Transit Log
A transit log is the mandatory record of a yacht's movements, crew, and passengers in Turkish waters. It is required for all foreign-flagged yachts cruising or chartering in Türkiye and must be presented at each port of entry and harbour master's office, including Bodrum, Göcek, and Istanbul.
Definition
Semantic definition
- Subject
- Transit log
- Predicate
- is the mandatory Turkish maritime document that
- Object
- records a yacht's movements, crew, and passengers in Turkish waters for customs and harbour authority compliance.
Transit log is the mandatory Turkish maritime document that records a yacht's movements, crew, and passengers in Turkish waters for customs and harbour authority compliance.
What is a Transit Log?
A Transit Log is the mandatory Turkish maritime document required for all foreign-flagged vessels cruising or chartering in Turkish territorial waters. It is issued by the Turkish Maritime Administration and must be presented at each harbour master's office and customs point of entry. The Transit Log records the vessel's identity, the crew list, the passenger list, and the vessel's movements (ports of departure and arrival). Failure to obtain or maintain a Transit Log can result in fines and prohibition of further cruising in Turkish waters. It is one of the first documents Turkish authorities ask to see during any official boarding.
Who Needs a Transit Log?
All foreign-flagged vessels — whether private yachts, charter yachts, or superyachts — entering Turkish waters must obtain a Transit Log on arrival at the first Turkish port of entry. Turkish-flagged vessels do not require a Transit Log. The obligation applies regardless of vessel size. Vessels intending to charter in Turkey must also hold a Turkish charter permit in addition to the Transit Log.
First port of entry
The Transit Log is obtained at the first Turkish port of call — the port where Turkish customs and harbour master formalities are completed. Common entry ports for yachts: Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye (Göcek), Çeşme, Antalya, and Istanbul (Atatürk Marina or Kalamış).
Crew and passenger changes
Any change to the crew or passenger list during the Turkish cruise must be recorded in the Transit Log at the nearest harbour master's office. Adding or removing persons without updating the Transit Log is a violation.
How to Obtain a Transit Log
On arrival at the first Turkish port, the captain or agent presents the following documents to the harbour master and customs: valid Certificate of Registry; insurance certificate (showing liability coverage); crew list; valid passports for all persons on board; ISPS ship security number (for vessels over 500 GT); and flag state statutory certificates. Turkish port agents (known as transit log agents) handle the full process and are strongly recommended for first-time entrants or vessels with complex crew arrangements. Agent fees are typically €150-400 depending on port and vessel size.
Transit Log Validity and Renewal
A Transit Log is issued for a single cruising season and covers Turkish waters. It is not valid beyond the date specified at issuance. Vessels wishing to overwinter in Turkey or remain for multiple seasons must renew. The Turkish government periodically updates Transit Log regulations and fee structures — checking with a local agent before arrival is advisable to ensure compliance with current requirements.
Transit Log and Charter Operations in Turkey
Foreign-flagged yachts chartering in Turkish waters need both the Transit Log and a separate commercial charter permit issued by the Turkish Ministry of Transport. Without both documents, charter operations are illegal in Turkish waters. Turkish charter operations require crews to comply with Turkish maritime law, including specific crewing ratio requirements. Turkish port agents specialising in yacht documentation can advise on both the Transit Log and the charter permit process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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