A sailing boat near Turgutreis faces an 8,000 TL fine for overstaying, with owner claiming three years, raising legal concerns.
BODRUM – An administrative fine of 8,000 TL was imposed on a sailing boat that has been anchored off Turgutreis for a long time. The statement from the boat owner claiming, 'I have been here for about 3 years,' has intensified the debate. Tuna Altunkaya, the President of the Bodrum Mariners Association, evaluated both the details of the imposed fine and the potential legal consequences in his statement.
The fine was set at the lower limit; the upper limit is 605,000 TL.
Altunkaya noted that the 8,000 TL fine imposed by the Coast Guard is the lowest limit according to the regulations, emphasizing that the fine for the same violation could rise to 605,000 TL. He also stated that the Port Authority approved this action, saying, 'A quite understanding application has been made.'
The regulation is clear: there is a 15-day limit.
According to Article 22 of the Ports Regulation, a sea vessel can stay in the same area outside of permitted anchorage zones for a maximum of 15 days. This period can be extended once more with the approval of the port authority, but cannot exceed a total of 30 days.
The complaint came from the public.
Altunkaya pointed out that the inspection was conducted directly following a complaint. He highlighted that there is a public swimming beach right next to the area where the boat is located, stating, 'The complaint came from citizens using that beach. This is the most important issue.'
'It is risky for its own safety as well.'
Altunkaya emphasized that the location of the boat is not suitable from a security standpoint, noting that the area is prone to drifting and poses risks to both the boat and personal safety in adverse weather conditions.
Long-term anchoring affects the environment.
He indicated that long-term anchoring near a swimming area could lead to environmental pollution and expressed that the boat's proximity to the marina entrance negatively impacts maritime traffic as well.
The statement 'I have been here for 3 years' could initiate a new process.
According to Altunkaya, the critical point is the statement made by the boat owner. He mentioned that the expression 'I have been here for about 2-3 years' could trigger a new legal process, stating that after a complaint is made to the Port Authority, the boat's waste records and documents could be examined, which could lead to more severe penalties.
'Where did it dispose of its waste?'
Altunkaya emphasized that the following questions have arisen after the statement: 'Where did it dispose of its waste for 3 years? Are the blue card transactions regular? Are there any deficiencies in its documents? When these are examined, different penalties may also come into play.'
The association sends a clear message: 'We are against stays exceeding 15 days.'
Altunkaya stated that the Bodrum Mariners Association has a clear stance against long-term anchoring, saying, 'We are against all boats that stay over 15 days, whether commercial or private. This is an occupation.'
The 'invasive species' campaign will continue.
Altunkaya announced that the 'invasive yacht type' campaign initiated by the association at the beginning of the last season will continue this year, emphasizing that uncontrolled and long-term moored boats threaten both the environment and the marine ecosystem.
In conclusion, although the 8,000 TL fine was imposed at the lower limit, the boat owner's statement of 'I have been here for 3 years' could lead to the reopening of the case and the possibility of much higher fines being imposed.
Source: Yatmarina.com.tr
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
