Water safety is becoming a priority for every small craft owner, regardless of size, and many owners of light inflatable or folding boats mistakenly believe that since their boat is not subject to state registration, they are not subject to the requirements for its equipment, a dangerous misconception that can cost lives in an emergency or lead to a serious fine when inspected by a GIMS inspector.
The legislation of the Russian Federation clearly regulates, What should be in the boat for GIMSEven if the vessel weighs less than 200 kg and has an engine capacity of up to 8 kW (10.88 hp) the absence of mandatory equipment elements is considered a violation of the safety rules of people on small craft. In this article we will discuss in detail the current regulations, necessary documents and technical means that must be on board your boat.
Getting ready for the water is not just a formality, it's a guarantee of a successful return home. Modern shipping regulations require a set of items that you may need to correct a malfunction, signal or rescue a person who has fallen overboard. Let's study the completeness requirements in detail, so that your day on the water is exceptionally pleasant and safe.
Basic requirements for buoyancy and stability
The safety foundation of any small vessel that is not subject to registration is its ability to stay afloat even in critical situations. float-stockIt's a buoyancy system that allows it to stay in the water when it's full, and for inflatable boats, it's a multi-story tank, and for rigid hulls, it's built-in buoyancy blocks made of polystyrene foam or other lightweight materials.
It is important to understand that the stability of the vessel depends on the correct distribution of the weight of passengers and cargo. If you overload one side or bow of the boat, the risk of overturning increases many times, even if the boat is technically sound. loading capacity and markings on the transom or sides, where the permissible loads are indicated.
Owners of homemade boats or those who use expired-warranty craft should be especially careful about the condition of the hull. Punctures, scuffs and leaks of seams are unacceptable. Regular checks of valves and the integrity of cylinders are a mandatory procedure before each release to avoid trouble.
⚠️ Attention: Operation of a boat with damaged buoyancy elements (for example, with one broken cylinder in a two-balloon boat) is equivalent to exiting on a faulty vessel and is a gross violation of safety rules.
Mandatory life-saving appliances
The most important element of equipment, without which access to the water is prohibited, is personal life-saving appliances. lifejacketThe use of inflatable circles or belts does not exempt from the obligation to have vests according to the number of passengers. The vests must be in good working order, have reflective elements and correspond to the weight of the owner.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of vests, they must be certified and labeled accordingly. Cheap analogues from the markets may not provide the necessary support on the water and quickly become unusable under the influence of sunlight or salt water. The presence of vests is checked by inspectors first, because it is a matter of survival.
Apart from the vests, the boat often includes a lifeline (the end of Alexandrov), a strong cord at least 17.5 meters long with a load at one end and a loop at the other, designed to be fed to a fallen person or towed, and although this requirement is sometimes ignored for very small boats, the presence of a line is a sign of competent training of the boatmaster.
- 🛟 Life jackets by number of people on board (required).
- 🪢 Rescue line (end of Alexandrov) length of more than 17 meters.
- 🔦 The light is white (for light signals in the dark).
- 📢 Whistle or audible signal device (fog signal).
And the scoop, which is a simple device that's often overlooked, but it can save the boat from sinking if it gets splashed or hit by a small hole, and it has to be fixed to the boat so that it doesn't go all over the water at the critical moment.
⚠️ Attention: Life jackets should be in an easily accessible place, not packed in seals at the bottom of the boat, and in the case of a sudden tipping over, there will be no time to search for them.
Technical equipment and anchoring device
Safe navigation is impossible without a reliable anchor. Even if you do not plan to stop at depth, the presence of an anchor is necessary in case of engine failure or a sharp deterioration in weather conditions. For light boats weighing up to 200 kg, an anchor weighing from 1.5 to 3 kg, depending on the sailing area and navigation conditions, is sufficient.
It is important that the anchor shaft (cord or cable) is securely attached to the bow of the boat (behind the bolt). The use of thin fishing line or unreliable nodes can lead to the loss of anchor. The length of the shaft should exceed the depth of the reservoir at the parking lot by at least 3-4 times to ensure reliable adhesion of the anchor to the ground.
Technical equipment also includes means for draining the hold (if the boat is rigid) or cylinders. In inflatable boats, the dehumidifier is often performed by a scoop or even the bottom of the bottle, but it is better to have a specialized tool. In addition, for boats with a motor, a fuel tank that meets fire safety requirements and a serviceable engine attachment system are required.
Use a bright colored anchor cord (orange or yellow) to help quickly find and raise the anchor if it has to be etched or if it gets entangled in the algae.
You need oars to drive a boat, and even if you have a powerful motor, a pair of oars is a requirement of the rules, they have to be complete and ready for immediate use, and the absence of oars equates to the absence of a control if the engine fails.
Medical first aid kit and means of communication
Being on the water always carries certain risks, so having a first aid kit is not just a recommendation, it is a necessity. The kit for a water motor can be different from a car one, it must contain means to stop bleeding, antiseptics, tourniquets, bandages and sunburn remedies.
Special attention should be paid to communications, the mobile phone should be fully charged and be in a waterproof bag or sealed case, ideally, it should be possible to duplicate charging (power bank) on board. In remote areas where there is no cellular coverage, having a walkie-talkie or satellite phone may be the only way to call for help.
The composition of the first aid kit is recommended to be periodically checked, replacing expired drugs, it is also useful to have blunt-ended scissors (to cut clothes or fabrics) and pins in the first aid kit. All medications should be packed so as not to get wet when splashes are hit.
- 💊 Burn the hemostatic (turnicycle)
- 🩹 Sterile bandages and napkins of different sizes.
- 🧴 Antiseptic (chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide).
- ✂️ Scissors are medical or with blunt ends.
- 🧴 Burn remedy and cooling bag.
It is not superfluous to add insect bites and antihistamines to the first aid kit, especially if you plan to park near the shore in the evening. An allergic reaction to a wasp bite or contact with plants can develop rapidly, and help should be at hand.
Documents and navigation lights
Even for unregistered boats, there is a list of documents that the boatmaster must carry with him or on board, primarily an identity card (passport), and documents confirming the ownership of the boat and motor (checks, sales contracts, technical data sheet) are also desirable, so that the inspector does not have questions about the origin of the property.
If you plan to go out into the water at night or in conditions of limited visibility (fog, rain), your boat should be equipped with a special equipment. navigation lightsFor boats less than 7 metres long, it is enough to have one white all-round light, which must be lit while driving, and this light may not be used during the day, but it must be maintained.
The absence of documents or refusal to present them to the inspector of the SIMS entails administrative responsibility, and the inspection may take a little time, but you need to confirm that the vessel is not wanted and does not pose a threat.
| Document/Subject | Obligation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport of a Russian citizen | Sure. | For identification purposes |
| Boat/motor documents | Preferably. | Checks, IDs, contracts. |
| Life jackets | Sure. | Number of people on board |
| cerpak | Sure. | For drainage |
| Anchor with a line | Sure. | To stop the boat |
Do I need to register a PVC boat?
Registration in GIMS subject to small vessels used for sports and recreation, the weight of the curb condition of which exceeds 200 kilograms, or the weight of which exceeds 200 kilograms and which are installed engines (motors) with a capacity of more than 8 kilowatts (10.88 hp). If your boat is lighter and the engine is weaker - registration is not necessary, but the safety rules are in full force.
Specificity of equipment for different seasons
Boats can vary considerably depending on the seasons, and in summer the emphasis is on sun protection and drinking water, but even on a hot day, the water in the pond can be cold, so raincoats or warm stuff in the sealed packaging will not be superfluous.
In the off-season, when the water temperature drops, the risks to life increase many times over, and in cold water, people lose the ability to move and think much faster. wetsuit Or at least a waterproof overall becomes a critical safety element, although formally GIMS can only require a vest.
Winter fishing on ice crossings or ice sheets requires a completely different approach, not a boat in the classical sense, but a means of getting around on ice, but if you use a boat to navigate through the water during the icebreaking season, the demands for heat saving and emergency stock become extreme. Thermos with hot tea, spare dry clothes and chemical heating pads are what should be in the boat in the cold season.
⚠️ Attention: Going out during a storm warning period is prohibited. Watch the weather forecast before going out. A sharp change in wind can flip a light boat in seconds.
Checklist of preparation for the water
To keep things safe and secure, it is recommended that you develop the habit of testing the boat according to a specific algorithm, which takes only a few minutes, but can save lives, and that you do it just before you get on the water.
Start by visually inspecting the hull for damage and scuffing. Then check the pressure in the cylinders (for PVC boats) - it should be normal. Make sure the slingboard is securely secured and the engine (if any) is pressed tightly against the transom.
☑️ Checking the boat before leaving
After checking the technical condition, make sure that all passengers are instructed on the rules of conduct on board: do not make sudden movements, hold on to the sides, do not get up unnecessarily. Distribute the weight evenly. Only after all these conditions are met can you safely push off the shore.
The basic principle of safety on the water: proper equipment and sober calculation are more important than experience management, even a full-fledged beginner has a high chance of returning safely to shore.
Do I need to carry a fire extinguisher in a small boat?
Under current regulations, for small craft that are not subject to registration, the presence of a fire extinguisher is not strictly mandatory unless there are enclosed spaces where fuel or gas can accumulate. However, if you use a gasoline engine, having a small powder extinguisher of 1-2 liters is a highly recommended and reasonable step for your own safety.
Can children use inflatable circles instead of vests?
No, baby inflatable circles, armlets and toys are not certified life-saving aids; they do not guarantee that the child will remain conscious face-up in the event of loss of consciousness or severe anxiety. Children should use special life jackets of appropriate size with a collar supporting the head and an inguinal strap.
What is the penalty for not having vests?
Violation of the safety rules of people on small craft, including the absence of life jackets, entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 2 to 3 thousand rubles (Article 11.7 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation). However, the price of the issue is not a fine, but in a real possibility to escape in the event of an emergency.
Do I need to register a boat if it is heavier than 200 kg, but without a motor?
Yes, if the weight of the boat in running order (with attachments, but without fuel, passengers and cargo) exceeds 200 kg, it is subject to mandatory registration with the GIMS, regardless of the presence of the engine, in which case all documents for the boat (boat registration certificate) must be on board and you must have a boatmaster's license of the appropriate category.