The Turkish Ministry of Transport has recently introduced significant amendments to the Regulation on Ports. These changes, which took effect on 17 November 2024, include stricter inspection protocols and revised requirements for vessels seeking port clearance.
Under the new rules, vessels are now subject to more detailed inspections by the relevant Harbour Master’s Office before obtaining clearance. Previously, the Harbour Master’s Office only checked for the presence of required documents. Now, the office will also verify the validity of these documents, such as the minimum safe manning certificate and seafarer competence certificates, to ensure compliance with their requirements.
The certificate of seaworthiness and cargo-related documents, including the stowage plan, will also be closely examined. Vessels found to be exceeding cargo limits or with non-compliant stowage plans will not be allowed to depart. In certain cases, a compliance report from an independent surveyor may be required. Additionally, the Harbour Master’s Office may inspect a vessel’s navigational and safety equipment, as well as its bunkers and provisions.
These amendments underscore the Turkish authorities’ commitment to strengthening the supervision of vessels operating in their waters. Shipowners and operators should exercise diligence in ensuring that all documentation is valid, up-to-date, and compliant with the new regulations.
For any questions or assistance regarding the implications of these new regulations, our members are encouraged to contact us at claims@nnpc.nl.
