Civil & Administrative

Regulation on the Equipment of Private Boats and the Qualifications of Persons Operating Private Boats

🇹🇷Türkiye··Regulation·Medium Impact0·View source ↗

AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.

🇬🇧 English

This Turkish regulation, effective 17 January 2026, establishes mandatory qualifications, training, and certification for individuals operating private recreational vessels. It defines two Amateur Sailor Certificates: ADB 10 for boats up to 10 meters and ADB 24 for boats up to 24 meters hull length. Operators must complete online theoretical training, practical training, and pass an online exam scoring at least 70/100. Minimum age is 16 for ADB 10 (with parental consent) and 18 for ADB 24, which also requires 12 months of prior ADB 10 ownership. All operators need a health report meeting driver’s license medical standards. Private boats must carry specific safety equipment listed in EK-2, display registration documents, and observe maximum passenger limits based on design category or 1 person per meter (max 12). Commercial use is strictly prohibited.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.

Key Changes

  • Introduces ADB 10 certificate required for private boats ≤10m and ADB 24 for boats ≤24m hull length
  • Mandatory online theoretical training + practical training + online exam with minimum 70/100 score
  • Minimum age 16 for ADB 10 (with notarized parental consent) and 18 for ADB 24; ADB 24 requires 12 months prior ADB 10 ownership

+ 3 more changes with Pro

Obligations

What this law requires

high

Private boat operators must carry and present boat registration documents (mooring certificate or ship registry certificate) during navigation and inspections, unless documents can be verified online

All private boat operators
operational
high

Obtain Amateur Sailor Certificate (ADB 10 or ADB 24) before operating private boats, with ADB 10 required for boats up to 10 meters and ADB 24 for boats up to 24 meters hull length

All persons operating private boats (except those operating vessels under 10 HP or racing/sport vessels)
licensing
high

Complete online theoretical training through the Amateur Sailor Information System (ADBS) and pass an online examination scoring at least 70/100 to obtain ADB certificate

Applicants for ADB 10 and ADB 24 certificates
operational
high

Obtain health report meeting driver's license medical standards before applying for ADB certification

All applicants for ADB 10 and ADB 24 certificates
disclosure
high

Equip private boats with minimum mandatory safety equipment listed in Annex-2 (EK-2)

All private boat owners
operational

Affected Parties

Owners and operators of private recreational boats and yachts in TurkeyTurkish citizens, TRNC citizens, and foreigners with residence permits+2 more…

Tags

amateur sailor certificate,private boats,recreational boating