Girne MP proposes establishing a maritime research and safety centre in the TRNC

Democratic Party Secretary-General and Girne MP Serhat Akpınar proposed making maritime safety and maritime culture a permanent state policy of the TRNC and establishing a Northern Cyprus Centre for Maritime Research and Safety. He issued the statement after the accident on the Girne–Taşucu route, where the Filo Jet ferry sank.

The MP referred to bathymetric data: the seabed off Girne drops very sharply. At 7.4 km from the shore, the depth already exceeds 600 m, while midway along the route it approaches 1,000 m. According to Akpınar, if the incident had occurred 3–4 km farther from the shore, the search operation would have been much more difficult.

He proposed preparing detailed bathymetric maps of the Northern Cyprus coastline, establishing a permanent response system with maritime ambulances and search-and-rescue vessels, and expanding deep-sea search capabilities together with Türkiye, including sonar and underwater robotics.

Another proposal was digital and independent oversight of port inspections, passenger lists and crew qualifications. In schools, Akpınar proposed expanding education in swimming, first aid and maritime safety rules, while the maritime research centre should be established with the participation of universities.

The island’s location, the MP noted, means more than simply being surrounded by water: it requires knowledge of the sea, responsible use of its resources and constant readiness for emergencies. He proposed bringing fishing, water sports, environmental protection and maritime tourism together within a single maritime strategy.