The Turkish Pilots Association launched the 17th Commemoration of Maritime Martyrs and Pilots Week events on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Tuzla Campus of Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty.

In the opening speech held on the first day of the events, the Association's Board President Nildeniz Sütçü Şen highlighted the importance of the pilotage profession with the slogan of the week, 'Safety at Sea is Not a Coincidence,' and addressed the negative impacts of recent tender processes on the profession and colleagues.

Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan, in his speech, expressed that the return of the pilot renewal training previously provided by universities is of great importance in terms of knowledge transfer, academic contribution, and professional development.

Ahmet Porsuk, the Tuzla Port President representing the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, also emphasized the critical role of pilotage in maritime safety in his speech.

Additionally, Recep Düzgit, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, and Miguel Vieira de Castro, President of the European Maritime Pilots’ Association, also delivered speeches at the ceremony.

During the ceremony, medals were presented to pilot captains who retired due to age, and plaques of appreciation were given to industry representatives who sponsored the events. Following the speeches, a wreath was laid at sea in memory of the maritime martyrs who have passed away.

The first day's events concluded with a panel held at the Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty.

The events of the 17th Commemoration of Maritime Martyrs and Pilots Week will continue with programs at Piri Reis University on May 12 and at Dokuz Eylul University Maritime Faculty on May 14.

On the final day of the events, May 15, the Association's Board and pilot captains will visit Anıtkabir to pay their respects to the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye