New regulation from the Istanbul Governor's Office regarding boats and yachts! Effective September 8

The Istanbul Governor's Office has issued a "Decision on the regulation of the activities of daily excursion boats, pleasure craft, boats with floating facility operating certificates, and commercial yachts with excursion operating certificates in the coastal areas of the Bosphorus."

The decision emphasizes that the Bosphorus holds both national and international importance in terms of its natural, historical, and strategic value. However, it was noted that recent increases in unauthorized coastal usage, illegal electricity supply, infrastructure deficiencies, and uncontrolled activities pose serious threats to public order as well as life and property safety.

SECURITY RISKS ON THE AGENDA

The decision highlights that fire risks, illegal electricity usage, unauthorized refueling, and inadequate technical infrastructure are leading to major security problems. The Governor's Office stated, "In accordance with Articles 11/B and 66 of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442, the Tourism Encouragement Law No. 2634, the Ports Law No. 618, the Environmental Law No. 2872, the Coastal Law No. 3621, and other relevant regulations, it is obligated to ensure public order, environmental health, and life-property-navigation safety in coastal and shoreline areas."

EMBARKING AND DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS AT UNAUTHORIZED STRUCTURES BANNED

According to the regulation, piers, docks, and similar coastal structures without operating permits can no longer be used as points for embarking or disembarking passengers.

The decision included the following statements:

"It is prohibited for daily excursion boats, pleasure craft, boats with floating facility operating certificates, and commercial yachts with excursion operating certificates with a total length of 24 meters or more to carry out passenger embarkation and disembarkation activities on coastal structures (piers, docks, moorings, etc.) on the Anatolian and European shores of the Bosphorus that have not been granted an operating permit by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (General Directorate of Shipyards and Coastal Structures)."

Furthermore, it was announced that large boats benefiting from electricity, water, and waste services at unauthorized coastal structures will have these services terminated; mooring and berthing will only be permitted at authorized coastal facilities.

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 8

It was stated that the decision will begin to be implemented as of September 8, 2025, and that inspections will be carried out by the Coastal Areas Activity Inspection Commission to be established under the Istanbul Governor's Office.

It was announced that many institutions, primarily the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the Provincial Security Directorate, the Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Regional Command, the Istanbul Regional Port Authority, and the IMEAK Chamber of Shipping, will cooperate during the inspection process.

The Governor's Office also included the following statements:

"In the areas defined above, no sea vessel of any size shall be moored to the coastal areas vacated by the vessels covered by this decision, and these areas shall be kept empty. Necessary administrative sanctions will be immediately applied to sea tourism vehicles and operators acting in violation of this decision within the scope of the Ports Law No. 618, relevant regulations, and other legislation."

GOAL: REGULAR AND SAFE MARITIME TOURISM

The Governor's Office emphasized that the decisions were taken not only for public order but also to protect environmental health, prevent fire and infrastructure risks, and ensure that maritime tourism is conducted in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. It was reported that the decision will be valid for all coastal structures within the borders of Istanbul and that natural and legal persons are obligated to comply with these regulations.