On 17 November 2024, Turkish Ministry of Transport has changed the rules for the vessels seeking to obtain port clearance. These amendments were introduced with the primary objectives of enhancing maritime trade, ensuring safety at sea, and addressing practical operational challenges.
The amendments to the Regulation on Ports (“Regulation”) introduce more detailed inspections by the relevant Harbor Master’s Offices when granting clearance to vessels. On the other hand, private and commercial yachts used for sports, leisure, or marine tourism—excluding passenger and cruise vessels—will instead be issued a voyage permit. Newly constructed vessels engaging in sea trials are required to obtain written permission but are exempt from the port exit certificate requirement.
Previously, vessels were required to submit certain documents to the Harbour Master’s Office to obtain clearance, but the Harbour Master’s Office would only check for their presence. However, under the new amendments, the Harbour Master’s Office will now verify the validity of specific documents. For instance, the Regulation stipulates that the Harbour Master’s Office shall confirm the validity of the minimum safe manning certificate and ensure that the vessel complies with its requirements, along with inspecting seafarer competence certificates.
Furthermore, the Regulation emphasizes that the certificate of seaworthiness will be inspected by the Harbour Master’s Office. For passenger vessels, the number of passengers will be checked, and vessels carrying more than the allowed capacity will be prohibited from departure. Additionally, all cargo-related documents, including the stowage plan, will be thoroughly inspected in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Transport. Vessels that exceed cargo limits or have non-compliant stowage plans will not be permitted to depart. The Regulation also allows the Harbour Master’s Office or the Ministry of Transport to request a compliance report from a private surveyor regarding loading and stowage. If deemed necessary, the Harbour Master’s Office may further inspect navigational and safety equipment, as well as bunkers and provisions.
On the other hand, the Regulation introduces a new provision: vessels involved in hydrocarbon exploration and production, as well as pipe-laying vessels and support vessels for offshore activities, may now be exempted from pilotage and tugboat requirements.
Lastly, the Regulation provides that LNG vessels at port facilities or at the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) must have a pilot on board and be accompanied by a tugboat with a minimum towing power of 60 tons.
It is clear from these amendments that Turkish authorities are aiming to strengthen supervision of vessels. As a result, vessels’ interests will need to be more diligent in complying with the regulations and ensuring proper documentation.
For further information or assistance regarding the implications of the Regulation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
