Turkey has a well-enforced scheme governing the discharge of black and grey water. While foreign flagged yachts are not inspected to see if they have adequate tankage, registration in the digital waste discharge system (DAU) is required by all boats and this is monitored by harbourmasters and coastguard.

Published 3 years ago, updated 2 weeks ago

Turkey’s Maritime Waste Application [DAU]

Turkey enforces strict regulations on the discharge of both grey water (from sinks, showers, and galleys) and black water (toilet waste). All vessels are required to retain these wastes on board and discharge them only at licensed reception facilities or collection vessels.

The long-standing Blue Card system has now been replaced by the fully digital Maritime Waste Application (DAU – Denizcilik Atıkları Uygulaması). Each vessel is registered in the system under a unique ID and QR code, and every pump-out is recorded electronically. Physical cards are no longer used.

Foreign-flagged yachts are not routinely inspected for tank capacity; however, in practice, holding tanks for black water are essential. Regulations also require the collection of grey water, and in some regions port authorities apply this rule more strictly.

The DAU program applies to all vessels, both Turkish and foreign-flagged. Non-compliance – such as failure to register, missing digital records, or unverified discharge – may result in administrative fines under Turkish environmental law.

How to Register?

• Vessels remaining in Turkish waters for more than two days must be registered in the DAU system within 48 hours of arrival, typically through their first marina.
• Existing Blue Card numbers remain valid and are integrated into the new system.
• Download the free App here. The marina at the point of entry can advise.

How Does it Work?

• After every discharge, a Waste Transfer Form is issued by the reception facility. This form must be kept on board and presented to the Coast Guard or Port Authority upon request.
• All discharges are logged digitally within the DAU database.
• For vessels with a capacity of up to 12 persons, waste must be discharged at least every 15 days.
• Most marinas in Turkey provide pump-out services; all charge a fee, although prices vary depending on the region and facility.
• Inspections are performed by the Coast Guard and Harbour Masters, who may check system records or the Waste Transfer Form.
• A yacht owner who fails to show they discharged their waste ashore and recorded on the DAU system will be open to fines from the Coast Guard.
• See this very useful list of pump-out points throughout Turkey on the Marina Kedisi website.

Some areas off limits

In some places such as Gocek, boats without grey water and black water tanks are banned from anchoring in bays or coves in the area.

In Ayvanlik, the Port Captain has advised that any black/grey water discharge from boats will result in fines and possibly seizure of the boat.  Ensure you understand all local requirements to avoid any issues.

Boats without a grey water and black water tank can transit directly to a marina provided they have a reservation at the marina in advance.  Fines are steep and the Gocek Port Captain has been known to enforce the issue, using his boats and his employees.

Rules are being enforced

Bodrum’s Port Captain has also been known to enforce the rules by dropping by yachts and asking. If he does not like your answers, he suggests that you visit a local yard to have the issue addressed.

A situation was reported to Noonsite where a cruiser rented a 50’ sailboat that had not previously had a grey water tank. It now does have a grey water pillow tank with a pump to offload the water. When asked, he was told this was to satisfy the Port Capt. He used it for the seven days he rented the boat.

October 2025, cruisers are reporting that in Bozburun – compliance with the DAU program is checked frequently.

Cruisers have reported in the past that areas where you are less likely to get hassled about pump outs are the Gokova and Hisarounu Gulfs.

For information on other restrictions in Turkey see: Noonsite/Turkey/Formalities/Restrictions.

Our thanks to Teos Marina for assisting Noonsite with this information.

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Related Links:

Noonsite European Black and Grey Water Regulations