1. Governmental Ports:
– **General-Purpose Governmental Ports**: Operated by State Economic Enterprises, including Turkish State Railways (TCDD) ports, which are integrated with the railway network, and Turkish Maritime Organization (TDI) ports. Both are managed independently but under the Ministry of Transport. Each port has a Port Manager appointed by the relevant State Enterprise. These ports offer “full-service” capabilities with port-owned labor and equipment handling all ship and cargo services.
2. Municipal Ports:
– Managed by local municipalities, these ports are smaller in scale and cater primarily to local coastal traffic, meeting the needs of provincial towns.
3. Private Ports:
– Designed mainly for the specific needs of industrial plants, these ports are also accessible to third parties.
General Information
– Health and Medical Services:
– For urgent medical assistance, the Master should contact the Agent immediately. Doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals are available at each port.
– Sanitary and Port Inspections:
– Vessels must obtain free pratique before customs clearance. The clearance process involves sanitary, immigration, and customs officers, who will board the vessel at arrival or anchorage.
– Required documents include:
– 8 copies of the crew and passenger list, along with seaman books and passports
– 2 copies of the provisions, stores, and bunkers list for customs (customs will seal stores of tobacco, spirits, and other items, leaving sufficient quantities unsealed for the vessel’s needs)
– A manifest covering all onboard cargo
– Various certificates, including Tonnage Certificate, Safety Equipment Certificate, and others relevant to the vessel’s operations.
– **Departure Procedures**:
– Vessels may remain alongside for up to 3 hours after cargo operations are completed without incurring penalty charges at TCDD and TDI ports. Documents required before departure include:
– Harbor master clearance
– Sanitary clearance (free pratique card)
– Customs and immigration clearances
– ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival):
– Vessels must report their ETA at least 96 and 48 hours in advance, providing details such as vessel name, GRT/NRT, port of registry, cargo type and quantity, drafts, and last port of call.
– Turkish Flag:
– All foreign vessels must display the Turkish flag while in Turkish ports, anchorages, or when transiting the Turkish straits (Dardanelles and Bosphorus).
– Time Zone:
– Turkey operates on GMT+2, and GMT+3 during daylight saving time.
– Pilotage and Towage:
– Mandatory for berthing and unberthing at Turkish ports or anchorages. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channels 16 or their specific channels, available 24/7.
– Pilot Ladder:
– Should be prepared on the vessel’s starboard side. For vessels with a freeboard exceeding 5 meters, a combination ladder is required.
– Notice of Readiness:
– To be tendered at the time of pilot boarding, anchoring, or arrival.
– Port State Control:
– Sudden inspections may be conducted by Port State Control officers in compliance with the Mediterranean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control.
– Fire Precaution*:
– All operations involving open flames and sparks are prohibited. In the event of a fire, operations must cease, and contact should be made with the nearest fire station and harbor master.
– Marine Pollution Prevention Regulations:
– Compliance with Turkish Ministry of Environment regulations is mandatory. Pollution incidents are reported to various authorities, and fines range from USD 35,000 to USD 160,000 depending on the nature of the violation.
– Garbage and Oil Record Book:
– The vessel must maintain a record of garbage disposal and obtain signatures from the receiving contractor. Painting, chipping, and tank washing are the vessel owner’s responsibility.
– Garbage Removal:
– Charges for garbage disposal are applicable at Turkish ports.
– Ballast Water Management:
– No specific regulations, but some terminals accept ballast water. Discharge within port limits or territorial waters is prohibited.
– Waste Oil Disposal:
– Facilities for waste oil disposal are available at equipped terminals.
– Fumigation:
– Prohibited unless a permit is obtained from the Harbor Master.
– Repairs:
– Major ports offer repair facilities. Minor repairs are possible under port authority supervision.
– Supplies:
– Fuel oil, diesel oil, gas oil, fresh water, and provisions are available by truck or barge.
– Watchman:
– Employment of a shore watchman is not compulsory.
– Tally Clerk:
– Not compulsory but recommended.
– Opening/Closing Hatches:
– Crew can perform this task; if stevedores are used, the cost is charged to the vessel.
– Shore Leave:
– Permitted after customs and immigration formalities are completed. Crew must carry shore passes and seaman’s books, and passes must be returned before departure. Some terminals may restrict crew movement to designated areas.
– Repatriation:
– Facilities are available for crew changes and repatriation arrangements.
– Emergency Services:
– Police: 155
– Ambulance: 112
– Fire: 110
– Radio Communications:
– Call Turk Radio for ship-to-shore communication. Weather forecasts and meteorological updates are broadcast in Turkish on VHF channels 16 and 67 and are available in English upon request. Navtex stations broadcast at specified frequencies and times.
– Consulates:
– Most foreign countries have consulates in Turkey.
– Public Holidays:
– January 1, April 23, May 19, August 30, October 28, October 29, and movable holidays for Courban Bayram and Sheker Bayram.
– Working Hours:
– Official working hours are 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00. Applications for weekend or holiday operations must be submitted by 17:00 on the preceding working day.
– Transportation:
– Turkey’s extensive road and rail network supports increasing truck transit between Europe and the Middle East. International airports are also available.
– Currency:
– Turkish Lira.
– Climate:
– Turkey’s climate varies significantly by region, from mild winters and warm summers along the coasts to harsh winters with heavy snowfall in the eastern continental regions.
– Language:
– Turkish is the official language. English, French, and German are commonly spoken in business contexts.
– Measurement System:
– The metric system is used.