The issue of legalization of water transport with a propeller is faced by many enthusiasts planning to buy this high-speed and universal means of transportation. Aerolodge It's not just a motorboat, it's a technically sophisticated craft that combines the properties of a hovercraft with a glideboat, and it's this duality that often causes confusion when dealing with GIMS inspectors, because the rules can be interpreted differently depending on the design of the vehicle.
First of all, you need to clearly distinguish between the concepts of "aircraft hovercraft" (AVP) and "aircraft with a propeller of air push." If in the first case, the air is pumped under the hull to create a cushion, in the second case, the propeller located at the rear, just pushes the boat forward like an airplane. The key to determining whether a boat is eligible is not only the motor, but also its power in kilowatts and the capacity of the boat, and we will look at when you need a boatmaster's license and when you can do without unnecessary documents.
The legislative framework in this area has undergone changes, and today the main document regulating the rights and obligations of boatmasters is the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 12. It is important to understand that the lack of a clear delineation in some points can lead to controversial situations on the water, so the paperwork should be approached with a margin. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances in detail so that your walk does not end in a parking lot.
Differences between the Aeroboat and the SVP according to the GIMS classifier
For the inspector of the GIMS and for the law, the technical name of your device is of secondary importance, the main thing is its classification in the boat's ticket. Airboats Airboats are often legally equivalent to ordinary small craft unless they use an air cushion to detach from the surface. hovercraft (SVPs) that can travel by land or water are subject to stricter requirements.
The main difference is the principle of propulsion: if your boat is based on water with a hull or inflatable tubes, and the propeller only creates thrust, it is classified as a small boat with a power engine. If the boat moves on a layer of air that is injected by a fan under the bottom, it is a SVP. Registration rules They may differ, especially in terms of equipment requirements and crew qualifications.
⚠️ Note: Some manufacturers call their models "airboats", although structurally they are SVP. Always check the technical documentation and the boat's passport, which indicates the type of propulsion and the principle of operation.
Misclassification can lead to the fact that you will operate a boat without the appropriate category of rights. For example, the management of the SVP requires higher qualifications due to the peculiarities of maneuvering and the lack of classic steering in the traditional sense (often vector thrust is used).
Engine power and the need for rights: where the boundary passes
The most common question is, "Do you need rights to an aeroboat with a motor up to 10 hp?" The answer lies in the conversion of horsepower into kilowatts, because Russian law operates precisely with the metric system. The limit to which rights are not required is set at 8 kilowatts inclusive. 10.88 horsepowerThus, the popular 9.9 hp engines are formally placed within the limit that does not require a boatmaster's license, but only under one condition.
The second critical condition is the capacity of the vessel, and even if the engine is weaker than 8 kW, you will need a license if the load capacity of the aeroboat exceeds 225 kilograms, and this is done for safety, because driving a heavy boat, even with a low-power engine, requires certain skills. boat Light and low power, you can swim without a license, but you must comply with the rules of navigation.
Let’s look at the typical scenarios in the table below to make it easier for you to navigate:
| Engine power | Load capacity | Do you need a license? | Is registration required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 kW (incl.) | Up to 225 kg | No. | No. |
| Up to 8 kW (incl.) | More than 225 kg | Yes (category M) | Yes. |
| More than 8 kW | Anything. | Yes (category M) | Yes. |
| Anything. | Any (UAV) | Yes (Category of RVP) | Yes. |
Installing a second motor for safety can automatically place your boat in the category of registration and rights, even if each one is weaker than 8 kW. Total power This is what the inspector will check when inspecting.
Categories of rights for the management of the aircraft
If you do require a boatmaster's license for power and weight, you must determine the correct category. Most classic air-pushing propellers that do not detach from the water require a category. "M." (Small-sized motor craft) This is a standard category that is opened after completing training and passing examinations at GIMS or an accreted training centre.
This is even more difficult if your boat is officially classified as a hovercraft In this case, the certificate must have a special mark or category for the control of the MVP. Training for this category is different from the standard course for boats: it includes the study of the features of aerodynamics, thrust vector control and the behavior of the vessel in transitional modes (water-land).
The process of obtaining rights is standard and includes:
- 📋 Passing the medical board to obtain a certificate of form 003-V / y with a mark on admission to the management of small vessels.
- 📚 Attend theoretical classes, where the rules of inland water navigation (IWN), the design of boats and the basics of first aid are studied.
- ⚓ Practice practical skills on the water, including maneuvering, approach to the pier and action in emergency situations.
- 📝 Passing the exam in GIMS, consisting of the theoretical part (tests) and practical (getting on the water).
Training takes an average of two weeks to a month depending on the curriculum of the training center, and the cost of obtaining rights varies, but having a document eliminates serious problems with the law and allows you to legally get on the water even in places with increased control.
☑️ What is needed to open category M
Procedure for registration of the aircraft in GIMS
Airboat registration is a mandatory procedure for boats subject to the requirements of the law (power 8 kW or heavier than 225 kg). boat registration certificate The registration process begins with the collection of a package of documents, which includes a purchase contract, a boat's passport (SPA), the owner's personal passport and documents for the payment of the recycling fee (if applicable).
After submission of documents to the GIMS, the inspection of the vessel is assigned; the inspector checks the compliance of the actual specifications with the declared documents, the presence of navigation lights, a life jacket, an anchor device and other equipment; Visual control of the integrity of the cylinders and engine anchorages is also important for aeroboats; If everything is in order, the boat is assigned a registration number that must be applied on board.
⚠️ Attention: the application of the number must be made in contrast paint, the height of the symbols is not less than 150 mm Violation of the rules of marking can be a separate basis for a fine.
The application is usually processed for up to 20 working days, after which the owner receives a boat's ticket, which must always be carried with him during the voyage, since its absence equates to no registration. Electronic boat registration certificate It is not yet legally valid for presentation to the water inspector, so a paper original or notarized copy is required.
What to do if the PSM is lost on the boat?
In case of loss of the passport of a small craft (SVM), you must apply to the GIMS with a request for a duplicate, you will need to provide an explanatory, the passport of the owner and possibly undergo a re-examination of the vessel to identify its specifications.
Mandatory equipment and safety requirements
Safety on the water is the number one priority, especially for high-speed vessels such as aeroboats, and the law requires a minimum set of equipment. lifejackets The use of vests is mandatory for all persons on board, regardless of their ability to swim, and for aeroboats, a protective cover on the propeller is also critical to prevent injuries to people and animals when the vessel is out of water or in shallow water.
In addition, on board shall be:
- 🚩 Signal flag (to indicate parking or disembarkation of people).
- 🔦 The light is a light source for swimming in the dark.
- 🪢 Anchor and anchor line of appropriate length.
- 🔪 Knife (to release from entanglement in algae or ropes).
Special attention should be paid to noise performance: airships with powerful aircraft engines can create significant noise, which in some regions is regulated by local regulations. silencer And keeping the speed limit near the coast and settlements will help avoid conflicts with environmentalists and local residents.
Even if you are sure of dryness, the airboats, the splashes and the sudden rain can ruin the boat's ticket and rights, making them unreadable.
Fines and liability of the skipper
Ignoring the rules of the GIMS can lead to significant financial losses: driving an aeroboat without a license, if required, entails a fine. According to the Administrative Code, the control of the vessel by a person who has no right to drive, faces a fine of up to 2000 rubles. However, if it is proved that the boat was transferred to a person without a license, the owner can be fined up to 30,000 rubles, and the boat itself is placed in a parking lot.
The absence of registration is also a serious violation: the operation of an unregistered small vessel is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 rubles. But the main problem is not the amount of the fine, but the prohibition on further movement. The inspector has the right to prohibit navigation until the violations are corrected, which means towing the vessel to the parking lot at your expense. Repeated violations They can lead to more severe penalties, including deprivation of the right to govern.
Also, remember that you have to be responsible for violating swimming, speed and parking rules, and in places where you're on a mass holiday, in areas where you're not allowed to swim, or in hydraulic safety areas, you can be stricter, and you can always check your local prohibitions before you go out in an unfamiliar area.
The cost of processing all documents and training is disproportionately less than the potential fines and costs of evacuating a vessel from the parking lot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register an aeroboat with a 5 hp engine?
Not if the vessel's carrying capacity does not exceed 225 kg, in which case neither registration with the GIMS nor the availability of rights is required, however, the rules of safe navigation are mandatory in any case.
Can I drive an aeroboat with a license to a car?
No, motor licences (category B and others) do not give the right to operate small vessels. To operate an aeroboat with an engine greater than 8 kW (or heavier than 225 kg), a category “M” boatmaster’s certificate issued by GIMS is required.
Where can I swim in an airplane without restrictions?
You can swim in any water bodies where there is no ban on motorized vessels. However, there are no zones (beaches, protected areas, port waters).
Do I need to be inspected for the aircraft annually?
For private small craft used for non-commercial purposes, the annual technical inspection (inspection) is canceled, however, the vessel must be in good working order and the inspector of the GIMS may check its condition when meeting on the water.