The Maritime Coordination Commission has been established to ensure coordination among institutions and organizations engaged in maritime-related activities and services in Türkiye. The Commission aims to facilitate collaboration on common issues and align maritime affairs with national maritime policies. Its responsibilities include monitoring international initiatives related to marine pollution, navigational safety, maritime security, safety of life and property at sea, and marine tourism, as well as addressing the technical, economical, and legal aspects of maritime operations and services. Additionally, the Commission ensures the effective tracking of international developments and programs, assesses their implications for the maritime sector, and coordinates relevant national efforts accordingly.

The Commission operates under the chairmanship of the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and consists of senior decision-making representatives (at least at the level of deputy director general or equivalent) appointed by the following entities:

• Presidency of Strategy and Budget,
• Ministry of Family and Social Services,
• Ministry of Labor and Social Security,
• Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change,
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
• Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources,
• Ministry of Treasury and Finance,
• Ministry of Interior,
• Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
• Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,
• Ministry of Trade,
• The General Staff,
• Turkish Naval Forces,
• Directorate General of Defense and Safety,
• Turkish Coast Guard Command,
• Office of Navigation, Hydrography, and Oceanography,
• General Directorate of Health for Borders and Coasts of Türkiye,
• Council of Higher Education (representing maritime faculties),
• Information and Communication Technologies Authority,
• Turkish Chamber of Shipping,
• Mersin Chamber of Shipping,
• Key service units within the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, including:
  • General Directorate of Maritime Affairs,
  • General Directorate of Shipyards and Coastal Structures,
  • General Directorate of European Union and Foreign Relations,
  • General Directorate of Coastal Safety.

In addition to these Commission Members, the following institutions participate in the Commission with observer status:

• Turkish Shipbuilders’ Association,
• Turkish Ocean-going Masters’ Association,
• Turkish Maritime Pilots’ Association,
• Turkish Chamber of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers,
• Chamber of Marine Engineers,
• Port Operators Association of Türkiye,
• Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM).

The Maritime Coordination Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring stakeholder involvement in MSP in Türkiye. By bringing together key governmental institutions, industry representatives, academic organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, the Commission is able to facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive decision-making process. Through its coordination efforts, the Commission would ensure that the perspectives of various maritime sectors, ranging from shipping and fisheries to offshore energy and environmental conservation, are effectively integrated into the MSP. This inclusive approach would enhance the alignment of national maritime policies with international commitments, support sustainable blue economy initiatives, and promote balanced and equitable use of Türkiye’s marine and coastal resources.