Mariners are advised to navigate cautiously due to ROV surveys by the 'OCTOPUS' vessel from Oct 1-20, 2026, on the Salacak-Sarayburnu route.
The İMEAK Chamber of Shipping has issued a warning to mariners to exercise caution while navigating due to survey and imaging works that will be conducted with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) using the diving vessel named 'OCTOPUS' between October 1 and October 20, 2026, on the Salacak-Sarayburnu pipeline. In the circular based on a letter from the Istanbul Regional Port Authority dated October 2, 2026, it is stated that the works will be carried out during the daytime and under suitable weather conditions, in coordination with the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, and that a rescue boat must be present in the area for navigation safety.
The circular is as follows:
In the letter numbered 4008459 dated 02.10.2026 sent to our Chamber by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Istanbul Regional Port Authority; it is expressed that a work permit is requested for the diving vessel named 'OCTOPUS' for underwater survey and imaging works on the Salacak - Sarayburnu Pipeline within the coordinates A) 41°01'03.62" N - 029°00'30.91" E B) 41°00'58.02" N - 028°59'13.66" E between the dates of September 29, 2026, and October 20, 2026.
Furthermore, the letter states that for this reason, the aforementioned works should be carried out between October 1, 2026, and October 20, 2026;
- All necessary precautions must be taken regarding navigation, safety of life, property, and the environment, as well as occupational health and safety,
- The work activities must be conducted during daylight conditions and under suitable weather conditions,
- All national/international documents of the vessel and watercraft conducting the work, as well as the crew's certifications, must be current and valid,
- All arrangements/measures must be taken according to COLREG for the marine vessel conducting the work, and their continuity must be ensured,
- If diving is to be conducted during the work, a separate diving permit must be obtained from the Istanbul Regional Port Authority,
- All necessary measures must be taken to prevent any marine and environmental pollution (not using materials that dissolve in seawater and contain harmful substances, and measures to protect ecological and oceanographic characteristics),
- Written information must be provided to the Istanbul Regional Port Authority upon completion of the work,
- Compliance with all instructions and recommendations given by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety (Ship Traffic Services Operations Directorate) and working in a coordinated manner,
- A rescue boat must be present in the marine area to ensure control of local traffic and navigation safety during the dates and times of the work,
- All necessary precautions must be taken to prevent any risk to navigation, safety of life, property, and the environment, and it must be known that the responsibility lies with the officials of Lenta Marine Unmanned Underwater Systems Ltd. Co.
In this regard, it is reported that the work of the specified vessel within the scope of this job has been deemed appropriate by the Istanbul Regional Port Authority, provided that the necessary permissions are obtained from all relevant institutions/organizations; it is requested that mariners using the area be alerted regarding navigation safety and to navigate cautiously in the region concerning the upcoming work.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
