How to Become a Yacht Captain and How to Obtain an Amateur Seaman Certificate?

Right to Captain with the Amateur Seaman Certificate (ADB)

On boats smaller than 24 meters and with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, owners or renters can act as captains with an Amateur Seaman Certificate (ADB).

For more information, please visit www.adf.org.tr.

Requirements for Amateur Seaman Qualification

• Must be at least 14 years old (consent of a guardian is required for those under 18),
• Must be at least a primary or elementary school graduate,
• Must not have a criminal record for offenses such as human trafficking and/or smuggling abroad,
• 🩺 Must provide documentation proving they meet the health requirements specified in Article 24 of this Regulation,
• 📝 Must be entitled to receive the ADB by passing the amateur seaman exam as required by the administration.

Based on individual applications, graduates of the Turkish Naval Academy and Naval Petty Officer Deck Schools, as well as graduates from the deck and engineering departments of maritime-related faculties and colleges, and graduates of maritime vocational high schools in the deck department, are granted the ADB without an exam requirement.

Required Documents for Amateur Seafaring

• 2 passport-sized photos
• Copy of driver’s license
• For those without a driver’s license: a “Fit for Driver Candidate” medical report from a public/private health institution.
• Receipt of document fee payment (go to www.odemeler.udhb.gov.tr, select “Amateur Seaman Certificate” under “competency document” in the port operations section, enter name and surname, approve to receive the “C CODE”, and pay the document fee at HALK BANK).
• Copy of identity card (Not required if the driver’s license includes the Turkish ID number)
• Parental/legal guardian consent form for applicants under 18

Note: All applications must be made in person.