Status of Pilots: Turkey 2004

Croatian pilots are represented in EMPA (since 2001) by Turkish Maritime Pilots’ Association; (TUMPA), a nation-wide association of active and retired pilots that representing  the pilots´ interests on national and international level. Turkish Maritime Pilots’ Association does not provide pilotage services. Pilots from pilotage service companies (Both public and private) are voluntary members of the association. TUMPA Represents 85% of all pilots in Turkey.

Organisation
In Turkey, three types of organization are providing pilotage services:
1.      Public Enterprises
2.      Private Pilotage Companies
3.      Ports providing pilotage services:

1-Public Enterprises: are actually in the privatization process since 1990’s. For instance, the company which is providing Pilotage Services in the Turkish Straits is such one. That company represents the half of total number of pilots in Turkey. So we can say that, the main pilotage company in Turkey, namely Turkish Maritime Incorporated, is a public enterprise, and is subject to privatization. The time and nature of this privatization has been discussed in the past, as Turkish Maritime Pilots’ Association, we were in favor of an organizational structure which guarantees the independent nature of pilots’ work, and actually, we suggested a system as in some European Countries which pilots run the company themselves,  but so far, no agreement or conclusion is achieved.

2- Private Pilotage Companies: There is  only one private pilotage company in Turkey which is dedicated solely to provide pilotage services. This company, represents the some 25 % of all pilotage services in Turkey, and is formed by Pilots. 156 pilots are the shareholders of this company; which represents the %60 of all pilots; and 40 of the shareholders working for the company as pilots. Founded in 1996, this company has grown rapidly, investing the money received from pilotage services to the improvement and efficiency of these services. This company has the authorization to give service in the Gulf of Izmit, which is a large gulf with many small ports, piers, and anchorages; located in the south-east of Istanbul.

3- Ports providing pilotage services: While the privatization process began for the ports in the mid of 1990’s; pilotage services were not exempted and pilotage services was also, privatized in the same package with the same port.  So, group which paid to buy a specific port, they also bought the pilotage services for this port. Such ports have a pilotage body, they are under the control of pilotage authority, but, this type of pilotage service is not supported by TUMPA. TUMPA believes believe that pilotage body should be separated, and would be an independent body different than the organization or owner of the port.

Legislation and Supervision
Pilotage is governed by two regulations: Regulation on Competencies of Pilots, (1997)  and Regulation on Pilotage and Towage Organizations (1998) Pilots’ certification is done by Undersecretariat of Maritime Affairs, which is connected to Ministry of Transport.  Pilots are supervised by the Port Authority. Pilotage is compulsory for vessel exceeding 500 GT. This does not apply to domestic ferries in line, and national war and administrative vessels.

Number of pilots and minimum qualifications
There are 250 active pilots in Turkey. Minimum qualifications for applicants:

1-     Turkish citizenship;
2-     1st class master’s degree;
3-     Medical examination;
4-     Speaking clearly and fluently.
5-     Passing oral and written examinations on professional knowledge and English Language.

After the 3 months of practical training under the supervision of licensed pilots of the area; the applicant has to pass practical and oral examinations under the authority of harbour master.

In the case of a absence at pilotage duties more than two years; then the certified pilots should go back to training period for the same pilotage area to re-validate the pilotage competency certificate.

Pilot Stations and working hours
There are 4 pilot stations at the Turkish Straits. The roster is usually 2 days on-4 days of period. During 2-days on period; a pilot usually embarks 8 vessels and each pilotage duty lasts (Approx.) 2 hours. That means 16 hours of work for 48 hours period and allows enough rest time for the pilots on duty.

For other pilotage companies and harbour pilotage; similar roster plans apply.

Retirement
Maximum age for an active pilot is 65 years.

Tariffs
Tariffs are determinated by the Undersecretariat for Maritime taking into account the costs of performing the service. They are based on gross tonnage.

Medical Checks
There is a medical check compulsory for pilots every two years. It consists of overall health survey complied with seamen standards.