The question of which boat-rights It is required for legal access to the water, it arises from everyone who plans to buy a boat. Many beginners mistakenly believe that for small inflatable boats documents are not necessary at all, but the legislation of the Russian Federation clearly regulates the requirements for boatmasters. boat GIMS officers.
The problem is complicated by the fact that the classification of rights is divided not only by engine type, but also by navigation area, as well as by tonnage. Since 2012, the rules have changed, and now the presence of the license is not limited to the number of passengers. certificate It depends on the engine power and the body weight, and in this article we will go through all the details so that you can determine exactly what rights you need.
It is important to understand that driving a boat without the appropriate qualifications is equated with driving a car without a license. The B category rights are required for the operation of a small vessel with an outboard motor with a capacity of more than 8 hp (5.88 kW) in any internal waters of the Russian Federation. Let’s look at the structure of the categories in more detail to avoid confusion.
Main categories of GIMS license for small vessels
The classification of the rights to manage small vessels used for non-commercial purposes is approved by the Order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia. Certificate of managementThe categories are divided according to the type of vessel and the area of navigation.
The most common category among fishermen and recreational enthusiasts is that of motorboats, but there is a division between sea and inland routes. PVC And boats are relevant inland waterways (rivers, lakes, reservoirs).
- 🚤 Category “A” - small-size motorized vessels used for non-commercial purposes, with the permitted maximum power of the internal combustion engine up to 8 horsepower inclusive or with an electric motor power of more than 0.4 kilowatts.
- 🚤 Category B - small motorized vessels used for non-commercial purposes, with a maximum power of an internal combustion engine of more than 8 horsepower.
- 🚤 Category “C” Small-sized vessels used for non-commercial purposes, with a mechanical engine (internal combustion or electric motor) regardless of power, and without a mechanical engine with a hull length of 20 meters or more.
There is also a separation between the "VP" (internal tracks) and the "MP" (sea lanes) for regular fishing on a river or lake, you will need a "VP" mark. If you plan to go to the sea area, you need a corresponding entry in the license.
⚠️ Attention: Driving a boat with the category "MP" on inland waterways is allowed, but the reverse action (going to sea with rights only to "GP") is strictly prohibited and dangerous to life.
Motor boats: power and tonnage
When you're going to get a license, the key is the power of the engine. For a long time, there was a 5 hp threshold, but modern norms have shifted that limit. boat-engine You have to take exams more often.
If your engine is above 8 hp (which corresponds to about 5.88 kW), you must have category B rights. This applies to both gasoline and electric engines if their power exceeds the specified limit.
Special attention should be paid to the total power, if a boat has two or more engines, their power is added, for example, two 5 hp engines give 10 hp, which already requires a certificate, and ignoring this rule is a frequent cause of conflicts with inspection.
When buying a used motor, be sure to check its real power with a passport, since some models can be re-flashed or have hidden potential, formally placing them in another category.
It is also important to take into account the load capacity and passenger capacity indicated in the marking. boatExceeding these parameters can be grounds for a fine, even if you have a category of rights.
Do I need a license for a boat without a motor?
Many people wonder, do you need a document to operate a fun boat or a kayak? Here, the law makes an exception for light boats. If your boat is not powered by a motor and is less than 20 meters long, no rights are required.
However, there are nuances regarding security and registration. GIME It doesn't require rights to paddles, it requires rules of conduct on the water, and life jackets are mandatory for everyone on board.
- 🛶 Fun boats with a carrying capacity of less than 100 kg are not subject to registration and do not require rights.
- 🛶 Baidark and canoe weighing up to 200 kg are also exempt from registration.
- 🛶 Inflatable vessels with a carrying capacity of less than 100 kg (usually single) do not require registration.
If you decide to put a motor on your kayak, even a small one, that changes dramatically, and at that point the power rule comes into effect. For electric motors, the threshold is 0.4 kW (about 0.54 hp), which practically means that rights are required for any tangible traction effort.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the engine on an unregistered vessel (e.g. a kayak) automatically requires registration and rights if the engine power exceeds the norm.
What happens if they get caught without a license?
If the inspector checks the GIMS and you do not have rights, you will be issued a report, the penalty for driving without a license is from 2000 to 2500 rubles, and the vessel can be detained and placed in a parking lot until the circumstances are clarified.
Categories for sailing vessels and hydrocycles
Sailing vessels and jet skis are classified in separate groups due to the specific management. For sailboats, the sailing area is an important parameter. If it exceeds 22 square meters, a certificate of the appropriate category is required.
Hydrobikes, or water bikes, require a special approach, and they require a category B with a special label "GC" to operate them. Just having a boat license is not enough, you need this record. Training for a jet ski involves specific maneuvers and safety rules.
Training on a sailing vessel or jet ski takes longer than a conventional motorboat, and this involves understanding wind conditions, divergence rules, and maneuvering at high speeds.
| Type of vessel | Parameter | You need a license. | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorboat | Motor > 8 hp | Yes (Kat. B) | Yes. |
| Motorboat | Engine ≤ 8 hp | No. | Yes (if mass > 200 kg) |
| Sailboat | Sailing > 22 m2 | Yes (Cat. C) | Yes. |
| Hydrocycle | Anyone. | Yes (Kat. B, HC) | Yes. |
| A fun boat | Capacity < 100 kg | No. | No. |
Thus, owners of large sailboats and fans of water bikes should prepare for a more serious exam, and the questions in tickets for these categories contain specific terms and situations.
For a jet ski, you need a special mark "GC" in the rights of category B, the usual rights to the boat will not work.
The process of training and passing the exam in GIMS
The training can be done both in-person and remotely (theory), but practical skills are learned on the water, and includes the rules of swimming, navigation, first aid and basic legislation.
The exam is two parts: theoretical and practical, and in theory you have to answer the ticket questions, where you have the minimum number of errors, and you have to do it on the water, you have to demonstrate the ability to moor, pick up a person from the water and maneuver.
To be admitted to the exam, you need to collect a package of documents, including a medical certificate, photos and copies of your passport, and it is important to pass the medical examination in advance, since the certificate has a limited validity period.
☑️ Documents for the GIMS exam
It is worth noting that re-submission is possible, but requires waiting and additional payment, so it is better to prepare carefully the first time, paying attention to the weaknesses in knowledge.
Fines and liability of the skipper
Violations of the rules of small courts entail administrative liability, fines vary according to the severity of the violation, and lack of rights is one of the most common violations.
In addition to the penalty for not having a license, there are penalties for driving while drunk, violating speed limits and disregarding the requirements of life jackets. In the case of a road accident on the water, the responsibility can be even more serious, even criminal.
GIMS inspectors have the right to conduct water inspections, and refusing to undergo a survey is equivalent to being intoxicated, so always carry the original ID card or a certified copy of it.
⚠️ Attention: Transferring control of the boat to an ineligible person also entails a fine for the owner of the boat.
Getting your rights and registering your vessel on time will save you trouble and allow you to enjoy your water vacation without fear of inspections.
Do I need to register a boat with a 5 hp engine?
Registration with GIMS is mandatory if the weight of the boat with the installed engine exceeds 200 kg. The engine power of 5 hp does not require category B rights (since it is less than 8 hp), but if the total weight exceeds 200 kg, the boat must be registered and have a number.
Where do GIMS license apply?
The certificate issued by the GIMS of the Russian Emergencies Ministry is valid throughout the territory of the Russian Federation, depending on the mark, it allows you to swim on inland waterways (rivers, lakes) or in seaport waters.
How long is the boatmaster's licence valid?
The validity of the certificate for the right to drive a small vessel is 10 years, after which you need to undergo a procedure for replacing the document, which usually does not require re-taking the examinations, unless there were gross violations.
Can I buy the boat license?
Purchasing rights without training and examination is illegal and criminalized for using forged documents, and all legal IDs are issued only after successfully passing the knowledge and skills test in the GIMS units.