Turkey is attempting to increase environmental protection in its waters. For this reason it will impose significant fines to any vessel that does not comply with the country’s anti-pollution regulations.
According to Turkey’s latest amendments, which were brought into effect in April 2017, heavy fines will imposed by the authorities including the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), Harbour Master and Public Prosecutor against the offending vessels and Masters.
In case a vessel does not follow local port regulations, the Harbour Master has the right to penalize the offending vessel an administrative fine between TL 500 to TL 20.000.
Moreover, in the event of sea pollution and/or any damage to Port facilities or equipment, the Page 3 of 4 Harbour Master has been given right to penalize the offending vessel an administrative fine up to TL 5.000.000.
- De-ballasting operations should be avoided unless the ballast water was checked and confirmed to be clean.
- All overboard discharge valves should be closed and secured/sealed in closed position.
- All deck scuppers should be plugged and any gaps in the fish plate surrounding the deck should be closed.
- Hose test of hatch covers, hydrostatic test of deck pipes/hoses or other equipment should not be performed.
- Washing of decks and superstructure should be avoided.
- Treated water from the sewage system and grey water should be transferred to a holding tank and should not be discharged until the vessel is outside Turkish waters.
- Cargo residues, cargo space cleaning residues, all garbage and other substances should not be disposed in Turkish waters.
- The vessel’s hull should not be scrapped, chipped or painted while alongside the pier or at anchor.
- While the vessel is at the shipyard or in dry dock, even if the pollution is caused by the negligence of the shipyard, its employees or agents, the ship may be held vicariously liable for the pollution fine. Therefore the crew members should exercise care and they should immediately protest in writing to the shipyard where they believe pollution took place.
You can see more information about Turkey’s fines over non-compliance with environmental regulation, in the PDF below