KULLANICI REHBERĠ

USER’S GUIDE

TÜRK BOĞAZLARI
GEMĠ TRAFĠK HĠZMETLERĠ

TURKISH STRAITS
VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................i

ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................ii
GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................1
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
Operation..........................................................................................................................................1
Competent Authority .........................................................................................................................1
Administration ...................................................................................................................................1
TSVTS Authority ...............................................................................................................................1
Services Provided .............................................................................................................................1
Service Area .....................................................................................................................................1
Active Participant Vessels ................................................................................................................1
Passive Participant Vessels ..............................................................................................................1
Caution .............................................................................................................................................1
TURKISH STRAITS REPORTING SYSTEM ....................................................................................2
Traffic Separation Scheme ...............................................................................................................2
SP 1 Report ......................................................................................................................................2
SP 2 Report ......................................................................................................................................3
Position Report .................................................................................................................................4
Call Point Report ..............................................................................................................................4
Marmara Report (MARRAP) .............................................................................................................4
COMMUNICATION ..........................................................................................................................5
Communication Language and Format .............................................................................................5
Sectors And VHF Channels...............................................................................................................6
DEFINITIONS OF MAIN MESSAGE MARKERS USED BY THE VTS ........................................... 10
SERVICES PROVIDED .................................................................................................................. 11
Information Service ......................................................................................................................... 11
Navigational Assistance Service ..................................................................................................... 11
Traffic Organization Service............................................................................................................ 11
PROCEDURES FOR SHIPS .......................................................................................................... 12
In General....................................................................................................................................... 12
Anchoring and Leaving the Anchorage ........................................................................................... 14
Berthing and Unberthing ................................................................................................................. 14
Slowing Down ................................................................................................................................. 14
Overtaking ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Reporting Accidents........................................................................................................................ 14
In Case of Run Aground ................................................................................................................. 14
In Case of Failure ........................................................................................................................... 14
Reporting Incidents and Marine Pollution........................................................................................ 15
Local Marine Traffic ........................................................................................................................ 15
Sanitary Inspections ....................................................................................................................... 15
Tele-Health ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Contact Areas with Agent ............................................................................................................... 15
Fishing Boats .................................................................................................................................. 15
Sailing and under oars vessels navigating ...................................................................................... 15
IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL VHF CHANNELS ............................................ 16
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS ................................................................................................ 16

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 ABBREVIATIONS

AIS : Automatic Identification System

COLREG : Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions

at Sea)

DF : Direction Finder

DSC : Digital Selective Calling.

DTO : Vessel Traffic Operator

ETA : Estimated Time of Arrival

VTS : Vessel Traffic Service

VTSC : Vessel Traffic Services Center

IALA : International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse

Authorities

IMO : International Maritime Organisation

LOA : Length Overall

RT : Radio Telephone

MMSI : Marine Mobile Service Identity

MARRAP : Marmara Report

SMCP : Standard Marine Communication Phrases

SOLAS : International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974

SP : Sailing Plan

TSS : Traffic Separation Scheme

TSMTR : Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic Regulation

TSVTS : Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Services

TUBRAP : Turkish Straits Reporting System

UTC : Universal Time Coordinated

VHF : Very High Frequency

WGS : World Geodetic System

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 GENERAL

Introduction
The Turkish Straits VTS has been established in accordance with applicable national and
international rules and regulations in order to improve the safety of navigation, protection of life,
property and environment in the Turkish Straits by using the latest technology. This User’s Guide has
been prepared in order to enhance the safety of navigation, life and property of vessels navigating,
anchoring, berthing, unberthing within the TSVTS area stated in its content and to protect the marine
environment and structures located at sea from the negative effect of marine traffic and prepared in
order to determine the procedures and bases that they will be responsible of and provide the
information needed by considering the efficiency of maritime traffic. This Guide is to be used by
taking the Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic Regulations into account as promulgated in 23515
numbered and 06 November 1998 dated Official Gazette.

Operation
The TSVTS shall be operated in accordance with the Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic Regulations, as
promulgated in the 23515 numbered and 6 November 1998 dated Official Gazette and Regulation
related with Establishment and Operation of Vessel Traffic Services promulgated in the 26438
numbered and 18 February 2007 dated Official Gazette by taking the IMO Resolutions A.857 (20)
and A.827 (19) into account.

Competent Authority
Minister of Transport.

Administration
Undersecretariat for Maritime Affairs.

TSVTS Authority
Director General of Coastal Safety.

Services Provided
The services provided by TSVTS have been determined by taking the related IALA resolutions and
recommendations into account and TSVTS provides the Information Service, Navigational
Assistance Service and Traffic Organization Service in compliance with IMO Resolutions A.857(20)
and A.827(19), Regulation related with Establishment and Operation of Vessel Traffic Services and
requirements for quality management standards TS EN ISO 9001:2000.

Service Area
The TSVTS covers the area indicated in figures no. 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Active Participant Vessels

Except of local traffic vessels, all vessels carrying dangerous cargo and vessels 20 meters in length
or over, whatever purpose, shall be designated as “Active Participant” vessels within the TSVTS
area. These vessels shall comply with TUBRAP reporting system prepared in accordance with the
international legislation (IMO A.851 (20) numbered resolution).

Passive Participant Vessels

Vessels less than 20 meters in length and local traffic vessels within the TSVTS area, for whatever
purpose, shall be designated as “Passive Participant” vessels.
Passive participant vessels do not do active reporting; however these vessels must listen
continuously VHF channel of their own sector and obey the instructions given by the TSVTS within
the TSVTS Area.
At the extend of legislation applied by the related authority, vessels which are not required to carry
VHF are described as non participant vessels.

Caution
Within the TSVTS system, an ENC prepared based upon WGS 84 datum is used. Participants using
charts of a different datum should make the necessary datum corrections for the positions given by
the TSVTS in latitudes and longitudes.
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 TURKISH STRAITS REPORTING SYSTEM
Traffic Separation Scheme
The limits of the traffic separation scheme as established in accordance with Rule 10 of the
Convention on the COLREG and adopted by the IMO for the Turkish Straits and their approaches
are shown below:

Northern Limits: Southern Limits:

41˚ 16΄ N / 028˚ 55΄ E 40˚ 05΄ N / 026˚ 11΄ E
41˚ 21΄ N / 028˚ 55΄ E 40˚ 02΄ N / 025˚ 55΄ E
41˚ 21΄ N / 029˚ 16΄ E 39˚ 50΄ N / 025˚ 53΄ E
41˚ 14΄ N / 029˚ 16΄ E 39˚ 44΄ N / 025˚ 55΄ E
39˚ 44΄ N / 026˚ 09΄ E
The area connecting the positions. The area connecting the positions.

SP 1 Report
Masters, owners or agents of the vessels carrying dangerous cargo or the vessels those are
500 GT and above should submit a written Sailing Plan 1(SP-1) to the relevant VTS Centers at least
24 hours prior to entry into the Turkish Straits. Masters, owners or agents of the vessels those are
between LOA 200-300m and/or vessels with a draft over 15m should submit a written Sailing Plan
1(SP-1) at least 48 hours prior to entrance.

SP 1 REPORT FORM
Code Meaning
A SHIP’S NAME, CALL SIGN, FLAG, IMO No, MMSI No
B DATE AND TIME (UTC)
C POSITION (LAT/LONG)
F CONTINUOUS MANOEUVRING SPEED (in KNOTS including decimals)
G PORT OF DEPARTURE
H ARRIVAL DATE AND TIME TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE STRAIT/ LT (TURKEY)
I PORT OF DESTINATION
REQUEST PILOT (YES/NO)
ISTANBUL STRAIT
J
MARMARA SEA
ÇANAKKALE STRAIT
O FORE AND AFT DRAFT, MAX AIR DRAFT (AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE STRAIT)
CARGO (TYPE AND QUANTITY)*
DESCRIPTION OF DANGEROUS, NOXİOUS AND POLLUTANT GOODS(UN
P NO/NAME/CLASS/QUANTITY) (IMDG, IGC, IBC, GC, INF) *
IN CASE OF WEAPON SHIPMENT “END USER CERTIFICATE” DATE/NUMBER
AND COPY
Q DEFECTS/DAMAGE/DEFICIENCIES/OTHER LIMITATING REASONS
T SHIP’S AGENT /REPRESANTATIVE / TAX NO / NAME - SURNAME OF MASTER
SHIP TYPE
LOA /BEAM (METRES)
U GRT / NRT
DOUBLE OR SINGLE HULL TANKERS / CONSTRUCTION YEAR OF VESSEL
W NUMBER OF CREW AND PASSANGER
P&I INSURANCE INFO (P&I Club Name / Policy NO / Validity)
X BUNKER ON BOARD ( F/O – D/O - L/O )
LAST PSC DATE
(*)Detailed information related with her cargo may be requested as needed

Owners , operators or agents of vessels that are LOA 300 m or more , vessels that are propelled by
nuclear power and vessels carrying nuclear cargo or nuclear waste shall provide information
regarding their characteristics and cargo to the Administration during the planning stage of the
voyage provided that not being less than 72 hours. They shall submit the documents issued by the
flag state in order to prove that vessel is complied with the IMO standards and regulations arranged
by other related international agreement and cargo are carried appropriately. The Administration,
based upon to these data related with vessels, shall inform the relevant vessel’s owner, agent,
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operator or master in order to provide the necessary conditions for the safe passage through Turkish
Straits by considering all specifications of the vessels including the dimensions and maneuvering
capabilities, the morphological and physical structure of the Turkish Straits, the condition of the
season, safety of navigation, life, property and environment and situation of maritime traffic. Those
vessels mentioned which possess the necessary conditions for passage submits a SP 1 at least 72
hours in advance.

Vessels carrying dangerous cargo and/or vessels 500 GT and above, about to depart from ports in
the Sea of Marmara, shall submit sailing plan SP 1 Report to the relevant VTSC at least 6 hours prior
to their departure. All TUBRAP reports should be sent to the VTSC timely and accurately.

The SP 1 report has great importance to effective traffic management. A s v essels that do
not send SP 1 report timely may cause congestion of marine traffic, delays and waiting,
they may be excluded from the daily traffic plan.

SP 1 report should be sent to the addresses of Istanbul and Canakkale VTSC below.

Istanbul VTSC;

Fax: + 90 212 323 48 06

323 48 07
323 48 08
Delivery service/Hand over to the VTSC

Address: Istanbul Boğazı Gemi Trafik Hizmetleri Merkezi

Istinye Cad. Eski Tersane içi
34460 Istinye/Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 323 4800 PBX
Çanakkale VTSC
Fax: + 90 286 2131240
2131241
2133077
Delivery Service/Hand over to the VTSC

Address: Çanakkale Boğazı Gemi Trafik Hizmetleri Merkezi Akbaş Mevkii

17900 Eceabat/Çanakkale
Tel: +90 286 213 4800 PBX

SP 2 Report Except warships, state-owned vessels not used for commercial purposes and local
traffic vessels, ship masters who declared that their vessels are technically suitable on his SP1
report and masters of vessels LOA 20 meters or more shall submit SP2 report to the relevant VTS
via VHF channel designated 2 hours or 20 miles (whichever comes first) prior to entry into the
Istanbul or Çanakkale Straits.

After having submitted the SP 2 Report, vessels shall act by taking into account information provided
by the relevant VTS and shall record in the ship’s log that they have submitted SP 2 Report and all
information received regarding strait traffic.

The SP 2 report shall be submitted to the concerned sector of the relevant VTS area where the
ship will enter into.
VTS NAME NORTH ENTRANCE VHF SOUTH ENTRANCE VHF
SECTÖR MARMARA CH 14
İSTANBUL SECTÖR TÜRKELİ CH 11
* SECTOR KADIKÖY CH 13
ÇANAKKALE SECTOR GELİBOLU CH 11 SECTOR KUMKALE CH 13
*For vessels which will make their first contact with Sector Kadıköy as per their approach direction

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 SP 2 REPORT FORM
Code Meaning
A SHIP’S NAME / CALL SIGN / FLAG / IMO NO / MMSI NO
F MAXIMUM MANOEUVRING SPEED
G PORT OF DEPARTURE
H TIME TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE STRAIT
I PORT OF DESTINATION
REQUEST PILOT (YES OR NO)
ISTANBUL STRAIT
J
MARMARA SEA
ÇANAKKALE STRAIT
P DANGEROUS CARGO (IF HAVE)
*T SHIP’S AGENT / REPRESENTATIVE
Q DEFECTS/DAMAGE/DEFICIENCIES/OTHER LIMITATING REASONS
X WHETHER READY FOR THE PASSAGE OF STRAIT
*For the vessels/boats do not obliged to submit SP1 but just SP2

If vessels will wait for any reason they should notify it on their SP2 report. After they inform the
relevant VTS that they are ready for the passage of Strait, they are accepted for the traffic
organization.

Position Report
Vessels L O A 20 meters and over that will enter the Straits of Istanbul and Çanakkale, up to 5
nautical miles from the entrances of t h e Strait, shall provide a Position Report containing
information identifying themselves to the relevant VTS sector via VHF.

POSITION REPORT FORM

Code Meaning
A SHIP’S NAME
D POSITION

Call Point Report

Active Participant vessels which will pass through Istanbul and/or Çanakkale Straits, at the entrance,
exit and sector passage to the VTS area covering Strait is to be passed;
Active Participant vessels which will not pass through Istanbul and/or Canakkale Strait but will pass
from VTS area in Black Sea and Aegean Sea;

should submit call point report via VHF at the entrance and exit of area.

CALL POINT REPORT FORM

Code Meaning
A SHIP’S NAME
D POSITION (DEPARTED AND INCLUDED SECTOR)

Marmara Report (MARRAP)

- Active participant vessels which will pass through TSVTS area and navigating between Marmara
Ports shall submit MARRAP to both their exit and entrance sector at the Sector Gelibolu-Sector
Marmara and Sector Marmara- Sector Gelibolu passage with the sector that they entered to the
TSVTS area;
- If Vessels departed from a port in Marmara and will pass through the Strait , enter to another VTS
area before the VTS area covering the Strait that they will pass shall submit MARRAP to the
sector entered via VHF.

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 MARMARA REPORT (MARRAP) FORM

Code Meaning
A SHIP’S NAME
D POSITION
G PORT OF DEPARTURE
I PORT OF ARRIVAL
P WHETHER DANGEROUS CARGO IS ON BOARD

COMMUNICATION

Communication Language and Format

The communication language of the TSVTS is English and SMCP shall be used in order to ensure
an accurate communication.
Turkish can be used to the Turkish vessels and vessels engaged pilot on board.
The following message markers should be used for communications with the TSVTS.

When Communication in Turkish When Communication in English

BİLGİ INFORMATION
TAVSİYE ADVICE
UYARI WARNING
TALİMAT INSTRUCTION
SORU QUESTION
CEVAP ANSWER
TALEP REQUEST
NİYET INTENTION

In circumstances t h a t TSVTS operator deemed to be necessary, h e may repeat a message in

English to Turkish and/or vice-versa.
When communicating with the VTSC, care should be exercised not to speak rapidly and to
pronounce words correctly.

TSVTS shall operate in VHF channels 11, 12, 13 and 14.

“as related to,

All communication except for the SAFETY OF NAVIGATION on these channels is forbidden.

As a general principle within the TSVTS area, there should be no communication between vessels as
much as possible and data flow shall be conducted through the TSVTS. Working channels of TSVTS
should not be used other than its purpose.

Keeping in mind that the positions of all vessels transmitting on VHF is determined through
VHF/DF by the system and all communication is recorded, all unnecessary communication
should be avoided and always should be obeyed to the discipline of communication.

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Sectors And VHF Channels

Figure 1 : Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Service (TSVTS) Area and Sectors

ISTANBUL VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE

The sectors of Istanbul VTS and designated VHF working channels are in the following order from
north to south.

SECTOR NAME WORKING CHANNEL CALL SIGN

TÜRKELİ VHF Channel 11 SECTOR TÜRKELİ
KANDİLLİ VHF Channel 12 SECTOR KANDİLLİ
KADIKÖY VHF Channel 13 SECTOR KADIKÖY
MARMARA VHF Channel 14 SECTOR MARMARA

The northern limits of the Istanbul VTS are the line connecting the following positions.

A: 41 10.5’ N / 029 35’ E

B: 41 32.5’ N / 029 35’ E
C: 41 32.5’ N / 028 45’ E
D: 41 19.0’ N / 028 45’ E

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The southern limits of the Istanbul VTS are the lines connecting the following positions.

A: 40 52.5’ N / 029 13.8’ E

B: 40 48.5’ N / 029 09.0’ E
C: 40 39.9’ N / 029 09.0’ E
D: 40 41.0’ N / 028 10.0’ E
E: 40 51.6’ N / 028 10.0’ E
F: 40 55.1’ N / 028 43.4’ E
G: 40 58.2’ N / 028 43.4’ E

Figure 2 : Istanbul Vessel Traffic Service Area and Sectors

Sector Türkeli
The northern limit of this sector is the northern limit of the Istanbul VTS.
The southern limit of this sector is the line connecting Anadolu Kavağı at ( 41 10.71 N / 29 05.19 E )
and Dikilitaş Light ( 41 10.97 N / 29 04.73 E ).

Sector Kandilli
The northern limit of this sector is the southern limit of sector Türkeli.
The southern limit of this sector is the Boğaziçi Bridge.

Sector Kadiköy
The northern limit of this sector is the southern limit of Sector Kandilli ( Boğaziçi Bridge ).
The southern limit of this sector is the line connecting the following positions.

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 A: 40 52.5’ N / 029 13.8’ E
B: 40 48.5’ N / 029 09.0’ E
C: 40 50.3’ N / 028 52.0’ E
D: 40 55.1’ N / 028 43.4’ E
E: 40 58.2’ N / 028 43.4’ E

Sector Marmara
The northern and eastern limits of this sector is the line connecting the following positions.

A: 40 55.1’ N / 028 43.4’ E

B: 40 50.3’ N / 028 52.0’ E
C: 40 48.5’ N / 029 09.0’ E
D: 40 39.9’ N / 029 09.0’ E

Western limit of this sector is the line connecting the following positions.

A: 40 41.0’ N /028 10.0’ E

B: 40 51.6’ N /028 10.0’ E

Figure 3 : Sector Marmara

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ÇANAKKALE VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE

The sectors of Çanakkale VTS and designated VHF working channels are in the following order from
north to south.

SECTOR NAME WORKING CHANNEL CALL SIGN

GELİBOLU VHF Channel 11 SECTOR GELİBOLU
NARA VHF Channel 12 SECTOR NARA
KUMKALE VHF Channel 13 SECTOR KUMKALE

The northern limits of the Çanakkale VTS is a line connecting the following positions.

A: 40 42.3’ N / 027 18.5’ E (Hoşköy Br.)

B: 40 48.0’ N / 027 38.0’ E
C: 40 51.6’ N / 028 10.0’ E
D: 40 41.0’ N / 028 10.0’ E
E: 40 41.7’ N / 027 38.5’ E
F: 40 39.0’ N / 027 29.4’ E (Hayırsız ada)
G: 40 28.6’ N / 027 17.0’ E (Karaburun)

The southern limits of the Çanakkale VTS is the line connecting the following positions and/or
following the shoreline.
A: 39 44.0’N / 026 09.2’ E
B: 39 44.0’N / 025 55.0’ E
C: 39 52.6’N / 025 47.0’ E
D: 40 06.0’N / 025 47.0’ E
E: 40 09.0’N / 026 00.9’ E
F: 40 09.0’N / 026 14.2’ E

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 Figure 4 : Canakkale Vessel Traffic Service Area and Sectors
Sector Gelibolu

The northern limit of this sector is the northern limit of Çanakkale VTS
The southern limit of this sector is the line joining the following positions.
A: 40 21.56’ N / 026 37.65’ E
B: 40 20.15’ N / 026 39.75’ E
Sector Nara

The northern limit of this sector is the southern limit of sector Gelibolu.
The southern limit of this sector is the line joining the following positions.
A: 40 06.8’ N / 026 20.2’ E
B: 40 05.7’ N / 026 21.75’ E

Sector Kumkale

The northern limit of this sector is the southern limit of sector Nara.
The southern limit of this sector is the southern limit of the Çanakkale VTS.

DEFINITIONS OF MAIN MESSAGE MARKERS USED BY THE VTS

Information: The TSVTS analyses the information collected from different sources and distributes
them to all participant vessels according to their requests and needs. Information may be given by the
TSVTS at regular intervals or as requested by the participants or when deemed necessary by the
TSVTS. The purpose of informing is to facilitate the safe navigation of participant vessels and to
assist the ship masters in taking decisions.

Recommendation: TSVTS operators in charge, in order to prevent a potentially dangerous situation

when deemed necessary, may make recommendations to all participant vessels such as the taking of
a pilot (for active participants only) or regarding maneuvers to be made. Abiding by the
recommendations is solely at the initiative of the master or the person in charge.

Warning: Except of information and recommendation, TSVTS warns vessel when she is running in
to danger or when an imminent emergency situation developing is observed. TSVTS, after issuing a
warning, will monitor whether warning is considered or not and if appropriate maneuvers have been
exercised to prevent the danger.

Instruction: Relevant VTSC may give instructions to all participant vessels upon the development of
an imminent and unavoidable danger, the violation of safety rules and regulations, when a participant
is not or does not seem to be aware of an imminent and obvious danger or in case of a warning is
ignored by a participant vessel.

Vessels; shall obey to instructions given by relevant VTSC unless there is no conflict about safety. If
master will not obey to an instruction for security reasons, he/she shall notify this situation to VTSC
with its causes.

The TSVTS, while providing these services, shall at all times respect the master’s ultimate
responsibility to control his/her vessel and shall exercise care not to interfere with the traditional
master-pilot relationship.

While rendering these services, consideration must be given to master’s responsibility about safe
navigation and shall exercise care not to interfere with the traditional master-pilot relationship.

Taking into consideration that all decisions concerning the safe navigation of a vessel
shall be the sole responsibility of the master; information, recommendations, warnings and
instructions provided by the TSVTS shall n o t relieve the Master responsibility to
command of his/her vessel with his/her professional knowledge and skills and the TSVTS
shall n o t be hold responsible for decisions and actions taken by the Master.
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 SERVICES PROVIDED

Services provided by TSVTS has been defined by considering the regulations and recommendation
of IALA related with VTS and TSVTS has been providing Information, Navigational Assistance and
Traffic Organization Services in accordance with A.857(20) and A.827(19) numbered regulation of
IMO.

Information Service
Marine Traffic information.
Information about the position of a vessel in relation with other vessels.
Information about positions of other vessels by means of distances from own vessel, course and
speed over the ground.
Information about intended movements of other vessels.
Notice to Mariners.
Meteorological information and current situation.
Information about the reported status of aids to navigation.
Any other information when deemed necessary by the TSVTS.

Navigational Assistance Service

Navigational Assistance Service will be provided when severe meteorological situations have been
observed, deficiencies or breakdowns have occurred during the passage of the participants, when
required by the master or when deemed necessary by the TSVTS. With regard to the safety of
navigation, decision making process on the bridge of the participant vessels may be assisted by
providing the following information.
Position information in order to ensure safe navigation of vessels sailing within the TSS
Information about movements of other vessels in the vicinity
Warnings with regard to dangerous situations that might develop

The beginning and ending time of the navigational assistance service must be clearly agreed and
recorded by the Master and TSVTS operator.

Traffic Organization Service

Vessel Sailing Plan and its entry permission, time and date to the Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits.
Any changes in the Sailing Plan.
Necessary operational information to the vessels before entering the Straits related to the traffic
organization.
Operational information to all vessels in Straits according to the Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic
Regulations.
The SP 1 and SP 2 Reports constitute the primary sources for traffic organization service to be
provided by the TSVTS. Sending all these reports timely and accurately will increase the efficiency
of traffic organization.

As vessels not providing timely and accurate information will disrupt the regular flow of maritime
traffic may expose to delays and penalty procedure. After all, vessels not providing timely and
accurate information may create risk in terms of safety of life, property and navigation by endangering
not only their own vessels but also the others.
All these services above are provided on request of Vessels or by TSVTS as deemed
necessary. TSVTS can not be hold as responsible related with services unclaimed.

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 PROCEDURES FOR SHIPS
In General
SP 1 shall be given to the relevant VTSC in accordance with the TUBRAP.
SP 2 shall be given to the relevant VTSC in accordance with the TUBRAP.
Marmara Report ( MARRAP ) shall be given.
Call Point Report shall be given to the relevant VTSC.
AIS device should always be kept in working order within the TSVTS area
VHF channel of the current sector should be listened during navigating or anchorage within the
TSVTS area.
Vessels navigating within the Turkish Straits should continuously monitor all TSVTS broadcasts and
information, recommendations, warnings and instructions given by the TSVTS should be taken into
account in terms of safety of navigation, protection of life and of the environment.
Vessels navigating within the Turkish Straits should report all perils observed related with safety of
navigation to the VTS Centers.
All stopover or non- stopover vessels navigating within the TSS through the Marmara Sea should
report to the relevant VTSC about berthing or mooring to buoys, dropping anchor, turning back or
emergencies and similar exceptional circumstances ,in case of any deviation from the TSS and any
delays on their ETA’s exceeding 2 hours .
All communications concerned with pilotage service should be performed via VHF Channel 71.

For safety of navigation, protection of life and of the environment, pilotage is strongly
recommended to all vessels intending to engage in non-stopover passage through the Turkish
Straits. (IMO Res. A.827 (19))

Anchorage Areas

Anchorage areas and intended uses for İstanbul Strait are as follow:

a) Free anchorage Area of vessels which departs the port and which will stay for a long time;
(Sector B)

41 00 15 N – 028 56 50 E
40 58 15 N – 028 56 50 E
40 56 82 N – 028 53 50 E
40 58 92 N – 028 53 50 E

b) Free anchorage Area of vessels carrying dangerous cargo; (Sector C)

40 58 92 N – 028 53 50 E
40 56 82 N – 028 53 50 E
40 56 12 N – 028 51 95 E
40 55 88 N – 028 50 00 E
40 57 48 N – 028 50 00 E

c) Quarantine Anchorage Area;

40 57 54 N – 028 48 70 E
40 56 10 N – 028 48 70 E
40 56 40 N – 028 47 40 E
40 58 23 N – 028 47 40 E

d) Küçükçekmece Anchorage Area;

40 58 32 N – 028 43 50 E
40 56 90 N – 028 43 50 E
40 56 40 N – 028 47 40 E
40 58 23 N – 028 47 40 E
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 e) Kartal Anchorage Area;
40 53 20 N – 029 11 10 E
40 52 55 N – 029 09 55 E
40 51 00 N – 029 10 30 E
40 51 40 N – 029 12 00 E
40 52 60 N – 029 13 40 E

It is territorial water specified by coordinates; vessels not carrying hazardous cargoes and
departed from Marmara Sea and the ports of İzmit Gulf will pass through Istanbul Strait and the
vessels not carrying hazardous cargoes and navigating at cabotage line can anchor at this area by
the permission of VTS Center.
If the vessels anchored at this area stay at anchor more than 48 hours except imperative
reasons, they will be treated as vessel arriving into port. Vessels at this situation are obliged to get
permission from other related organization/institution.

f) North Entrance of Port Anchorage Areas;

1) Anchorage Area for Vessels Carrying 2) Anchorage Area for Passenger and
Dangerous Cargo Dry Cargo Vessel

41 15 40 N – 028 57 45 E 41 14 90 N – 029 00 00 E
41 17 50 N – 028 57 45 E 41 17 50 N – 029 00 00 E
41 17 50 N – 029 00 00 E 41 17 50 N – 029 02 37 E
41 14 90 N – 029 00 00 E 41 15 90 N – 029 05 00 E
41 15 00 N – 029 05 00 E
Anchorage areas and intended uses for Çanakkale Strait are as follow:
Anchorage Areas for North Entrance of Çanakkale Strait

1) Anchorage Area for Vessels Carrying: 2) Anchorage Area for Passenger and
Dangerous Cargo Dry Cargo Vessels:

40 37' 55N – 027 10' 00 E 40 33' 42 N – 026 59' 80 E

40 32' 65N – 027 00' 00 E 40 36' 45 N – 027 10' 00 E
40 30' 00N – 026 53' 00 E 40 32' 65 N – 027 00' 00 E
40 31' 30N – 026 52' 40 E 40 33' 42 N – 026 59' 80 E

Anchorage Area the Inner of Çanakkale Strait ( Karanlık Liman ) ( Pilotage is compulsory for
anchoring and to weigh anchor in this Anchorage area. )

40 00' 90 N – 026 15' 10 E

40 01' 70 N – 026 17' 40 E
40 03' 07 N – 026 18' 95 E
40 02' 55 N – 026 19' 80 E
40 01' 40 N – 026 18' 75 E
40 00' 30 N – 026 15' 20 E
Anchorage Areas for South Entrance of Çanakkale Strait
1) Anchorage Area for Vessels Carrying: 2) Anchorage Area for Passenger and
Dangerous Cargo Dry Cargo Vessels
39 49' 17 N – 026 00' 00 E 39 48' 10 N – 026 04' 97 E
39 46' 00 N – 025 57' 40 E 39 44' 00 N – 026 01' 90 E
39 46' 90 N – 025 55' 30 E 39 46' 00 N – 025 57' 40 E
39 50' 45 N – 025 53' 40 E 39 49' 17 N – 026 00' 00 E
39 54' 15 N – 025 57' 80 E
39 52' 75 N – 026 00'.00 E
39 50' 40 N – 025 57' 90 E

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Anchoring and Leaving the Anchorage
Anchorage position is determined by the relevant VTSC.
Anchored vessel should report to the relevant VTSC about her anchorage position and time.
Masters should act according to the requirements of “Guidelines for taking a safe anchorage shift”,
by force of the concerned STCW and IMO Circular (STWC Code VIII-A.VIII/2 IMO Circ. STWC. 7 /
Circ.14) while they were at anchor.
Sector channel should be continuously listened while being at anchorage area.
Vessel should inform the VTSC one hour prior to heave up her anchor.
When vessel heaved up anchor, she should notify the time of heaving, arrival port and ETA for
entrance of Strait to the relevant VTSC and she should take information about maritime traffic.
Vessels having non-stopover passage through the Turkish Straits may stay at anchor up to 48 hours
without taking Free Pratique provided that having permission from the relevant VTSC.

Berthing and Unberthing

Vessels should notify the time of berthing to the relevant VTSC while being alongside to any port at
Turkish Straits. Listening the sector channel is not obligatory while being in port.
Vessels leaving the pier should report their time of departure, arrival port and ETA for entrance of
Strait to the relevant VTSC and should proceed by having traffic information.

Slowing Down
Immediate notice should be given to the relevant VTS Center when a vessel has to slow down within
the Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits. The VTS Center provide information, recommendations and
instructions by evaluating the traffic situation.

Overtaking
Vessels shall not overtake another vessel unless there is an absolute necessity. Vessel which is in
the necessity of overtaking other ahead vessel navigating slowly, should take permission from the
relevant VTS Center. Passage permission given vessel by the VTS Center, shall try to pass the
vessel ahead within the single course.
However, the vessel will not be overtaken between Vaniköy and Kanlica in Istanbul Strait and
between Nara and Kilitbahir in Çanakkale Strait.

Reporting Accidents
An accident occurred within the TSVTS area should be immediately notified to the TSVTS in her own
sector by both the vessel(s) involved in the accident and the witness vessel(s). The TSVTS is the first
contact point in terms of the necessary precautions that can be taken and the minimization of any
happened or probable loss of lives and property in the accident and the protection of the
environment.

In Case of Run Aground

Vessel running aground within the TSVTS area;

1) Immediately notify the relevant VTS Center.

2) Never make intervention to such operations like; refloating operations, ballast operation, cargo
discharge/transfer, use the engine except necessary precautions for the protection of
environment and safety of life provided that not using any chemical material, and waits
information/recommendations/instructions from the relevant VTS Center. Vessel run aground is
liable to obey instructions given by the VTS Center.
3) If the master requests to salve the vessel with her own means, he/she is liable to submit salvage
plan to Technical Committee in maximum 3 hours after getting underwater survey report,.

In Case of Failure
Vessel making failure within the TSVTS area;

1) Immediately gives information to relevant VTS Center.

2) In case of failure in the Traffic Separation Schemes in Marmara Sea, maximum 2 hours are given
to the vessel in order to repair herself and if she couldn’t do within the prescribed time she is liable
to obey to instructions given by the relevant VTS Center.

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Reporting Incidents and Marine Pollution
If any incident occurs within the TSVTS area that may affect the safe manoeuvre capability of vessels
negatively or if any situation occur which may expose to a danger to the marine environment and
surrounding areas, situation should be immediately notified by vessel(s) to the TSVTS in order to take
necessary precautions on time.

Local Marine Traffic

Ferries, conventional ferries, sea buses, passenger boats engaged in regular voyages, tankers
delivery oil-bunker fuel-water supplies to the vessels, pleasure crafts, fishing boats, agent boats,
boats belongs to government, tug boats, vessels belonging to non-governmental organizations,
vessels engaged in underwater and survey operations and all other similar vessels within the
administrative zone of İstanbul Port.

All vessels that compose local marine traffic should listen current VHF channel, whether it is under
SOLAS Convention or not.

Sanitary Inspections
Vessels that will pass through the Turkish Straits shall be subject to Sanitary Inspections in the
places stated at Turkish Straits Marine Traffic Regulation in accordance with the 1936 Montreux
Convention.

Tele-Health
24 hours uninterrupted medical consultation service to all health problems that can be occurred at
marine and air vehicles during the navigation, medical rescue at sea and sea ambulance services are
given by the Tele-Health Center.

Contact Areas with Agent

During passage through Turkish Straits, vessels shall not make agent contact except anchorage
areas in compliance with the items 40 and 48 of TSMTR unless it is obligatory.
In obligatory cases; the most starboard side of their traffic separation schemes by taking permission
from VTS Center, obeying traffic separation schemes and without affecting navigational
circumstances, and within the time period and position defined as follow:

While passing through Istanbul Strait;

In the South, at the west of the longitude passing through the Kumkapı Barınak Light, not exceeding
1 hour;
In the North, on the north of the line connecting Hamsi Limanı and Fil Burnu, not exceeding 15
minutes;

While passing through Çanakkale Strait;

In the south of the line connecting Kanlidere Light to Karanfil Light not exceeding 1 hour;
vessels can make agent contact.

Fishing Boats
Regardless of her length, any vessel engaged in fishing shall not fishing within the TSS and shall not
impede the passage of other vessels while navigating outer limit of TSS .

Sailing and under oars vessels navigating

Navigating by sail or under oars, swimming and fishing within the Turkish Straits TSS is prohibited.
However, sailing, rowing and swimming competitions conducted for sporting purposes and
demonstrations and ceremonies are subject to the permission of Administration and arrangement to
be made.

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 IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL VHF CHANNELS

06 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND SEARCH & RESCUE CHANNEL

08 COAST GUARD CHANNEL

09 IDO SERVİCE (CONVENTIONAL FERRY) CHANNEL

16 INTERNATIONAL CALLING AND DISTRESS CHANNEL

67 METEOROLOGY CHANNEL

68 AGENCY SERVİCES

69 SHIPYARD / SHIP BUILT - REPAIR

71 PILOT STATION CHANNEL ( ISTANBUL AND ÇANAKKALE )

72 LOCAL TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTER (İSTANBUL) AND YACHT CHANNEL

73 YACHT CHANNEL

74 PORT PILOT (İSTANBUL) CHANNEL

77 FISHER CHANNEL

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF COASTAL SAFETY PHONE: 0-212-292 52 80 PBX

WEB : www.kegm.gov.tr

HAREM EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATION 0-216-341 11 42

MARMARA ISLAND EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATION 0-266-885 56 20

YOMBURNU RESQUE STATION 0-216- 536 02 19

RUMELİ FENERİ RESQUE STATION 0-212- 228 21 27

KEFKEN RESQUE STATION 0-262- 566 78 99

ŞİLE RESQUE STATION 0-216- 711 51 95

KİLYOS RESQUE STATION 0-212- 201 25 57

RUMELİ KARABURUN RESQUE STATION 0-121- 762 20 87

LAPSEKİ RESQUE STATION 0-286- 512 51 77

LIGHTHOUSE NOTIFICATION 151 ( Free of Charge)

DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION-AIR 0-212- 455 13 20/21/22
AND SEA POLLUTION

TELE HEALTH PHONE: 0-212- 444 83 53

MAIL : [email protected]

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