In order to ensure the safety of navigation, life, property, and the environment, rules have been established concerning the anchorage of vessels and marine craft using the Turkish Straits. Our Administration continues to carry out inspections and controls in accordance with the applicable legislation.

However, it has been observed that, from time to time, vessels and marine craft do not anchor in compliance with the designated anchorage rules. In particular, some vessels anchoring in the Southern Entrance Anchorage Area of the Istanbul Strait have dropped anchor outside the designated anchorage zones, posing potential risks of damage to underwater infrastructure such as cable systems, petroleum and natural gas pipelines.

In order to prevent possible accidents and ensure maritime safety, the following matters must be communicated by ship agents to the shipmasters and relevant parties before anchoring in the Istanbul Strait Southern Entrance and Ambarlı Regional Port Authority Anchorage Areas:

a) The vessel must not anchor outside the designated anchorage area.

b) The shipmaster is responsible for taking all necessary monitoring and safety precautions against potential dragging of the anchor.

c) If anchoring is conducted outside the designated anchorage areas, administrative sanctions will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legislation.

ç) If it is determined that the vessel is located outside the anchorage zone, a escort tugboat may be assigned by the relevant Port Authority, regardless of whether any damage to underwater infrastructure has occurred.

d) In case the vessel poses a potential danger, all related costs – including underwater hull and keel inspections – shall be borne by the shipowners/operators.