A Comparison of International Norms and Turkey’s National Maritime Legislation on Accessibility and Safety of Disabled Passengers in Maritime Transportation

Abstract

Providing easy and accessible transportation to persons with disabilities is a responsibility imposed by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) of the United Nations (UN) to the States Parties. The issue of accessibility in maritime transportation is regulated by the norms of the Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the European Union (EU). These international norms have been transposed onto national legislation with various regulations adopted at different times and scopes, especially Law No. 5378 on Diasabled Persons. The aim of this study is to carry out an analysis to compare the norms of the IMO and EU and the national legislation of Turkey on accessibility and safety of disabled passengers in maritime transportation, and to identify gaps in national legislation, if any. In accordance with this aim, the relevant international norms and topics have been examined. Then, Turkey’s national legislation on accessibility and safety of disabled passengers in terminals and ships has been analyzed compared with the norms of the IMO and EU. It has been concluded that Turkey’s national legislation has widely covered the relevant IMO and EU requirements. Additionally, some recommendations concerning effective implementation and the gaps identified, which include particularly training of the relevant personnel of ships/terminals, have been also presented.