How to become a seafarer in Turkey

Choose your path

What both paths have in common

• To become a seafarer under the Turkish regulation you must be a citizen of Türkiye (with narrow exceptions set out in the regulation).
  Source: Regulation on Seafarers and Maritime Pilots (Gemiadamları ve Kılavuz Kaptanlar Yönetmeliği), Article 40
• You must document that your health is fit for sea service according to the regulation.
  Source: Regulation on Seafarers and Maritime Pilots (Gemiadamları ve Kılavuz Kaptanlar Yönetmeliği), Article 40
• Every seafarer must complete safety familiarization and basic training under STCW VI/1.
  Source: IMO, STCW Convention as amended in 2010 (STCW/CONF.2/33), Regulation VI/1
• The seafarer's book (gemiadamı cüzdanı) with your certificates is issued in Turkish and English by the Administration after the fee is paid.
  Source: Regulation on Seafarers and Maritime Pilots (Gemiadamları ve Kılavuz Kaptanlar Yönetmeliği), Article 52

Beware of scams

• Check whether a maritime training institution is authorized using the Ministry's e-Devlet service before you enrol.
  Source: e-Devlet: services of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
• Recruitment and placement agencies must not charge seafarers for finding them a job; the seafarer pays only for the medical certificate, the seafarer's book and a passport.
  Source: ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended — Standard A1.4

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