Mürettebat

Mürettebat is a Turkish term meaning the crew or staff of a vessel or aircraft. It refers to all personnel assigned to operate, navigate, maintain, and service the vehicle and its passengers or cargo. The scope and composition vary by transport mode and operator, but the term is widely used in Turkish maritime and aviation contexts.

In maritime use, mürettebat includes deck crew responsible for navigation and command, engine room personnel handling propulsion and power, and hospitality or service staff on passenger ships. In aviation, the mürettebat comprises flight crew (pilots and co-pilots) and cabin crew (flight attendants). On larger ships or airplanes, this group may include specialists such as electricians, radio operators, chefs, and stewards.

The organization follows a hierarchical command structure. On ships, a master or captain leads the crew, with officers such as chief mate and second mate, and department heads like the chief engineer. On aircraft, the captain or first officer commands the flight, supported by the cabin crew and other specialists. Responsibilities cover safety, navigation, communication, maintenance, and passenger service.

Training and regulation are essential. Members of the mürettebat must hold appropriate certifications and complete safety training, including fire-fighting and survival at sea or first aid. Compliance with international standards such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the STCW Convention is common in maritime contexts, while aviation crews follow national authority requirements and industry standards set by ICAO and IATA.

The term underscores the collective workforce that operates and maintains maritime or aviation transport, reflecting both professional roles and the shared duty of safety and service.