Optimization of number of marine pilots serving at İstanbul strait by simulation technique

In Turkey, techno-nautical services? principles are determined in Port Regulations prepared by Turkish Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication Ministry. But the principles are set mostly empirically or experience based. This study helps decision-makers and stakeholders for the correct utilization of resources on pilotage by developing a dynamic simulation model. Aim of this study is the determination of required human resource for the utilization of techno-nautical services at optimum level in marine pilotage services of Istanbul Straits. For this purpose, the pilotage service algorithm has been developed with structured interviews to explore the common principles in the pilotage organization. For developing simulation model, statistical data, the time of ship arrivals, numbers of ships under pilotage, durations of the services, times to pilot transfer, numbers and durations of traffic statistics from 2010 to 2011 were gathered. Scientific results generated with this simulation model have also been compared with real life experience. Keywords: İstanbul Strait, Maritime Pilots, Pilotage, Simulation, Optimization.