The American Club has issued an alert regarding the Istanbul Strait anchorage areas and informing about the efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
As informed, in an effort to reduce congestion at the southern entrance of the Istanbul Strait anchorage area, the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs have taken steps to increase navigation, safety and environmental protection while also facilitating fishing activities in the region.
These steps are summarized as follows:
- Vessels waiting in drift in the Sea of Marmara are directed to proceed to one of the following nearby port areas: Ambarli Anchorage Areas 2, 3 and 4, and if necessary, to Yalova Anchorage Areas 1 and 2.
- Any fuel and water barges must stay in Waiting/Anchorage Area 7—found within Istanbul A and B Regional Anchorage Areas—and refrain from waiting or anchoring outside of that designated area.
- There are no restrictions on fishing activities between any anchorage areas where there are no fishing bans (e.g., between Istanbul C and G Region Anchorage Areas). Fishing boats are allowed to continue their activities provided that they comply with applicable rules and warnings related to navigational aids in those areas.
- Vessels that are anchored outside of the designated anchorage areas as specified will be warned and directed to proceed to the anchorage areas. Any vessel that fails to comply with these requirements will be subject to legal action.
