jimbaerselman
Well-Known Member
Talking about whether a fine may be paid . . . a better wording in my text would probably be to say "avoid the risk of paying a penalty/fine".
Leaving boat in Turkey - In Bond
- Thread starter Sy-Revolution
- Start date
Talking about whether a fine may be paid . . . a better wording in my text would probably be to say "avoid the risk of paying a penalty/fine".
satsuma
Well-Known Member
Absolutely, and the best way to avoid it, is to speak to the marina first and find one that is more relaxed! rather than pay out money, assuming you will be fined because there may be some vague regulation somewhere, that might, if interpreted in one direction, perhaps cause a fine!
The trouble with the UK, is that all rules and regulations, no matter how trivial are enforced, regardless of circumstance! (other than being drunk in public it seems!) The bigger problem being, that some visitors from the UK, also bring their own "values" and preconceptions with them, and assume that if there is a rule, then it must be obeyed! The downside to this outlook, is that the laws in Turkey are more like "guidance", and require individuals to think for themselves!
For instance, the law says you should stop at a red traffic light! Common sense and local interpretation, "allows" you to drive trough a red light if there is nothing else coming!
Appleyard
Well-Known Member
This is similar to our experience,we sail spring and autumn and leave the boat (on the hard) between times.We get a form from the yard and SWMBO takes it to the customs and harbourmaster offices where it is stamped etc. The transit log is held by the customs guy and when we return we go back to his office and he stamps it & returns it to us,no need for an agent & the whole process is straightforward up till now touch wood.
Squeaky
Well-Known Member
Good morning:
Some of the above seems to suggest that there is no penalty for allowing your transit log to lapse. Well, there certainly is a penalty if you allow this to happen in Marmaris - I forget the amount of the fine/penalty however I had to pay several years ago even though the transit log was only a few days out of date.
The understanding in Marmaris is that once you put your yacht in bond the transit log can run out during your absence and you simply have to get a new one on return. If you leave the transit log on board and it runs out while you are absent, you will pay a penalty in Marmaris.
There are few things in the world that really annoys me but this business of being forced to employ an agent simply to have the transit log recorded in the centralized system really gets up my nose. What in heck good does it do for the authorities to be able to access the information for all foreign yachts in Turkey from a central computer. Guess some "plug" decided that they should join the crowd and have everything on their computer data base without thinking through the procedure. Bit like the bright idea of Blue Cards - legislate and then think.
Cheers
Squeaky
Some of the above seems to suggest that there is no penalty for allowing your transit log to lapse. Well, there certainly is a penalty if you allow this to happen in Marmaris - I forget the amount of the fine/penalty however I had to pay several years ago even though the transit log was only a few days out of date.
The understanding in Marmaris is that once you put your yacht in bond the transit log can run out during your absence and you simply have to get a new one on return. If you leave the transit log on board and it runs out while you are absent, you will pay a penalty in Marmaris.
There are few things in the world that really annoys me but this business of being forced to employ an agent simply to have the transit log recorded in the centralized system really gets up my nose. What in heck good does it do for the authorities to be able to access the information for all foreign yachts in Turkey from a central computer. Guess some "plug" decided that they should join the crowd and have everything on their computer data base without thinking through the procedure. Bit like the bright idea of Blue Cards - legislate and then think.
Cheers
Squeaky
satsuma
Well-Known Member
The "suggestion" is quite correct, there are places in Turkey where there is no penalty applied if your transit log lapses, likewise there are areas of the coast where they don't care if you have updated your transit log or not! Ask locally and you will find these things out!
Marmaris, is a particular enclave that will insist on this kind of procedure being followed, they will also insist on any number of other law or rule enforcements, according to their own definition!
The Turkish transit log system is very old (originally for commercial traffic, so no allowance for the leisure industry!) and has not been updated properly for some time. If you ask at the harbour masters office, respectfully, (because you are in their country after all!) they are usually willing to do the transit log without an agent! If you take a good looking women with you, even more so!
Personally, I find that the 30 euros to pay an agent to run around on my behalf in the sun and the heat for half a day, well worth it!
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BlackSheep1
Active Member
We had to return home last month and had our boat lifted out in Yat lift E of Bodrum. We had to take our transit log to customs in Bodrum who keep it till out return when we have to go retrieve it.This cost us nothing and Yat lift completed the minimal paper work for us. Apparently this is Turkish law if you leave the country but boat stays. Dont quote me though.
satsuma
Well-Known Member
Sorry I couldn't help, but quote you!
I have a good friend that is keeping his boat in Yat Marin, no surrender of transit log! I come and go from Turkey as I please, never once have I surrendered my transit log!
The "LAW" says that if you go to Turkey, and travel directly to a port of entry to stay, then leave the country (without any plan or intention to travel around Turkey) You do not need a transit log!
Depending on where you are, and which marina you talk to, you "might" have some luck with quoting the law! But don't hold your breath!
jimbaerselman
Well-Known Member
So, what you're saying is that if you don't want to cruise in Turkey, you don't need a transit log. Hmm. That makes sense if you arrive in a port, put the boat into bond, then return to collect it later to depart from Turkish waters.
If you have a transit log, there's no need to surrender it when you leave the country, as long as the log doesn't expire while you're away. If it does, you run the risk of a fine for being in Turkey, not in bond, and without a current log . . .
If you have a transit log, there's no need to surrender it when you leave the country, as long as the log doesn't expire while you're away. If it does, you run the risk of a fine for being in Turkey, not in bond, and without a current log . . .
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Appleyard
Well-Known Member
Q.E.D.
xtiffer
Well-Known Member
Having lived in Marmaris for 20 years my experience is
that the law can change almost daily. The interpretation of the,law by each official depends on many factors. A smile and respect for authority always helps. Money sometimes helps.
The assistance of someone higher up the scale removes the problem.
As the French would say "chacun a son gout".
Cheers,
Chris
that the law can change almost daily. The interpretation of the,law by each official depends on many factors. A smile and respect for authority always helps. Money sometimes helps.
The assistance of someone higher up the scale removes the problem.
As the French would say "chacun a son gout".
Cheers,
Chris
PaulJ
Well-Known Member
Alanya
We checked into Turkey at Alanya. They handled all the paperwork for us, including the Transit Log, and all seemed very efficient. We left the boat there for a couple of weeks when we flew back to the UK and we surrendered the Transit Log to the marina....... I have no idea what they did with it but I'm sure the boat was not "in bond". Longer term, I am not sure what would happen but I am sure that the marina would handle it for you.
Facilities at Alanya Marina are excellent but it is a noisy place and the town is ghastly....... Wall to wall tourist hotels but most things are available if you search for long enough.
Paul.
We checked into Turkey at Alanya. They handled all the paperwork for us, including the Transit Log, and all seemed very efficient. We left the boat there for a couple of weeks when we flew back to the UK and we surrendered the Transit Log to the marina....... I have no idea what they did with it but I'm sure the boat was not "in bond". Longer term, I am not sure what would happen but I am sure that the marina would handle it for you.
Facilities at Alanya Marina are excellent but it is a noisy place and the town is ghastly....... Wall to wall tourist hotels but most things are available if you search for long enough.
Paul.
Squeaky
Well-Known Member
Good morning:
PaulJ: I have no idea what they did with it but I'm sure the boat was not "in bond".
If you have no idea of what the marina did with the Transit Log, how can you be sure it was not placed in bond by them?
Cheers
Squeaky
PaulJ: I have no idea what they did with it but I'm sure the boat was not "in bond".
If you have no idea of what the marina did with the Transit Log, how can you be sure it was not placed in bond by them?
Cheers
Squeaky
satsuma
Well-Known Member
Because they would have charged him for the service!
Incidentaly, just spoken to a friend of mine who has kept his boat at yachtmarin for the last three months. He took his transit log with him when he left the country! No penalty, problem or issue on his return!
xtiffer
Well-Known Member
Just didn't get caught or professionally lucky or knows someone high up the tree.
Cheers,
Chris
satsuma
Well-Known Member
Caught! This implies doing something wrong in the first place!
I agree, the interpretation of the rules surroundıng leisure craft ın Turkey can be "wide ranging", depending on who you speak to and what part of the coast you find yourself, Marmaris seeming to be the least flexible in this (especially where they can make money!)
The main problem being the transfer of shipping regulations onto leisure vessels, which is what the transit log was originally from.
If, at your port of entry to Turkey, they include details of the vessel onto the passport of the captain or owner, this is clear indication that you have to put the vessel in bond if you leave the country without the vessel (or transfer captaincy under a new transit log)!
If they don't do this (put the vessel details in your passport), they consider you a leisure vessel (not commercial, chartered etc) the owner/captain can leave the country without any other formalities.
However if you are leaving the country for any length of time (whatever that means, I'm assuming more than 3 months or so!) then you should (not must!) surrender your transit log to the marina! This is not in bond! It is giving the authorities someone to contact (who can contact you) over any number of issues, not least of which, if someone else sinks your boat! It is making someone (who is actually in the country) responsible for your vessel.
The Marmaris region, as I said is the worst for (mis) interpretation of the rules (was Datca)! This relaxes either side, along the coast of the Aegean into the other regions. It is the downside to having a large waterbased tourist industry and frequent visitors from the greek islands! The south coast is significantly less inhibited, with the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea even less so, I am given to understand!
Please don't believe that knowing the rules will change much, and for your own sakes don't try to argue the point with any uniformed officials (or the harbour master), just be aware that there are more "relaxed" and usually cheaper places to go in Turkey! It is a beautiful country with significantly more coastline than the Aegean after all!
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Norman_E
Well-Known Member
I am still in Marmaris, and to revive this old thread I have just checked the local interpretation, which is that if you are going to leave the boat and will not return before the transit log expires, them you must put it into bond or face a penalty when you return and need a new transit log. If you have a valid transit log and intend to return before it expires then you do not have to bond in. The customs agent at Yachtmarine advises bonding in to avoid a penalty in case circumstances delay your return, which is fair enough. As my log runs until almost the end of May, and only death or disablement are likely to stop me coming back to sail, I decided not to bond in. (If dead or disabled I won't care about any penalty.)
coolkick
New Member
Wintering procedure
Dear Mr J C Kaye-Morrell,
When I was surfing around on internet, I came across with this forum and saw your command about myself. At that time, I have also made some researches about your question and replied you, but seems like you have not received it, and made this comment.
In Marinas, what you mean by bond is called ''wintering procedure'', so wintering term is commonly used in Marinas.What ''wintering procedure'' means is; Legally, if the yacht has a foreign flag with a valid transit log, and the owner of the yacht/captain will leave the country(Turkey)even for a short time, then legally the owner/captain has to come and report this to the Marina office. The original transit log(valid dates on it) has to be submitted and some documents,handed by the Marina office, need to be completed and signed.
In Alanya Marina, our office staff will assist you to compelete these documents(for free), and if you would like to complete this procedure yourself, you will be expalined how to do and which authorities to visit. Or If you want the agent to do it for you ( 25TL fee in Alanya Marina ), then the agent will do it for you. At the end, your transit log will be kept by the customs office, and will be given back to you, when you are back to Alanya , Turkey. And when you are back, if you do not want to sail around for a reason, then it can continue staying under wintering procedure. But, if you want to sail around, then you will do vice versa; visiting the office and ask the office to have it unregistered off the customs records. Then complete some forms and have the agent(25TL fee) or yourself do it(for free).
The advantage of registering your yacht under wintering procedure is; As you all know, a transit log is only good for a year. After having your yacht registered under wintering procedure, even your transit log expires, while you are away, then when you are back, you only pay for a new transit log, no penalty will be charged to you. But, if you do not have it registered under wintering procedure, then you will be charged for a new transit log, as well as a penalty. If you have your yacht registered under wintering procedure, and has not expired yet,then after you are back, you will have your transit log back by an agent or yourself, then you can continue using your transit log.
I have explained all these in my email to you, but seems like you have not received it, anway...Savas
Dear Mr J C Kaye-Morrell,
When I was surfing around on internet, I came across with this forum and saw your command about myself. At that time, I have also made some researches about your question and replied you, but seems like you have not received it, and made this comment.
In Marinas, what you mean by bond is called ''wintering procedure'', so wintering term is commonly used in Marinas.What ''wintering procedure'' means is; Legally, if the yacht has a foreign flag with a valid transit log, and the owner of the yacht/captain will leave the country(Turkey)even for a short time, then legally the owner/captain has to come and report this to the Marina office. The original transit log(valid dates on it) has to be submitted and some documents,handed by the Marina office, need to be completed and signed.
In Alanya Marina, our office staff will assist you to compelete these documents(for free), and if you would like to complete this procedure yourself, you will be expalined how to do and which authorities to visit. Or If you want the agent to do it for you ( 25TL fee in Alanya Marina ), then the agent will do it for you. At the end, your transit log will be kept by the customs office, and will be given back to you, when you are back to Alanya , Turkey. And when you are back, if you do not want to sail around for a reason, then it can continue staying under wintering procedure. But, if you want to sail around, then you will do vice versa; visiting the office and ask the office to have it unregistered off the customs records. Then complete some forms and have the agent(25TL fee) or yourself do it(for free).
The advantage of registering your yacht under wintering procedure is; As you all know, a transit log is only good for a year. After having your yacht registered under wintering procedure, even your transit log expires, while you are away, then when you are back, you only pay for a new transit log, no penalty will be charged to you. But, if you do not have it registered under wintering procedure, then you will be charged for a new transit log, as well as a penalty. If you have your yacht registered under wintering procedure, and has not expired yet,then after you are back, you will have your transit log back by an agent or yourself, then you can continue using your transit log.
I have explained all these in my email to you, but seems like you have not received it, anway...Savas
Marsupial
Well-Known Member
Just for completeness and peace of mind to everyone in Turkey.
As the previous poster points out you don't have to put your boat in bond when you leave the country if your Transit Log will not have expired by the time you plan to return. So no problem unless the boat is on your passport.
HOWEVER, its wise to put your boat into bond every time you leave Turkey - WHY? because you will have the entire coast guard agency and harbour master system looking after it - if it moves they will be on it in a flash to collect the fine for moving a boat in bond - thieves beware. AND it costs nothing.
ALSO if your plans change and you return after your transit log expires you will not face a penalty.
As the previous poster points out you don't have to put your boat in bond when you leave the country if your Transit Log will not have expired by the time you plan to return. So no problem unless the boat is on your passport.
HOWEVER, its wise to put your boat into bond every time you leave Turkey - WHY? because you will have the entire coast guard agency and harbour master system looking after it - if it moves they will be on it in a flash to collect the fine for moving a boat in bond - thieves beware. AND it costs nothing.
ALSO if your plans change and you return after your transit log expires you will not face a penalty.
Artic Warrior
Well-Known Member
Im in Yat marine,and i accidently over ran my transitlog last year and returned back to my boat 4 months after it had lapsed,
and had my wrist slapped and was fines 50 euro. so not so bad really, as heard it can be a large penalty
and had my wrist slapped and was fines 50 euro. so not so bad really, as heard it can be a large penalty
