The question is, What type of rights do you need to have a boat?The legislation of the Russian Federation clearly regulates the need for a certificate, but many are confused about the figures of engine power and the carrying capacity of boats. The lack of correct documents can lead to serious fines and detention of the vessel by GIMS inspectors.
The main criterion is a combination of two parameters: the power of the power plant and the mass of the vessel itself. PVC You may be lucky enough to have no paperwork, but you may have more serious machinery, such as metal. boat elbow-boat motorIt is already required to pass the exam and pass the training.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail so that you know exactly whether you need to go to the GIMS or you can safely go fishing.
Key criteria: capacity and tonnage
To determine the need to obtain a small boatmaster's license, you must refer to the technical data sheet of your boat. State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Courts (GIMS) uses two main metrics to classify, the first is engine power, which is measured in kilowatts or horsepower.
The second criterion is the capacity or displacement of the vessel, and it is important to understand that it is not the weight of the boat in the dry state that is taken into account, but the parameters specified in the manufacturer's technical documentation. loading capacityAnd for rigid housings, displacement.
There is a clear line between those who need a license and those who can swim freely, and if one of the parameters exceeds the limit, having a license becomes a legal requirement, and ignoring these rules is equivalent to driving without a driver's license.
⚠️ Note: The estimated power of 10 hp is often listed in documents as 7.36 kW. If your boat's ticket or PCM has a value of 7.4 kW or higher, formally you already exceed the limit of 10 horsepower, even if the seller claimed otherwise.
There are often disputes with outboard motors that can be strangled to the right level, but the inspector will look at the engine documents, and if it's claimed 15 hp and you put the restrictive washer yourself, that's not an absolution. It requires factory markings or a corresponding entry in the passport.
Rule 10 horsepower and 200 kilograms
The Basic Law, which determines, What category do you need for a boat?According to the current regulations, the management of a small vessel used for non-commercial purposes does not require a certificate if two conditions are met simultaneously, the engine power should not exceed 8.83 kW (equal to 10 hp), and the number of people on board should not exceed 12.
However, there is an important nuance with weight: For boats that are not subject to state registration (weight up to 200 kg and engine power up to 10 hp), rights are not required. But if the boat is subject to registration (for example, metal or longer than 3 meters), then the 10 hp rule becomes the only criterion for exemption, provided that the vessel is used for personal needs.
Let's look at typical scenarios:
- 🚤 A 2.8-meter PVC boat and a 5-hp engine are not required, as power is less than 10 hp, and the vessel often does not require registration by weight.
- ⚓ Metal boat "Crimea" with an engine of 9.9 hp - rights are not needed (power within the norm), but registration in the GIMS is mandatory due to the type of hull and weight.
- 🌊 Inflatable boat with engine 15 hp - rights category "M" are mandatory, since the power exceeds 10 hp.
So, the magic number 8.83 kW This is a watershed for most PVC boat owners and light aluminum vessels, and it's up to that point that you don't have to take exams or go to GIMS training centers.
Types of categories of rights GIMS
If your parameters are beyond the permissible, you need to get a certificate. Certificate of the right to drive a small vessel It's uniform, but it's got categories that match the type of boat you're on, and you can't drive a boat with a kayak license, so it's important to know the classification.
There are several basic categories that are assigned after the exam, which are divided by the type of movement and design of the vessel. For amateur navigation, the first three points are most relevant, but it is also useful to know about the existence of others.
Main categories of rights:
- 🚣 « Rowing vessels" - for control of kayaks, canoes, row yals and other vessels driven by the muscular force of a person.
- 🛥️ « Motor boats are the most popular category for owners of boats with outboard or stationary engines with a capacity of more than 10 hp.
- ⛵ « Sailing vessels" - necessary for the management of boats with sailing weapons, if the area of sails exceeds the established norms (usually more than 6 sq.m.).
- 🚤 « Hydrocycles are a separate category for personal water motorcycles, regardless of their power.
A common question is, can you combine categories? Yes, you can test multiple types of vessels at the same time, like motor craft and hydraulic bikes, and then you just have the appropriate marks on the license.
Features of registration and documents
Getting rights is only half the bureaucratic process. boat-registration Even if you do not need a license (motor up to 10 hp), the vessel itself can be registered if its weight with equipment exceeds 200 kg or the length of more than 3 meters (for some types).
To register, you need to collect a package of documents, including the owner's passport, documents on the purchase of the boat and engine (purchase agreement, checks), as well as boat documents (boat registration certificate or boat's passport).
The process of obtaining rights is as follows:
- 📝 Training in a specialized center or training yourself (theory).
- 🏥 Obtaining a medical certificate of form 003-V / y with a mark on admission to the management of small vessels.
- 📸 Submission of an application to GIMS and payment of state duty.
- 🎓 Passing a theoretical exam (tests on a computer) and a practical exam (mooring skills, rescue).
☑️ Documents for GIMS
It should be remembered that the validity period is 10 years, and after this period, you must undergo a procedure for replacing the document, which usually does not require re-taking exams, but requires an up-to-date medical certificate.
Comparison of requirements for different types of vessels
To get the information straight, let's compare the requirements for the different types of boats that are popular, and that's a quick way to get a sense of the need for a category.
| Type of vessel | Engine power | Do I need registration? | Do I need a license? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable boat (PVC) | Up to 10 hp. | No (if the mass is < 200 kg) | No. |
| Inflatable boat (PVC) | Over 10 hp. | Yes. | Yeah (cat. motor) |
| Metal boat | Up to 10 hp. | Yes (usually weight > 200 kg) | No. |
| boat | Anything. | Yes. | Yeah (cat. motor) |
| Hydrocycle | Anything. | Yes. | Yeah (Cat. Hydrocycle) |
And you can see from the table that metal boat owners often find themselves in a situation where registration is required because of the weight of the hull, but you don't need a license if you have a low-power engine, which is a common mistake of beginners: they register the boat, but they forget that when you install a high-powered engine, they will need a license.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used boat, always check that the engine and hull number matches the documents. Differences in numbers or the absence of factory stamps can lead to refusal of registration and obtaining rights.
Liability and penalties for violations
Driving a small vessel without the relevant rights is equivalent to driving a car without a driver's license. Code of Administrative Offences The GIMS inspectors regularly conduct raids, especially on weekends and holidays.
The penalty for driving a boat without a license is between 2,000 and 3,000 rubles, but this is not the only problem; the vessel can be delayed and driven to a parking lot, which will entail additional costs for evacuation and storage, and the lack of rights is an aggravating circumstance in the case of a road accident on the water.
It is important to understand that the inspector has the right to check the documents at any time when the vessel is on the water, and the absence of the vehicular numbers marked according to the standard is also a violation and entails a separate fine, so the order should not only be with the rights, but also with the marking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a license if the engine is 9.9 hp, but I want to put 15 hp?
While the boat has a 9.9 hp engine installed and registered, no license is required, however, if you are planning to replace the boat with a more powerful engine, you must re-register the vessel with GIMS and obtain the rights of the motor vessel before getting on the water with a new engine.
Are the rights granted in the USSR valid?
Yes, certificates for the right to operate small craft issued in the USSR are valid in the territory of the Russian Federation indefinitely, provided that they correspond to modern categories.
Can I drive a boat with a license to a car?
No, motor licenses (categories B, C, etc.) do not give the right to drive water transport. To drive a motorized boat more powerful than 10 hp, a special GIMS certificate is required.
Do I need a boat without a motor (rowing)?
If a rowing boat is not registered (up to 200 kg), rights are not required; if it is registered (e.g. a large rowing boat), the category of rowing boats is formally required to operate it, although in practice such vessels are rarely considered unless they are in open waters.