Circular No. 2009/13 on the delegation of authority for the inspection in the territorial waters to prevent marine pollution.

This Circular lays down rules for the scope of the authorities for the determination of ship-source marine pollution in the maritime zones, in accordance with the Environment Law No. 2872; imposition of administrative fines in case of marine pollution incidents; procedures for continuous control and monitoring of the marine environment by air, sea and land; and reporting to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The authorities regarding the protection of marine environment are delegated to the Port Authorities under the Undersecretariat of Maritime Affairs, the Subordinate Commands under the Turkish Coast Guard Command, and the Department of Environmental Protection and Control under the Metropolitan Municipalities in İstanbul, Kocaeli, Antalya and Mersin. The inspection of ships shall be carried out in compliance with the national legislation, international agreements, Environmental Law and the relevant regulations in the fields of reception of waste from ships and waste management, marine litter, and sampling and analysis methods for water pollution control.