from the Chamber of Commerce:

We have been informed that now Captain's Licenses are required for private boat owners. This, in itself, creates obstacles for our foreign owners that are here periodically, but we have also been told that these licenses will only be issued to citizens and legal residents, but not to any foreigners or even those on Retirement Residency. This should be a major issue for the developers and real estate sales offices, since not being able to drive your private boat in a place like Ambergris Caye greatly diminishes its attractiveness to those that love the ocean and are considering buying here. We have contacted the Port Authority for clarification.