During his speech at the podium at the 8th Ordinary General Assembly of the Turkey Maritime Federation (TÜRDEF) held on June 13, 2025, Captain Orhan Kasap, who was running for the presidency, put forward a remarkable solution proposal addressing the visa problems faced by Turkish seafarers: the “Ok-to-Board” system.
This proposal was met with interest by the industry representatives present in the hall. However, the phrase “for the first time” does not fully reflect the truth at this point. Captain Kasap also states this situation with frankness: “We were not the first to bring this system to the agenda. 3-4 years ago, a detailed letter was given to the IMO secretary-general on the subject, but the necessary pressure could not be generated afterwards, and the focus remained on the Green passport. Until we brought it back to the agenda…”
These words also point to a situation frequently encountered in the sector: Putting an issue on the agenda is one thing, following up on it and establishing a positive dialogue with the relevant institutions is a completely different responsibility. Captain Kasap stands out as the name who undertook this responsibility, brought the “Ok-to-Board” system back to the agenda, and held one-on-one meetings with the relevant institutions.
Regarding the issue, Captain Orhan Kasap conveys the behind-the-scenes of the process with these words:
Immediately after my statement to 7deniz News on July 7, 2025, we took action to convey our solution proposal directly to its intended recipients. First, I met with our General Director of Maritime Affairs, Mr. Ünal Baylan, and we informed him of the list of countries with which an urgent OK-TO-BOARD agreement needs to be made. Then, we explained the issue in detail to our Deputy Minister, Mr. Durmuş Ünüvar. In both meetings, we encountered a positive approach and were promised that the matter would be followed up. Afterwards, I also presented this solution to the President of our IMEAK Chamber of Maritime Commerce, Mr. Tamer Kıran. Thankfully, they all listened with interest and took it into consideration.
This statement shows that a structural problem awaiting a solution for years is now being addressed more decisively. It also reveals how an approach that follows up, explains, and makes contact for a solution can make a difference on behalf of the sector.
So, what is this “Ok-to-Board” system?
To explain briefly, this system ensures that the necessary approvals for seafarers to join the ships they are assigned to are obtained in advance. Thus, fast travel happens without a visa – with local agency guarantee, and uncertainties are reduced. From Rotterdam to Hamburg, from New York to Shanghai, this system offers a strong alternative against the visa crisis experienced in the world’s central ports of maritime transport.
When this proposal is considered together with the green passport and wear-and-tear right demands that TÜRDEF has kept on the agenda for a long time, a more comprehensive solution package for Turkish seafarers emerges. However, the critical thing here is not just discussing these proposals, but following up on them. What Captain Kasap did is exactly this: not just talking, but going door to door and explaining it to the relevant parties.
When I saw TÜRDEF’s social media post this past weekend, my first action was to say to Captain Orhan, “Congratulations, you were the first to voice this.” I saw the same emphasis in Durmuş Ünüvar’s post. I said this could be a sign that things are starting to change in the sector.
On this occasion, we extend our sincere thanks to all professional chambers, unions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have previously voiced the exit and visa obstacles faced by Turkish seafarers on various platforms, informed the public, and presented solution proposals.
The sensitivity and solidarity they show in the common problems of our maritime industry give strength to the sector.
The issue of granting the green passport, another proposal that has recently come to the fore, to all seafarers is also noteworthy; however, this solution is far from being a general and applicable method due to numerical and administrative limitations. Instead, the implementation of a system, such as Ok-to-Board, which is port-based, directly facilitates operational transitions, and can cover all seafarers, will provide a fundamental solution to the problem. This model is also being successfully implemented and emulated by other countries experiencing similar problems.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to Captain Orhan Kasap, who is devoted to Turkish maritime, for bringing this solution proposal to the agenda, following up on it by holding one-on-one meetings with the relevant institutions, and courageously putting forward this visionary step that will pave the way for the sector.
Ibrahim Kocamış
