the hoop will be acceptable . . . !

With all of those things, we'll HAVE to have a motor since it would be impossible to row! Just kidding - thanks for the info. We have the life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. My husband will have to figure out the lights and I doubt that he thought about flares. He isn't discouraged yet!

Are all of these required for something like a Zodiac? That's the closest thing I can think of to a cataraft.

Anything else?

Wilson has a history of getting lost at sea better get him a flare.

We carry a large waterproof bag on our Zodiac with all of the required items plus the Seaworthiness Certificate (needs to be on the boat at all times as well).

Residency is not a requirement for obtaining a Captains license! You can get a license if you own property here in Belize. You will need to provide proof of ownership as well as a receipt showing that your property taxes are current.

So I stopped and looked at the sign - the port authority is licensing boats today for the year 2012. At Fido's Dock.

Is the Seaworthiness Certificate something you get at the time of registration? If not, where/how do you get it?

So, is it correct that the cataraft without a motor doesn't need to be registered? If we are going to put a motor on it occasionally, we need to register it. Once it's registered, we need a Captain's license to "drive" it. Is that the correct order? Are there only certain days of the week the test is offered in San Pedro and only certain days someone is available for the "boating" part of the license?

Thanks to everyone for the responses. It appears that we need to begin the whole process the minute we get down and, if we're lucky, might complete it before we leave. We're just trying to make sure we're ready to go and bring everything we need to get it done.

Very often you have to go to the city to get your license so it is good to take advantage of the times when licensing is offered on the ilsand.

"Is the Seaworthiness Certificate something you get at the time of registration? If not, where/how do you get it?"

The boat Reg and Seaworthy cert, can be done any time here on the island. You have to go to the Port Authority at the Marina here in San Pedro. Captains license is done in Belize, sometimes they will come to the island to do it if there are a lot of people. renewals can be done here. Any boat with an engine needs a captains license.

Thanks for the information, Mcplus.

One more question since we have a narrow window of opportunity to get this done while we're down. Since it appears we're going to miss the upcoming licensing in San Pedro, is it possible to arrange for someone to come to San Pedro in January if their travel expenses are paid?

Obviously we can't take the cataraft, motor or not, to the mainland. So unless we can get someone to come to us I'm not sure how this would ever work. Do you have to be tested in the boat you're planning to use?

I REALLY appreciate all of the helpful answers from everyone. Thanks so much!

The only I was told that my wife could get her Captain's license is if she owned land in Belize...