Cabotage Laws

Yachts staying in Türkiye during the winter, or foreign-owned private yachts entering from foreign harbours, are only permitted to sail in Turkish waters on condition that the owner is on board. Yachts owned jointly or owned by yacht clubs or associations can be sailed by any one of four nominated owners per year. Turkish and foreign private yacht owners may have foreign or Turkish guests on board for the purpose of travel, sport and leisure but not for any commercial undertaking.

The use of private yachts that have entered Türkiye by yacht owners or staff, or boarding of Turkish or foreign guests free of charge, or the use of rented yachts without staff by yachtsmen, are not accepted as seamanship, and yachtsmen cannot benefit from the normal rights of sailors.

A yacht lay-up during winter or departure from a foreign harbour or a yachting organisation including foreign flagged yachts, can be boarded by yachtsmen from a Turkish harbour with the aim of yachting, and leave the yacht at another Turkish harbour.

Foreign flagged commercial yachts licensed by the Ministry, are subject to these regulations are not permitted to voyager transport between Turkish harbours and within the harbour against cash and bill of lading. However tourist-related activities of these yachts are not deemed as voyager transportation.

Should an undocumented foreign flagged yacht organise a voyage under a certain programme, or carry yachtsmen or passengers against payment within Turkish harbours, Cabotage Law will be applied. Evaluation of yachting activities, important in connection with tourism and advertisement outside of this article, is possible with the approval of the Ministry.