The issue of the configuration of an inflatable vessel worries every owner who wants to legally traverse the waters of Russia. The inspector of GIMS will necessarily pay attention to the presence of rights and registration, but also to the actual presence of mandatory safety items. The absence of even one element from the regulated list can become the basis for drawing up a protocol on administrative offenses.
Owners flyboat They often make the mistake of thinking that they are less stringent than fiberglass or aluminum boats, which is a misconception: the rules are the same for all small craft, regardless of the material of the hull, but the specificity of PVC materials dictates its nuances in the choice of anchors, life jackets and ways of attaching equipment on boards.
In this article, we will discuss the current legal requirements that apply this season, we will discuss in detail what should lie in the johnduk or on the floor of the cockpit, so that the inspector does not have any questions, and we will also touch on the nuances of marking and proper storage of documents.
Basic requirements for the equipment of small vessels
The main document regulating equipment is the Rules for the use of small vessels on water bodies of the Russian Federation, according to which each vessel must be equipped with items that ensure the safety of people on the water. PVC It is critical that all these items are securely secured or packed in sealed bags, as water in the cockpit is a frequent occurrence in choppy conditions.
The list of requirements is divided into two categories: mandatory equipment for all boats and additional requirements depending on the distance from the shore. However, for most anglers and vacationers not far out in the water area, there is a basic set, which includes life-saving aids, anchoring device, scoop and life end.
⚠️ Attention: the absence of life jackets by number of people on board is the most common violation detected in water tests, and the penalty for this violation is issued in 100% of cases.
It is important to understand that the inspector has the right to stop the boat at any time of navigation, so you must check the configuration yourself before each step. lifejacket It is not just a formality, but a real opportunity to survive in an emergency, especially if the boat capsizes.
Lifeguards and vests according to new standards
The topic of life jackets has changed dramatically in recent years, and if you used to allow the use of old inflatable models or simple float jackets, now the requirements are tougher. PVC The ideal solution is vests with markings ISO 12402 or corresponding to the Russian GOST, having a collar to maintain the head above the water.
The vests must be matched according to each passenger's weight and height, baby models are mandatory if children are taken on board, the inspector may ask to demonstrate the vest, so they should be easily accessible, rather than hidden in a sealant at the bottom of the boat, preferably if they are worn or lying on the seats.
- 🛟 The vests should have serviceable straps, fasteners and a whistle (often built into the vest).
- 🛟 The number of vests should strictly correspond to the number of people on the boat, plus one spare (recommended).
- 🛟 For night fishing or swimming in poor visibility, reflective elements on vests are required.
Special attention should be paid to the condition of the vests. The fabric should not break, and the filler should be compressed. If you use inflatable models, check the gas cylinders for shelf life and no corrosion. Lifeline. It must also be present on board, it is mounted on a liner fence or in a special pocket on board the boat.
Anchor device and its features for PVC
An anchor for an inflatable boat is not just a cargo, but a complex engineering solution that should not damage the cylinders. The use of heavy cast-iron cat anchors without a special bag bag is prohibited, as they can punch the bottom at a sudden stop or on the wave. PVC There are special folding anchors or fungus anchors with plastic coating.
The length of the anchor tile (line) should be triple the depth at the berthing site, but not less than a certain norm, depending on the length of the vessel. For a standard boat up to 3 meters long, usually 15-20 meters of line is enough. It is important that the linen is attached to the rim on the bow of the boat, and not wound on the paddle or seat.
Use a float-boiled anchor cable. If the anchor gets stuck, you can pull it out by the bottom without risking turning the boat over or damaging the balloons when you snatch.
The anchor rift should be reinforced. In the factory version, on many budget boats, the rum is glued simply to PVC. It is recommended to additionally sew the mounting site or use the transom wheels as a mounting point, if the design allows. Anchor end It should be free from knots and confusion so that in an emergency it is possible to quickly give anchor.
| Boat type (length) | Anchor weight (kg) | Min. line length (m) | Recommended type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3.0m | 1.5 - 2.5 | 15 | Foldable, Fungus. |
| 3.0 - 4.0 m | 3.0 - 4.0 | 20-25 | Flat, Denforth. |
| More than 4.0 m | 4.0 - 6.0 | 30+ | Flat with spikes |
| On the way. | +30% normal | +50% normal | Heavy flat. |
When choosing an anchor, consider not only the weight, but also the type of bottom in your favorite fishing spots: Long paws are needed for a muddy bottom, long paws for a rocky one are “cats” in a bag or flat anchors that are easy to pull out with a jerk. Never tie an anchor line to the transom of a PVC boat if you are on the current or wave - this is a guaranteed turnaround of the vessel.
Water-driving device and scoops
The suction device is a mandatory element of equipment, unlike metal boats, where automatic pumps are installed, for the purpose of the pumping. PVC The most common requirement is a hand scoop, but regulations allow other means of scooping water.
The scoop should be fixed on the inside of the side or lie in an easily accessible place. The use of mugs, ice cream buckets or plastic bottles by the inspector can be regarded as the absence of a regular water-distilling device, it is better to purchase a special plastic bucket with a handle and a hole for attachment.
⚠️ Attention: if your boat has a self-draining cockpit (water flows by itself through the valves in the bottom), this device must be in good working order. Check the valves before leaving - they should not be clogged with sand or silt.
Inflatable boats also have a repair kit, which is often factory-made. Although technically not a basic necessity for movement, having glue and patches can save the situation away from shore.
Rescue end and additional requirements
The life end of the Alexandrov, or simply a lifeline, is a cord with a loop and a load intended to be fed to the fallen overboard, and the length of this end should be at least 15 meters. PVC boats It is convenient to fasten it in the cockpit area so that you can quickly throw it to a person.
Also, there must be oars on board, and even if you use an electric motor or a gasoline engine, oars must be present, they must be assembled (the blades are worn on the shaft) and ready for immediate use, and disassembled oars in the bag are not considered a fulfilled requirement.
☑️ Checking before exit
It is also recommended to have a lantern on board, and if you plan to sail at night, a lantern is a must, and for daytime navigation, it is a means of signaling in fog or when the engine breaks down at dusk, and the white lantern should be visible from all sides.
Documents and markings of the boat
In addition to physical equipment, GIMS requires a specific package of documents, all of which must be originals or notarized copies, and the electronic versions on the phone may not be accepted, although the practice is gradually changing towards digitalization, the paper version is still more reliable.
The vessel must be registered with the GIMS and have side numbers. Marking is applied in contrast paint on both sides in the middle part. The height of letters and numbers is 150 mm, the width is 100 mm, the thickness of the lines is 15-20 mm. Next to the number should be the flag of the Russian Federation (300x200 mm). PVC There are special stencils and paints that do not damage the material.
List of documents that you must carry on board:
- 📄 Identity card (passport).
- 📄 boat registration certificate (original or certified copy).
- 📄 Rights to operate a small vessel (if the engine is more powerful than 5 hp or the vessel is motorized).
- 📄 Check on paid state duty (if the check is at the beginning of the period).
What to do if the documents are left at home?
If you forget your documents, the inspector can delay the boat until the documents are submitted or take you to shore to check them, avoiding situations where there are not even copies of documents on board, this complicates the procedure for registration.
Frequent errors in the configuration of inflatable boats
Experience has shown that most fines are not issued for lack of expensive equipment, but for trifles. Boat owners often forget that the life jacket should not be just in the boat, but in an accessible place. If the vest is lying in a sealed bag in the nose and you are sitting on the stern, this is a violation.
Another common mistake is improper anchoring. A line wound around the arm or tied to a bank can cause injury or loss of the boat in a sharp jerk. anchor-buoy Or loosely packing the line in a bucket.
The boat's condition is not to be ignored, as the PVC, which is very faded, oak, cracks in the seams, can be a reason for a more thorough inspection of the boat's technical condition by an inspector, keep the boat neat, wash it after fishing and keep it in a case.
The bottom line is that boat kits are not just a way to avoid a fine, they're your water life insurance, so check the availability and condition of your equipment before every trip.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register a PVC boat if the engine is less than 5 hp?
All motorboats weighing up to 200 kg are subject to registration, however, if the engine power is less than 5 hp (about 3.68 kW), then the right to drive is not required, but the vessel must still be registered and have a number if its mass with the engine exceeds 200 kg. If the boat is light (up to 200 kg with an engine), registration is not necessary, but safety rules (vests, scoop) apply always.
Can children use inflatable circles instead of vests?
No, baby inflatable circles or armlets are not certified life-saving appliances, and children should be provided with special life jackets of appropriate size, with labels that confirm their compliance with safety standards.
Where to buy a stencil for PVC boat rooms?
The stencils can be made from dense cardboard or plastic, with font sizes, and they are also sold in water-motor shops and through specialized sites, the main thing is to clearly observe the dimensions: height 15 cm, width 10 cm.
Do I need a fire extinguisher on a PVC boat?
Current regulations require fire extinguisher on outboard or stationary vessels, so if your boat has a PVC engine (of any power), a fire extinguisher of at least 2 litres (marked 2A) must be on board and secured in an accessible location.