Owning a swimming aid is not only a pleasure to fish and day on the water, but also a responsibility to the state. flyboat It is mistakenly believed that their PVC transporters remain invisible to regulators until they are out in the water with a powerful motor, but the law clearly regulates which boats are subject to accounting and which can be operated freely.
Registration is often confusing due to the constant changes in regulations and different interpretations of the rules. GIMS MOEThe key factor here is not only the presence of the engine, but also the total mass of the boat in service, and understanding these nuances will help to avoid unpleasant surprises when meeting with the inspector on the water and possible surprises. administrative fines.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the current requirements in force this year, and determine the boundaries, crossing which, the owner must put the boat on record. You will learn how to correctly calculate the mass, what documents will be required and why the technical data sheet is the main document for the owner. small-boat.
Criteria for mandatory registration of craft
The main regulatory document regulating this issue is the Inland Water Transport Code of the Russian Federation, according to the current rules, all small vessels used for non-commercial purposes, whose weight exceeds 200 kilograms, are subject to state registration. load-weightNot the weight or weight of the body alone.
If previously there was a separation in terms of engine power (for example, boats with an engine up to 5 hp did not require registration), now priority is given to the weight parameter. flyboat You may not be eligible for registration if the total weight of the boat with the equipment and engine installed falls below the specified bar, but if you plan to use the boat for commercial activities or for the carriage of passengers for a fee, the rules become significantly stricter.
⚠️ Warning: Failure to register with the boat subject to the record entails a fine and a ban on operation, and the inspector has the right to detain the boat until violations are corrected, which may mean that the boat must be transported to shore on its own.
It's important to distinguish between small boats and sports facilities. If your boat is certified as sports equipment and used exclusively for sporting events, the rules may differ. fundamentalIt is also worth considering that local swimming rules can make their own adjustments, so consultation with the regional office of the GIMS will never be superfluous.
How to calculate the weight of the boat
The most common mistake of owners is to try to weigh the boat at home on a household scale without considering all components. attachmentIt's a squirrel that's on board while it's moving, and it's primarily about the outboard motor.
To calculate, you need to add the weight itself PVC boats (referred to in the passport), the weight of the motor (referred to in the motor passport, not in the box) and the weight of the equipment installed, including chain anchors, stationary fuel tanks, sonars, navigators and other equipment attached to the boat. overlooked in the clout.
- 📏 The weight of the boat hull is taken from the manufacturer's technical data sheet, rounding is not allowed.
- ⚙️ The mass of the engine is taken into account in full, including the lower unit and the propeller, but without fuel in the tank if the tank is removable.
- ⚓ Stationary equipment (chairs, hand-helds, fastenings) is added to the total amount.
- 📦 Fuel in the built-in tank is taken into account, in the removable tank - not.
If the sum of these figures exceeds 200 kg, registration is mandatory. that the inspector will be guided by the data in the documents, and not by the actual weight on the scale. technical data sheet If the weight is not specified in the documents or is marked "up" the inspector can initiate the weighing procedure, which will create additional difficulties.
When buying a used motor or boat without documents, the weight can be determined by expert means, which will take time and require additional costs.
The impact of engine power on the need to take into account
Although the emphasis is on weight, engine power remains an important parameter for classification and driving rights requirements. category “M” rights (or the appropriate category in the new tractor mechanic's license) This requirement applies whether the boat is registered or not.
There is a common misconception that motors up to 5 hp allow you to completely ignore the rules. It's not. If your lightweight inflatable boat with a 2-3 hp engine totals more than 200 kg (which is possible with heavy boat models and additional equipment), it still needs to be recorded. skipper's qualifications.
Also, there are restrictions on the type of water body, which may be in place in some reservoirs and near hydraulic structures, such as a ban on motors with engines over 10 hp at night or in protected areas. GIME.
What if the engine power is not specified in the hp?
If the power is only in kilowatts (kW), divide the value by 0.7355. For example, 3 kW / 0.7355 ≈ 4.08 hp, which is less than 5 hp and does not require category M rights, but the boat may still need to be registered by weight.
Documents for registration of inflatable boat
The registration procedure of a small vessel requires the preparation of a certain package of documents. The owner must contact the GIMS unit at the place of residence or through the portal of State Services. The main document confirming the ownership and technical specifications is a purchase contract or other document certifying the ownership.
In addition, you will need the applicant’s passport and, of course, a technical data sheet for the boat itself and for the outboard motor (if any). flyboat The dimensions, the capacity of the people, the maximum engine power and, most importantly, the mass must be clearly spelled out, and the absence of any of these documents can be grounds for refusal of registration.
After filing the documents and paying the state fee, the boat is assigned a registration number, which the owner must put on board, and the owner is issued a boat registration certificate, which must be on board during the voyage, along with an identity document, the validity of the registration is usually unlimited, but when changing ownership or technical specifications, the procedure must be re-run.
☑️ List of documents for GIMS
Table: Comparison of registration requirements
For ease of perception, we systematize the basic requirements depending on the type of boat and its specifications, which will help you quickly orient yourself whether you need to worry about going to the inspection.
| Type of craft | Mass (equipped) | Engine power | Registration | Governance rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable boat | 200 kg | up to 5 hp | Not required | Not required |
| Inflatable boat | 200 kg | over 5 hp | Not required | Required (cat. M) |
| Inflatable boat | more than 200 kg | any | Required. | Required (cat. M) |
| Sailboat | more than 200 kg | motorless | Required. | Required. |
And you can see from the table that having a motor over 5 hp automatically requires you to have a license, but it doesn't always require you to register the boat itself if it's light. paperwork.
Liability and penalties for violations
Ignoring the rules of registration and management of small vessels can lead to serious financial consequences: the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation provides for fines for the management of unregistered vessels, as well as for the lack of rights to manage. The size of fines is periodically indexed, so it is better to specify the current amounts in the current version of the code.
In addition to the monetary penalty, the inspector has the right to delay the vessel, which means that you will not be able to continue cruising or fishing, and you will have to arrange for the transport of the boat to shore, which in remote areas of rivers and lakes can be a serious logistical problem, repeated violations can lead to more severe penalties.
⚠️ Note: Not only are there no registration, but there are no boat tickets, life jackets, and other safety equipment on board, and the package must be in accordance with your class requirements.
It is also worth noting that in the case of a water accident or emergency, having all the documents and complying with the rules greatly simplifies interaction with rescue services and insurance companies. Security Water depends not only on the management skills, but also on the law-abiding owner.
Boat registration is not just a bureaucracy, but a way to legalize your presence on the water, which guarantees you the protection of rights and state assistance in case of an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register an inflatable boat without a motor?
Yes, if its curb weight is more than 200 kg. However, most inflatable boats without an engine weigh significantly less than this threshold, so they do not require registration.
Can I register a boat if my technical data sheet is lost?
Without a technical data sheet, registration is impossible, as it contains key identification information, you will need to restore the passport from the manufacturer or through the court, proving the ownership and specifications of the vessel.
Do I need to pass a technical inspection for an inflatable boat?
Small vessels used for non-commercial purposes are exempt from mandatory technical inspection, but the owner is obliged to independently monitor their health and compliance with safety requirements.
Where can I pay the state fee for registration?
You can pay the state duty through a banking application, in a bank branch or on the portal of public services. When paying through public services, there is often a discount on the amount of the fee.
What if the weight of the boat is exactly 200 kg?
According to the rules, the registration is subject to boats of mass above If the document states a mass of exactly 200 kg or less, it is not necessary to register such a vessel formally, but it is recommended to carry documents confirming this weight.