Delivering a foreign-flagged boat in Turkey differs from a Turkish-flagged one in a few points: the transit log, the skipper entry and the conditions for the boat's stay in Turkey.
Differences
- Transit log
- The boat's cruising document in Turkey; its validity and details are checked before the delivery.
- Skipper entry
- If the skipper changes for the delivery, the change is entered on the transit log through the harbour master and an agent.
- Stay conditions
- Rules on how long the boat and owner may stay in Turkey; the delivery must not conflict with them.
- Insurance
- Foreign policies must cover Turkish waters and a paid skipper.
Planning
- Documents. Flag state registration, transit log, insurance and the owner's authorisation.
- Skipper. Licence and transit log entry.
- Route. Domestic or leaving Turkey; on exit the transit log is closed.
Checking the transit log
Before the delivery, the transit log's validity, the skipper and persons recorded on it, and the details of the boat's stay in Turkey are checked. If the delivery is from one port to another, whether the log's entries suffice for the voyage is reviewed with the agent. A missing or outdated entry can cause trouble at the arrival port.
Skipper change
If a paid skipper rather than the owner makes the delivery, the skipper must be entered on the transit log. This is done before departure through the harbour master and an agent. The skipper's licence, passport and the owner's written authorisation are prepared for it.
If the owner is abroad
Owners of foreign-flagged boats are often not in Turkey during a delivery. The authorisation, copies of papers and communication arrangements are then prepared in advance. The owner is told of departure, leg ends and arrival; photographic records go by email.
Insurance
That the foreign insurer's policy covers Turkish waters and a paid skipper is confirmed in writing before the delivery.
Stay conditions
Rules on how long boat and owner may stay in Turkey can affect the delivery's timing; they are confirmed as current with an agent.
On arrival
At the arrival port, the transit log is updated if needed and the boat's new location recorded.
Language
For owners abroad, reports and records are provided in English so nothing is lost in translation.
Costs
Agent fees and any harbour charges are set out in the written quote alongside the delivery fee, so the owner sees the whole cost in advance.
If the delivery ends with the boat leaving Turkey, closing the transit log and exit formalities are added to the end of the plan.
Records
A copy of every change made to the transit log goes to the owner and into the document kit. The boat's movements in Turkey are then fully documented, which helps the owner plan the next season and answer any official question that arises later.
On a foreign-flagged boat left unused for a long time, a short technical check before the delivery is recommended, with a photo report for the owner abroad.
Go or no-go
The report also underpins the decision on whether the delivery goes ahead; if an important shortfall is found, it is put right first, with the owner's agreement and a written quote, before any passage is attempted.
The owner receives the reasons for every decision in writing, so nothing depends on memory.
Owners abroad can then follow the whole delivery from a distance with confidence.