The Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Equipment of Pleasure Craft and the Qualifications of Operators (the “Amending Regulation“) was published in the Official Gazette dated 17 January 2026 and numbered 33140, and will enter into force on 17 July 2026.
The amendments introduce comprehensive updates regarding the amateur seafarer certificate (“ADB“) system, training and examination processes, the principles governing the use and equipment of pleasure craft, as well as the inspection and administrative sanctions regime.
Amateur Seafarer Certificates (ADB 10 – ADB 24) Regime
Under the new regulation, the ADB system has been consolidated into two distinct certificate categories based on vessel length:
- ADB 10 is issued for the navigation and operation of pleasure craft with an overall length of up to 10 meters (inclusive), and applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
- ADB 24 is mandatory for pleasure craft with a hull length of up to 24 meters (inclusive), and applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have held an ADB 10 for a minimum of 12 months. In this context, any discrepancy between the ADB held and the length of the vessel being operated has been designated as a matter directly subject to administrative sanctions.
Training, Practical Application and Examination Process
The Amending Regulation explicitly defines the ADB acquisition process as theoretical training + practical training + examination.
Theoretical training is completed online through the Amateur Seafarer Information System (“ADBS”); candidates who complete the theoretical training are required to participate in practical training determined by the Administration within 90 days. Following completion of the training, candidates take an online examination through ADBS; a minimum score of 70 out of 100 is required to pass.
Transitional Regime for Existing ADB Holders
The Amending Regulation provides a transitional system that preserves acquired rights for ADBs issued prior to the effective date, while establishing time-bound consequences. Accordingly, if existing ADB holders fail to complete the ADB 24 theoretical training and renew their certificates within five years from the date the Regulation enters into force, their existing certificates will be deemed equivalent to an ADB 10 certificate.
Use and Authorization of Pleasure Craft
The matter of allowing third parties to operate pleasure craft has been placed within a written and official framework. Accordingly, with the exception of spouses and children, a notarized or harbor master-approved authorization letter (Annex-1) must be issued for the vessel to be operated by another person.
Furthermore, regarding the number of persons permitted on board during navigation, for vessels with a declaration of conformity, the capacity stated in the document shall apply; for vessels without a declaration of conformity, the rule of one person per meter shall apply, and this number shall in no case exceed twelve persons.
Safety Equipment and Inspections
While the minimum safety equipment obligation is maintained, these obligations are now directly regulated as an annex to the Regulation. In cases where the safety equipment listed in Annex-2 is not present on the vessel, navigation shall not be permitted and an administrative fine calculated on a per-meter basis shall be imposed on the vessel owner.
Regulation on Presentation of ADB
The requirement to carry a physical ADB has been effectively abolished; a printout with a QR code obtained through e-Government now serves as a substitute for the ADB during inspections.
Increased Severity of Administrative Sanctions
The Regulation has significantly increased administrative sanctions, particularly with respect to the prohibition of commercial use, unauthorized operation, navigation under the influence of alcohol, and conduct endangering safety. In this context, monetary fines calculated on a per-meter basis according to vessel length, together with certificate suspension sanctions, have been prescribed:
Violations relating to certificate-vessel incompatibility:
Operating a pleasure craft without a certificate, navigating with a suspended certificate, or operating a vessel exceeding the length permitted by the certificate held have each been defined as separate violations and are subject to administrative fines calculated on a per-meter basis according to the overall length of the vessel.
Suspension and revocation of certificates:
Certificates may be temporarily suspended in cases such as loss of health conditions, navigation under the influence of alcohol, exceeding speed limits, or operation that endangers navigation safety. Upon elimination of the cause of suspension, the certificate shall regain validity. In cases of certificate revocation, obtaining a new certificate is conditional upon completion of training and examination requirements.
Certificates Issued by Foreign Countries
The Regulation provides that pleasure craft operation certificates issued by foreign administrations may be recognized on the basis of reciprocity. In this context, the assessment of equivalence of such certificates is conducted by the Administration; harbor masters are authorized to request verification in cases where doubts arise regarding the validity or authenticity of the certificate. Usage rights associated with the certificate may be suspended until verification is obtained.
Conclusion
Rather than fundamentally altering the framework for amateur maritime activities, the Amending Regulation renders existing rules clearer, more digital, and supported by sanctions. While daily practice is largely preserved for amateur seafarers operating in compliance with the rules, compliance obligations have notably increased with respect to certificate type-vessel compatibility, authorization, and safety equipment.
The full text of the Amending Regulation is available here.
