Small boat configuration issues have ceased to be mere recommendations from experienced water-engineers and become strict legal requirements. PVC inflatable boat owners often believe their craft is just an inflatable toy, but from a technical perspective, they are not a “shoot toy”. State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Vessels (GIMS) is a fully-fledged transport, requiring compliance with regulations, and the absence of even one item from the list can cause a fine or a ban on access to the water.
Properly staffed PVC Not only is it a way to avoid problems with inspectors, but it also guarantees your personal safety on the water. Current requirements take into account the specifics of inflatable boards that are prone to punctures, and the need for rapid evacuation in case of unforeseen situations. Below we will discuss in detail what exactly should be in your boat depending on the conditions of navigation.
It's important to understand that the equipment list depends on the category of water body you plan to swim on, and for a "saucer" near the shore and for access to the waters of a large reservoir or the sea, the requirements are radically different. Basic equipment is mandatory for any access to the water, regardless of the distance from the shore, and its absence entails administrative responsibility.
Legal and regulatory framework and mandatory documents
Before proceeding to the physical filling of the vessel, you need to ensure legal purity. The inspector of GIMS first requests documents confirming the ownership and ability to operate the vessel. boat registration certificate For boats with an engine capacity of up to 8 hp (or up to 10 hp inclusive depending on the year of production and type of engine), rights may not be required if the weight of the curb vessel does not exceed 200 kg, but this must be confirmed.
All documents must be originals or certified copies, stored in a waterproof package. Digital versions on the phone are not currently an official basis for confirming rights in the field, although the situation is gradually changing towards digitalization. Always carry a passport or a copy of it with a residence permit, since it is the place of registration that determines regional affiliation to the inspection.
A technical data sheet must also be on board. outboard If you use transom wheels or cat anchors, they do not require separate registration, but they must be included in the total weight of the equipment if it approaches the limit values for your category of rights.
- 📄 boat registration certificate of a small vessel with a note on the annual technical survey.
- 🪪 Certificate of right to drive a small vessel of the relevant category.
- 🛂 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation or its copy with registration.
- 📑 technical data sheet for the outboard motor with pasted photo.
⚠️ Attention: The boat's ticket must be laminated or in a sealed file, and losing the document on the water is not only a fine, but also a complex recovery procedure, during which the operation of the vessel is prohibited.
Basic rescue equipment for each crew member
The most critical aspect of safety is the availability of personalized life-saving aids. lifejacket It should be worn on every person on board, not just lying in a knob. For PVC boats, this is especially true, since the board can suddenly deflate upon contact with a sharp object or a snag, and a person will be in the water without support.
The vests must be certified to fit the height and weight of the passenger; the use of homemade vests, sleeves or "foams" is prohibited; for young children, there are special models with a collar that supports the head, which is critical if the child cannot swim or has lost consciousness; inspectors often check not only the presence but also the condition of the straps and accessories of the vests.
In addition to vests, there must be a lifeline (the end of Alexandrov) on board, a molt of at least 15 meters long with a load on the end, allowing you to help a fallen person overboard or dock on shore without coming close. life-line It is also an essential element that allows you to stay afloat to a person who does not have swimming skills.
Equipment for buoyancy and emergency repair
The specificity of PVC boats dictates their emergency dialing requirements. Because the hull is inflated, the risk of buoyancy loss due to puncture is high. kit It's not just a recommendation, it's a necessity, and it should include a plate made of material identical to the material of the boat (PVC or Haipalon), a special glue and a degreaser.
In an emergency where there is no time for a full-time repair, an emergency inflator is needed, and this can be a foot pump that works even if the main electrical failure, or a compressed air balloon (CO2) for quick bay blowing. scoop Or a bucket, as even a small wave can fill the cockpit with water.
If your boat has an inflatable floor (BND), make sure that the valves are temporarily sealed in the remix. Often the problem of pressure loss is the contamination or breakdown of the valve group, not the puncture of the cylinder. Having a spare exhaust valve and a tool to replace it is a sign of a competent skipper.
- 🔧 Remake with latches, glue and degreasing in sealed packaging.
- 💨 Emergency pump source (knock pump or CO2 cylinder).
- 🪣 A scoop or folding bucket for pumping water.
- 🔦 Lantern (for swimming in the dark).
⚠️ Attention: PVC repair glue loses its properties when stored in open tubes for long periods of time. Check the shelf life of the glue before each season and have spare sealed tubes.
Anchor and towing equipment
Stopping on the water is a regular situation for fishing or waiting for the weather, and this requires a reliable anchor device. For PVC boats weighing up to 200 kg, the weight of the anchor is usually 1/10 of the displacement of the vessel, but not less than 1.5-2 kg. The use of stones or bricks is prohibited, as they can damage inflatable tubes when climbing or falling. It is recommended to use folding anchors of the type "cat" or "Denforth" with smooth contours.
The anchor false (course) must be made of synthetic material that does not absorb water and have a length of at least three times the depth at the navigation point. At the end of the phalt attached to the boat, it must be possible to quickly recoil (for example, a carbine or a reef loop), so that if the anchor is caught, it can be quickly released by pulling a special line.
It is also a mandatory element. tow-lineIn case of engine failure or boatmaster's deterioration, this cable will allow another vessel to take you tow. The cable must be strong, at least 3 meters long, and have reliable attachments (diggers or ducks) on the bow of the boat. The lack of PVC rims on the bow of the boat is often a problem, since you can not tie the cable to the handles or valves - they can come off under load.
Navigation, communication and signalling
Modern navigation is impossible without electronic devices, but the rules of GIMS require the presence of analogue tools. map (paper or in a secure tablet), compass and watch. GPS navigation makes life much easier by allowing you to mark points and tracks, but battery discharge can be taken by surprise, so duplication with a paper map is a sign of professionalism.
The means of communication is yours (lifeline) on the big water. The mobile phone should be in a sealed bag and fully charged. However, far from the shore, cellular communication may not be available, so for serious exits, it is recommended to have a portable radio station operating at river frequencies, or a satellite phone. Knowledge of the rescue channels (usually channel 16 or special GIMS frequencies) is mandatory.
Signaling means are needed to indicate your location in poor visibility or at night. whistleA red pyrotechnic torch, mounted on a life jacket, red torch lights (for distress signals) and a white light flashlight with a red filter, and bright flags or mirrors can be used to attract attention during the day.
| Type of instrument | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Map, compass, GPS. | Paper card is required as a reserve |
| Connection | Mobile phone, radio. | Phone sealed, radio charged |
| Signals. | Whistle, lantern, torch | Whistle on the vest, waterproof flashlight |
| Documents | boat's ticket, rights | In a waterproof bag |
First aid kit and first aid equipment
Being on the water carries the risk of injury, hypothermia or sunburn. The first aid kit on the boat should be specialized, not just a set of pills from the head. First of all, it should contain means to stop bleeding (burns, bandages, hemostatic sponges), since injuries to a screw or sharp fin can be serious.
Thermo-blankets (foil rescue blankets take up minimal space and effectively retain heat) are required to provide warmth much faster than on land, especially in windy weather, and the first aid kit should include antiseptics, patches, pain remedies and, if necessary, personalized preparations for crew members with chronic diseases.
It is important to (regularly check) the shelf life of the medicines and sterility of the dressings. The first aid kit should be in an easily accessible place, not buried under the seats, and all crew members should know where it lies. The package of the first aid kit should be waterproof and preferably bright in color (red or orange) for rapid detection.
- 🩹 Sterile bandages, gauze wipes, Band-Aid.
- 🩸 Burns a hemostatic, hemostatic sponge.
- 🌡️ Antiseptics (chlorhexidine, iodine), analgesic.
- 🧥 Thermo blanket is a lifeguard.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store the first aid kit in a plastic bag that easily tears against the sharp corners of the boat's accessories. Use a hard sealed container (case), which also serves as a float.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a PVC boat if the engine is more powerful than 5 hp, but the boat is light?
Registration with GIMS is mandatory for small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). However, if the engine power exceeds 5 hp, you will in any case need the rights to drive (category "M" or higher), even if the boat itself does not require registration. From 2026, the rules can be adjusted, so current information should be checked at the local GIMS office.
Can I use a homemade anchor from a bunch of stones?
Absolutely not. The use of stones, bricks or metal objects with sharp edges is prohibited by safety regulations. When lifting an anchor or dragging it down the bottom, such objects can easily puncture the cylinders of a PVC boat, which will lead to an emergency. Use only certified folding anchors.
Is a life jacket on a boat enough for one person to swim?
Yes, if there is only one person on board (the boatmaster), one vest should be worn on it, but if you take a passenger (even a child), everyone should have a vest, the inspector has the right to prohibit access to the water if the number of vests does not correspond to the number of people.
What happens if during the inspection of the GIMS there is no remix?
The lack of remixes is a violation of the rules of operation of small vessels. This can lead to a fine under the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation (usually part 2 of article 11.15 or similar, depending on the interpretation of the inspector as “violation of navigation rules”). But more importantly, without the remake, you risk remaining on the water with a broken boat without the possibility of repair.