The question of the possibility of passing locks on inflatable vessels often arises for boaters planning long routes through the shipping channels. PVC will not be allowed into the gateway due to design features or safety requirements.
In fact, the legislation of the Russian Federation does not contain direct prohibitions on the locking of small vessels with inflated shells, the main condition is the technical health of the vessel, the availability of all necessary documents and, critically, the need to ensure that the boat is fully operational. registered-boat with the license plates installed.
However, despite the formal permission, the process of passing the lock on a light boat has its own nuances: you will have to face powerful whirlpools, strong water flows and the need to keep the boat on board the sluice boat or against the wall of the camera, which requires the crew to high-speed. coordination.
Regulatory framework and GIMS requirements
Inland waterways are regulated by the Russian Inland Waterways Code and the Inland Waterways Regulations, which clearly state that small vessels are required to follow the lock controller's instructions and comply with the established regime.
Inspectors of GIMS (State Inspectorate for Small Vessels) pay attention to the presence of a boat's ticket when checking. PVC powerboats Registration is required if your boat is not registered but you plan to sluice, it is better to carry checks or sales contracts proving ownership.
Special attention is paid to equipment, on board must be life jackets according to the number of passengers, anchor with sufficient supply of line and alarm equipment. lifejackets It can become a formal reason for the ban on entering the gateway, since the risk of falling overboard in turbulence is extremely high.
⚠️ Warning: Before approaching the lock, make sure that all passengers wear life jackets. In conditions of severe turbulence when filling or emptying the camera, it is almost impossible to stay in a boat without a vest, even for an experienced boater.
A lock controller has every right to prevent a vessel from entering the lock if it poses a threat to the safety of navigation. For a light inflatable boat, such a threat can be a strong side wind that can press the vessel against the concrete wall or propeller of a large boat.
Technical limitations and boat preparation
Although a direct ban on flyboat There are no PVC boats, the physical specifications of PVC boats impose their limitations, the main risk factor is sailing and light weight, and if the water level changes dramatically or a wave is created from a passing vessel, a light boat can flip or hit the berth.
The safety of the motor is critical; vibration and jerks in the lock can weaken the rods; additional safety ropes are recommended to tie the squirrel board to the cylinders in case of failure. boat-engine He didn't fall inside the cockpit and damage the shell.
Use only a hard transom of marine plywood or aluminum. Soft inflatable transverses under the load of a powerful motor can deform, which will lead to loss of control at the most inopportune time.
It is also worth checking the condition of inflatable tubes, they should be maximum pressure, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, the shell can be pumped in the sun, and in cold water the lock deflates, which will lead to loss of buoyancy and stability.
The table below shows the main requirements for equipping a small vessel for safe locking:
| Equipment element | Requirement | Reason for necessity |
|---|---|---|
| Life jackets | I'll be sure to do it for everyone. | Protection against drowning when falling in turbulent water |
| Anchor and molt | Minimum 15-20 meters | Ability to stop or hold at the wall |
| Cherpak (vedereco) | Presence | Removal of water that has been trapped in the water |
| Documents | Original boat registration certificate | Proof of the right to navigation and possession |
Approach and mooring process at the lock
The gateway is approached only by command of the dispatcher, which is broadcast over loudspeaker or transmitted through the duty officer at the gate. PVC boats It is important to take a position in the queue, usually formed at the entrance gate, and carefully monitor the signals.
The inflatable boat lock is the most difficult stage, and the lock walls are often covered with mucus or have protruding elements (wings, jack bars) that can damage the cylinders, and the ideal option is to stand in the wake of a large boat if the controller allows you to "clung" to its board, but at a safe distance from the screws.
- 🚢 In advance, agree with the captain of the boat the possibility of mooring to its board, if you go together.
- ⚓ Have a long falin (mooring end) ready for the opportunity to cling to the pouch or stairs.
- 🧤 Be sure to use gloves so as not to injure your hands against rough ropes or concrete when you dock manually.
If you dock against the wall, try to use intermediate buffers, which can be special cranes or even large plastic canisters tied to the sides of the boat, which will protect the delicate surface. PVC material from abrasion on rough concrete.
It is important to keep the engine running at low speeds so that sailing and current do not press the boat against the board of the sluice vessel.
Features of behavior in the lock chamber
The lock chamber is subject to constant water flow, and when the chamber is filled, the water level rises, creating upward currents that can spin a light boat, and when emptying, powerful whirlpools emerge that can suck a small vessel under the water intake grid or just flip it over.
At this point, it is strictly forbidden to let the mooring end go. Retention of the vessel It requires constant physical activity, and if you're sluiceing alone, controlling the motor and mooring becomes an extreme task, requiring perfect balance.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the mooring end to the boat if you hold it in your hands! When the water level rises sharply or lowers, you may be thrown out of the boat or pulled under the board. The end should be in your hands or thrown over a duck with the possibility of instant etching.
Watch for traffic lights inside the gateway, the green signal at the exit only lights up after the gate is fully opened and levels are leveled, and a premature start can lead to a collision with the gate or tightening into the mechanisms.
After leaving the lock, you should not immediately develop a high speed. The output jets often create a heavy chop, dangerous for lightweight. flyboatBetter get out to a quiet area, check the engine mounts and the condition of the cylinders.
Risks and precautions
The main risk for PVC boats in the lock is mechanical damage. Sharp corners of concrete structures, rusty metal elements on the walls or accidental contact with the propeller of a large vessel can lead to a puncture. For an inflatable vessel, a puncture in the lock conditions is a disaster.
Another hidden risk is loss of control due to foreign objects falling into the screw. In the locks, various debris often floats, which can wind on the propeller, blocking the lock. boat-engineIf you're left without a move in the airlock, you become an uncontrollable object.
- 🔦 Always have a spare set of candles and keys for quick engine maintenance.
- 🔪 The knife on board should be easily accessible so that in case of entanglement in the moorings, the ends can be cut.
- 📱 Make sure the phone is charged and has communication, as the signal may be lost in the lock chambers.
The psychological factor is also important: the noise of water, the hum of machinery and the pressure of water can frighten the inexperienced boater, and panic in the confined space of the lock often leads to errors in control.
What to do if the boat began to tighten under the boat?
Add the gas immediately to get out of the dilution zone, or if that's not possible, move the humming device abruptly away from the propeller. Scream and wave your arms to attract the attention of the boat's crew.
Alternatives: lock-bypass
Given the risks, many light boat owners prefer to skirt rather than sluice, which means unloading the boat and motor ashore, dragging them or carts past the lock, and launching them downstream (or higher).
It's a time-consuming process that requires physical strength and time, but it completely eliminates the risk of damage to the boat against the lock wall or getting hit by a screw. PVC boats With powerful motors, rim-to-motor is often a more rational choice.
The decision to lock or skirt is made by everyone, assessing their skills, the condition of the boat and the weather conditions, and if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to take risks and choose an overland route.
Locking on PVC boats is legally permitted but technically dangerous due to the risk of damage to the shell and loss of control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay for a motorboat lock?
For private small vessels recreational use, locking is usually free, but there may be charges for locking services under certain navigation conditions or for passing through toll channels (for example, the Moscow River in certain sections), but the standard procedure on Russian rivers is free for citizens.
Can I get on a boat without registration?
Formally, locking is only permitted to registered vessels, but in practice, if a boat of low power (up to 8 kW) does not require registration, lock controllers often pass them on a general basis, requiring only compliance with safety rules and the presence of life jackets.
Is the PVC boat dangerous?
The overpass is less dangerous to the integrity of cylinders than locking, if you use a special trolley or a red tape with a soft coating, the risk of puncture with stones or reinforcements on the shore is there, but it is (controllable) compared to the unpredictability of the lock.
What to do if a balloon bursts in the lock?
Inflate a second tank immediately (if the design permits) or use a pump. If the boat starts to sink, hold on to the sides and call for help. There is always a rescue post or crew in the lock, whose reaction is instantaneous, the main thing is not to panic and stay in the vest.
What is the minimum length of a boat for locking?
There are no minimum length limits, even kayaks and catamarans are sluggish, and the main requirement is the presence of an engine (if any) with documents and the ability of the crew to hold the vessel at a given point.