The issue of legalizing a swimming facility is often a stumbling block for newcomers who are just planning to buy the first vessel. PVC boat It is wrong to think that a low-power engine allows you to ignore bureaucratic procedures, but the legislation of the Russian Federation has its nuances. What are the rights of the boat? In your case, it will protect you from serious financial losses and conflicts with the inspection.
The regulation of small craft has changed significantly in recent years, especially with the simplification of registration rules for a number of categories of equipment. Now the key parameters for obtaining a boatmaster's license are not only the engine power in horsepower, but also the total weight of the boat in use. It is the ratio of these two indicators that dictates whether you have to visit a training center or you can safely scour the waters without unnecessary paperwork.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all categories of rights, current exceptions for low-power engines and the procedure for obtaining the necessary documents. You will learn how to correctly calculate the weight of the boat, where to pass certification and what you absolutely cannot do when meeting with a patrol boat GIMS. Competent preparation for the season begins with a study of the regulatory framework.
Criteria for the necessity of rights: mass and power
The main normative document regulating this sphere is the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 833, which clearly defines the boundaries of mandatory registration and obtaining rights. boatmaster's certificate This is required if your craft is subject to state registration, and it occurs in two main cases: when the weight of the curbed vessel exceeds 200 kilograms or when the installed engine exceeds 8 kilowatts (equivalent to about 10.88 horsepower).
It's important to understand that the calculation is not individual, but in a complex. If you own a light inflatable boat weighing 30 kg, but you installed a powerful engine on it at 15 hp, you are required to have the rights, because the power threshold is exceeded. Conversely, a heavy metal boat weighing 250 kg with a cheerful drive or an electric motor up to 8 kW will also require paperwork, since the weight is exceeded. The key point is that the mass is considered in running order, that is, with a full set of equipment, but without fuel, passengers and cargo.
There is a common misconception that if a motor has exactly 5 hp, it automatically falls into the grey zone. It is not: the boundary runs strictly at 8 kW. Any excess of that power, even by fractions of a kilowatt, puts your boat in the category of registration and rights. PVC boat This is especially true, since modern four-stroke motors often have power close to the border.
⚠️ Attention: The GIMS inspectors check the documents with the actual engine power specified in the PTS, not your words that "the engine was strangled." If the documents indicate 12 hp, and he is on the boat, the rights of category "M" or "B" are mandatory, regardless of the actual sensation of traction.
Categories of rights to small craft
The classification system of small boats in Russia is quite logical and divided into several main categories depending on the type of engine and design of the vessel. For most fishermen and lovers of recreation on the water, the categories "M" and "B" are relevant. "M." It's designed to operate small-size motorized vessels, which include the classic mounted boats, which are the most widely distributed type of license that owners get. Kazan and inflatable boats.
Category "B" It allows access to the management of small vessels equipped with outboard motors, but there is often confusion with jet skis, which are divided into a separate group. There are also categories for sailing boats ("G") and rowing vessels ("A"), but the latter now requires little or no rights if the vessel is not registered.
The category for jet skis is also worth mentioning, as many owners of powerful boats often overlap with this equipment. The rights to jet skis have their own specifics and require a separate training course, although the basic rules of navigation remain the same for all. The presence of rights of one category does not automatically give the right to operate other types of boats without appropriate admission.
Below is a table that will help you quickly navigate the categories of GIMS license:
| Category | Type of vessel | Features |
|---|---|---|
| And | Small-sized motorized vessels | Basic category for motorboats |
| In | Small-sized sailing vessels | Required for sailboat management |
| G. | Hydrocycles | Specific technique, separate exam |
| D. | Non-self-propelled vessels | For boats without motor (rarely required) |
To operate a standard PVC boat with a 9.9 hp engine, you will need a boatmaster's license of category "M" (motor small craft).
Exceptions: When rights are not required
There are a number of situations where the owner of a swimming craft does not require the owner to obtain the rights of a boatmaster, which greatly simplifies the life of fans of quiet fishing. The main exception is the so-called "unregistered" vessels. If the weight of your boat in running order is less than 200 kg and the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (10.88 hp), then such a vessel is not subject to registration with GIMS, and therefore, the rights to it are not necessary.
This rule gives rise to the popular "boat + 5 hp" bundle, which has become the de facto standard for legal undocumented sailing. PVC boat Often indicate the weight of an empty boat, which, together with a light engine of 2-5 hp and a minimum set of equipment, fits into the limit of 200 kg. However, be careful: the installation of a kielson, heavy anchors, sonars and full fuel tanks can theoretically take you beyond the mass limit.
Nor are rights required if you use a vessel exclusively within the beach area or for official sporting events under the auspices of the respective federations, but going out in the open waters even in a small boat with a powerful motor without a license is tantamount to breaking the rules.
How will the inspector weigh the boat on the water?
The inspector will not weigh your boat on a scale right on the water, he will be guided by the technical documentation (boat's passport and engine data sheet). If the PTS of the boat says "weight 180 kg" and the engine says "power 5 hp," there will be no questions for registration.
Procedure for obtaining a boatmaster's licence
Obtaining rights is a very real and accessible process, requiring training and passing exams, training is conducted in specialized centers licensed by the GIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, the program includes a theoretical part, which teaches the rules of navigation, the design of boats, first aid and the basics of legislation, as well as practical lessons on driving and maneuvering.
After completing the course, the candidate will pass a two-stage exam: theoretical testing and practical skills testing, the theory is given in the form of tickets similar to automobiles, but with a focus on water specificity. The practice includes approaching the berth, maneuvering in confined space and acting in emergency situations, such as a person overboard.
For successful passing of the exam and obtaining the rights, you need to collect a package of documents, which includes an application, passport, medical certificate form 003-V / y (with admission to the management of small courts), photos and a receipt for payment of the state duty. Medical certificate It is a requirement that your health allows you to safely operate the boat.
☑️ Documents for GIMS
Liability and penalties for violations
Driving a small vessel without the necessary rights entails administrative liability under the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation. The penalty for not having a boatmaster's license is imposed separately from the fine for not registering a vessel, if required. The fine may vary, but is usually a significant amount for the amateur budget and can reach several thousand rubles.
In addition to the monetary penalty, the inspector of the GIMS has the right to detain the boat and remove the offender from control until the reasons for detention are eliminated, which means that your launch can result in the forced towing of the boat to the parking lot, which will entail additional costs and loss of time.
There are more serious consequences, such as the deprivation of the right to operate small craft for a certain period of time, which is relevant for cases of driving while intoxicated or committing gross violations of the rules that have caused a threat to human safety. Alcohol intoxication The water is tested as strictly as on the road and is an aggravating circumstance.
⚠️ Attention: Not only are the fines issued for lack of rights, but also for the absence of life jackets on board in terms of the number of people, alarm lights (at night) and scoop, the boat's completeness is checked first.
Keep electronic copies of all documents (boat data sheet, license, checks) in the cloud or on your phone, which will speed up the recovery process and help prove the legality of possession during verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a 5-hp boat license?
If the total weight of the boat in running order does not exceed 200 kg, then the rights to a 5 hp engine (which is less than 8 kW) are not required.
Where can I take the boatmaster's license exam?
Exams are accepted in the units of the GIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia. To admission to the exam, you must undergo training in an accredited training center or prepare yourself (externate), if the regional branch of GIMS accepts externals.
How long is the boatmaster's licence valid?
The boatmaster's certificate is issued for a period of 10 years, after which an extension procedure is required, which usually does not require re-take of examinations, but requires an up-to-date medical certificate.
Can I drive a boat with a license to a car?
No, a normal B-class driver's license does not allow small boats to operate with motors, but requires a separate GIMS boatmaster's license, although driving skills can help in mastering the theory.