Turkish yacht captains are migrating abroad due to low wages and job insecurity, raising concerns over the skilled workforce in the maritime sector.
The migration of qualified personnel in the maritime sector has become a significant concern. According to a report by Recep Erçin from Dünya Gazetesi, yacht captains are increasingly heading to Egypt and Gulf countries, following trends in the ready-to-wear and tourism sectors, due to low wages and seasonal working conditions.
Ahead of the upcoming 'Boat Show' in Yenikapı, Yusuf Ziya Karagöz, Chairman of the Turkish Yacht Captains and Employees Association (TYKÇD), emphasized the alarming loss of skilled human resources. The report indicates that the number of Turkish captains in Egypt has reached notable levels.
Karagöz highlighted the legal gaps and income inequality within the sector, stating, “Yacht captains are in the same situation as seasonal workers. On one hand, captains on a limited number of luxury yachts can earn between 5,000 to 10,000 euros, while a large segment works like seasonal personnel for 60,000 lira per month. Like seasonal workers, there is no insurance. We had no security, and it has only just begun.”
He provided a striking example from the banking system regarding professional recognition, explaining the challenges faced by captains: “When a captain tries to perform transactions in a mobile bank, while professions like carpenter and gardener are listed, the profession of captaincy is not among the options,” Karagöz stated. “Salaries also vary. Earnings differ between gulets and other commercial vessels. A qualified captain with English skills can earn up to 5,000 or even 10,000 euros on a good yacht. However, there are those who should be earning this much but are forced to work seasonally for 60,000 lira.”
Despite the influx of 'certified but inexperienced' personnel in the sector, Karagöz noted that qualified captains are leaving for opportunities abroad, sharing the following data: “We are exporting personnel to the world. We have over 200 captains in Egypt and colleagues working in Malta, Italy, and the Caribbean. However, we struggle to make our voices heard. There is both a labor shortage and an excess of personnel in the sector. This is due to the imbalance in the ratio of education and certification. Amateur sailors and inexperienced sailors have been mixed up. There are many certified individuals, but the number of knowledgeable people is low.”
According to the report, Murat Arslan, CEO of Artı Fuarcılık, addressed the commercial volume of the sector. Speaking ahead of the fair to be held at the Yenikapı Expo Center from December 13-21, Arslan summarized the export figures: “In the first 10 months of 2025, total sector exports reached 1.8 billion dollars, the highest level in its history. This year, we are targeting double-digit growth in ship and yacht exports, and we believe that the fair will significantly contribute to this goal.”
Evaluating the situation for Dünya Gazetesi, Başaran Bayrak, Vice President of the Ship, Yacht, and Services Exporters Union, linked employment abroad to the success of the Turkish yacht industry. Bayrak explained, “It is true that our exports of yacht captains and yacht personnel have increased somewhat. Captains and other crew members who are proficient in languages and well-trained are always accepted. The reason captains are going to Egypt is due to yacht owners positioning their vessels there. There is no particular situation of going to Egypt. Arab buyers prefer Turkish personnel based on their experience to use the yachts they purchase from Turkey.”
Bayrak also pointed out the educational infrastructure, stating, “In our country, there are nearly 10 bachelor’s programs, around 50 associate degree programs, and technical schools providing maritime education, and young graduates from these institutions can find jobs all over the world.”
Source: www.denizhaber.com
