Recep Düzgit, a candidate for president of the IMEAK Chamber of Maritime Commerce, drew attention to regulations affecting the yacht sector in a public announcement he issued regarding the Ship Agency Regulation process. Düzgit announced that, in line with the sector’s recommendations, the definition of a Class C Yacht Agent had been added to the regulation, the authorization criteria had been revised, and Class C Yacht Agents were now permitted to provide agency services to all yachts, including those transiting the Turkish Straits.
The definition of a Class C Yacht Agency has been included in the regulation
According to Düzgit’s statement, the provision added to the regulation Class C Yacht Brokerage Minimum and practical authorization criteria appropriate to the nature of yacht agency operations were established, along with their definitions. The regulation also paved the way for Class C Yacht Agencies to provide agency services to all yachts, including those transiting the Turkish Straits.
License fees have been reduced
The public announcement noted that, in line with the industry’s initiatives, fees for authorization certificates have also been reduced.
| Certificate Class | Draft Regulation | Final Regulation | Discount Rate |
| Class A | 900,000 TL | 300,000 TL | %66,7 |
| Class B | 600,000 TL | 200,000 TL | %66,7 |
| Class C | 300,000 TL | 150,000 TL | %50,0 |
Changes to the Capital Requirement
Düzgit, the provisions in the initial draft that require at least 50 percentconsist of cash or investment instruments that can be easily converted into cash, as well as the provisions stipulating that the authorization certificate would be revoked if the capital fell below the specified limits at any time, were not included in the final regulation in light of the sector’s objections.
The statement also noted that, according to a letter from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs dated July 24, 2026, the number of eligible degree programs has been increased, and it has been clarified that the annual increase in the capital requirement will be assessed during the five-year renewal process of the agency authorization certificate rather than annually.
The legal proceedings at the Council of State are ongoing
Recep Düzgit also announced that the Association of Shipowners and Agents, of which he is president, had filed a lawsuit with the Council of State seeking the annulment of certain provisions of the regulation.
English