Small boat owners often question the legality of their boats, especially when it comes to the legality of their boats. registration The situation with the legislation is changing, and what was relevant five years ago can now entail serious financial sanctions. Understanding when the rights of the GIMS to a boat with an engine are required is a basic necessity for any boatmaster who wants to avoid problems with the law.
The main criterion for obtaining a certificate is not only the power of the engine, but also the type of swimming aid itself. Many people mistakenly believe that if the boat is inflatable, it automatically frees from bureaucracy, but this is not always the case. Small-size vessel It is a legal term that has clear boundaries established by the order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of obtaining rights, analyze categories and subcategories, and also find out how the examination procedure is performed in modern conditions. Ignorance of the laws does not relieve from liability, so it is important to study the requirements for the examination of the exam. engine and the total weight of the boat.
Criteria for the necessity of rights: mass and power
The key to determining whether to register and obtain a license is the combination of two parameters: engine power and mass of the boat in use. Under current regulations, the rights of the GIMS to a boat with an engine are mandatory if the engine power exceeds 8 kilowatts, which in terms of horsepower is equal to 10 hp But even if the motor is weaker, the second parameter comes into play: mass.
If your engine power is less than 10 hp, but the weight of the outfit boat (boats with attachments) exceeds 200 kilograms, then rights are still required, and this often comes as a surprise to owners of heavy aluminum boats or hard-bottomed PVC boats that come with low-power electric motors or gasoline “spots”. It is important to consider that the weight of the vessel is considered with permanent equipment, but without fuel, passengers and cargo.
⚠️ Note: If you install a motor on the boat more powerful than 10 hp, and you have a weak unit in the documents, this will be considered as a violation of the rules of operation.
Also, keep in mind the age limit: Small boats are allowed to be operated by citizens over 18 years of age, until that age, you can only drive a boat with an adult with a certificate, there are exceptions for athletes, but they require a valid certificate of admission to competitions and stay within designated areas.
Categories and subcategories of GIMS certificates
The GIMS categorization system has been changed and is now more detailed: the small boat licence contains information not only about the category but also about the subcategory, as well as the right to drive during daytime or night time, with only two main categories, but they are divided into many subcategories depending on the type of engine and the area of navigation.
The main categories that are of interest to motor boat owners are Motor Vessel and Hydrocycle, and within the Motor Vessel category, there are subcategories that depend on the type of engine: MPP (engine with outboard motor), MW (with internal thrust) and M It is also important to consider the area of navigation: “Inland waters” or “Inland waterways and territorial sea”.
- 🚤 Category MC (Motorized vessel): It is designed to operate power-driven vessels, including outboard boats.
- 🏍️ Category GI (Hydrocycle): a separate category for hydrocycle management requiring a separate exam.
- ⛵ Category GP (Rowing boat): rights are not required if the engine power is less than 10 hp and weight up to 200 kg, but registration may be necessary.
- 🌊 Swimming area: determines where you are entitled to swim - only inland waterways or with access to the sea.
When you apply for the exam, you choose which category and subcategory you want to be eligible for, but if you already have driving rights, it doesn't exempt you from taking theory and practice on a boat, but it can simplify some of the bureaucratic aspects of the initial registration.
Training and examinations
While the theory can be learned by ticket, the practice of boat management is often difficult for beginners. Training can take place in specialized centers and in the form of self-training, but having a certificate of completion of courses sometimes helps with interaction with inspectors, although formally it is not always strictly necessary for admission to the GIMS exam if you apply as a private person.
The theory is taken as a computer test, where you will answer questions from tickets regarding navigation rules, basic navigation, safety of people on the water and first aid. The practical part is taken directly on the water (or on a special simulator in winter) and includes a demonstration of maneuvering skills.
☑️ Checklist for admission to the exam
In the practical exam, a candidate must complete several exercises, usually approaching a berth, maneuvering in a confined space, stopping at a given place and, in some cases, providing first aid or rescuing a person from water, the inspector assesses confidence in actions, knowledge of navigation signs and ability to read a map.
⚠️ Attention: Retake is possible no earlier than 7 days after the failed attempt. The number of retakes is limited, so the practical part should be taken as seriously as possible.
Cost of obtaining and extending rights
The financial side of the issue is also important for planning the budget of the boatmaster: the main costs are associated with the payment of the state fee for issuing a certificate and passing a medical commission. The fees are regulated by the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and can be indexed, so it is better to check the current amounts on the official website of the GIMS or the portal of public services before paying.
Below is a table of estimated costs to be incurred by a future skipper, and it is worth considering that the cost of training in private centers can vary depending on the region and the number of hours of practice.
| Type of flow | Approximate cost (ruble) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| State license fee | 1300 - 2000 | Payable through the state services or the bank |
| Medical certificate | 1000 - 2500 | Depends on the clinic and the region |
| Centre training (courses) | 5000 - 15000 | Not necessary, but recommended |
| 3x4 photos | 200 - 400 | 2-4 pieces are required on matte paper |
The validity of the boatmaster's license is 10 years, after which you must undergo the procedure of changing the rights. It is important to note that if you change your name or lose the document, the state fee for issuing a duplicate or a new certificate is also payable in full.
Pay the state duty through the portal of public services – it is not only faster, but often gives a discount of 30% of the standard tariff rate, if such an opportunity is available in the current period.
Fines for lack of rights and violations
Lack of rights when driving a small vessel, where they are required, is classified as an administrative offense; the Code of Administrative Offences (CAP) provides for quite serious fines for violators; GIMS inspectors conduct raids regularly, especially on weekends and holidays on popular water bodies.
The fine for driving a vessel without a license (or with expired rights) is from 2 to 5 thousand rubles. In addition, the vessel can be detained and placed in a locker until the cause of detention is eliminated, that is, before the appearance of a person with a license, which entails additional costs for evacuation and storage.
- 💸 Penalty for lack of rights: from 2000 to 5000 rubles.
- 🚫 Penalty for refusal of medical examination: It is equivalent to drunk driving, up to the deprivation of rights to all vehicles.
- ⚓ Fine for unregistered vessel: It also entails financial penalties if the boat is subject to registration.
- 🛑 Detention of the vessel: It is possible until the violation is corrected.
Driving a small vessel in a state of alcoholic or narcotic intoxication entails the imposition of a fine of 30,000 rubles and deprivation of rights to drive all types of vehicles for up to 2 years.
Boat registration: when it is required
Obtaining rights and registering a vessel are two different but related processes: Even if you have rights, the boat itself must be registered with the GIMS if it meets certain criteria, registration is required for all small-sized vessels used for non-commercial purposes if they weigh more than 200 kg or engine power is more than 8 kW (10 hp).
The registration process includes inspection of the vessel by an inspector, assignment of a registration number and issuance of a boat's ticket, the number must be marked on the boat's boards in a contrasting color, and from 2020 there is a simplified registration procedure for a number of boats, as well as the possibility of filing documents electronically.
What is the mass of a boat?
The mass of the equipped vessel includes the mass of the hull itself, installed stationary equipment (tiller, hummel, headlights, navigation lights), as well as the mass of attachments (motor, tanks, anchors), if they are permanent. Fuel, passengers and removable equipment are not counted.
It is important to distinguish between a registered vessel and a non-registered vessel. If your boat is light and small, you may not need a license, but the technical regulations still require compliance with safety regulations. However, once the parameters go beyond the exceptions, the lack of registration equates to a violation of operating rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a 5-hp motor license?
No, the rights of the GIMS to a boat with a power of 5 hp (which is less than 8 kW) are not required, provided that the mass of the boat in charge does not exceed 200 kilograms, in which case the boat is not subject to mandatory registration and does not require a boatmaster's license.
Can you drive a boat with a B (car) license?
No, category B motor licenses do not give the right to drive a small vessel. To drive a boat with an engine, you must have a boatmaster's certificate of a small vessel issued by the State Motors Service of Russia, the corresponding category.
How long is the medical certificate valid for GIMS?
The medical certificate for obtaining or replacing the rights of the GIMS is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, however, when the first right is obtained, the certificate must not expire at the time of submission of documents to the inspection.
Do I need to register a PVC boat with a length of 3 meters with a 2 hp engine?
If the total mass of such a boat in running order (hull + engine + equipment) is less than 200 kg, it is not subject to state registration and the rights to it are not required, most single- and double-seat PVC boats with small engines fall into this category.