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Boating schools in Turkey
In short
A new two-step system applies since 17 July 2026: ADB 10 for private boats up to 10 metres, ADB 24 up to 24 metres. Foreigners without residence use their home certificate.
When a certificate is required
Private boats up to 10 metres must be operated by someone holding at least the ADB 10, boats up to 24 metres hull length by an ADB 24 holder or a professional seafarer. Exempt are, among others, boats under 10 hp, rowing boats and canoes.
Duration and minimum age
Theory online, to be completed within 30 days, then an online exam with at least 70 out of 100 points. Practical training with an authorised body starts within 90 days. 16 for the ADB 10, under 18 only with notarised consent and under supervision. 18 and twelve months as an ADB 10 holder for the ADB 24.
What a course costs
The regulation does not set course fees. It does set 1,000 lira for a harbour office approved authorisation to operate someone else's boat, indexed every year.
Who issues the certificate
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, denizcilik.uab.gov.tr
Finding a school
Where the boating schools in Turkey are listed
No list of single schools, it dates within a season. We name the bodies that keep the registers.
Authority
Ulaştırma ve Altyapı Bakanlığı
Authorises, under article 12 of the regulation, the bodies that may give practical ADB training. Training elsewhere does not count.
denizcilik.uab.gov.trThe certificates
What each certificate covers
Amatör Denizci Belgesi ADB 10
Private boats up to 10 metres, with no limit on area, distance or time
Amatör Denizci Belgesi ADB 24
Private boats up to 24 metres hull length, requires twelve months as an ADB 10 holder
Bisherige Amatör Denizci Belgesi
Counts as ADB 10 unless the holder completes the ADB 24 theory within five years
Context
How training works in Turkey
Turkey reorganised its recreational licences in 2026. The regulation of 17 January 2026 has been in force since 17 July and splits the Amatör Denizci Belgesi into two steps: ADB 10 for boats up to 10 metres and ADB 24 for boats up to 24 metres. Theory and exam are online; only the practical part takes place aboard, and only with bodies the ministry has authorised.
Little changes for visitors, because the ADB is open only to citizens and foreigners with residence. A visitor operates with the certificate from home, within the scope it confers there. If you live in Bodrum or Göcek, you take the ADB like everyone else.
Recognition, charter, cover
What the certificate means outside the classroom
Recognition abroad
The ADB is open to citizens and to foreigners with a Turkish residence permit. Foreign certificates are valid within the powers they confer in the issuing country, and the administration may recognise them on a reciprocal basis.
What the charter base asks for
The charter company sets its own requirements. Ask before you book, including about the radio certificate.
All countries at a glanceWhat matters for cover
Whether the Turkish coast fall within the cruising area of a policy is a question for the policy wording, not the certificate. Check before the passage.
All countries at a glanceQuestions and answers
Common questions about boating in Turkey
Do I need a boating licence in Turkey?
For private boats of 10 hp and more, yes: ADB 10 up to 10 metres, ADB 24 up to 24 metres. Rowing boats and canoes are exempt.
Is a foreign certificate valid?
Under the regulation, foreign certificates are valid within the powers they confer in the issuing country.
Can a foreigner take the ADB?
Only with a Turkish residence permit. Visitors without one use their home certificate.
Last reviewed: 08 November 2026. The authority of the country you boat in has the final word.
We insure boats whose owner or flag is in Germany, Austria or Spain.
Other countries
Do you run a boating school?
A training boat runs commercially, with a liable instructor: that needs its own arrangement.
