Question of preparation fly-boat The water is relevant not only for experienced fishermen, but also for beginners planning their first walks. State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Courts It is very safe to follow safety rules, and the absence of even one piece of equipment can lead to serious consequences. PVC boats It is mistakenly believed that the presence of oars and pumps is enough for legal swimming, but the legislation of the Russian Federation requires much more thorough configuration.
Compliance with the rules is not just a way to avoid administrative protocol, but also a real opportunity to preserve health and life on the water. boat-set This is a great way to deal effectively with an emergency, whether it's a sudden storm or an engine failure, and in this article, we'll take a look at all the requirements that are relevant for the current year and help you create the perfect weight-free kit.
It is worth noting that the requirements may vary depending on the region and type of reservoir, but the basic list remains uniform for the whole country. Inspector GIMS When checking, it is important to note the availability of life-saving equipment and documents, and ignoring these rules turns a pleasant walk into a long conversation with authorities and a possible evacuation of the vessel.
Mandatory life-saving appliances and their features
The first thing that the supervisory authorities check is the availability of personal protective equipment. floatboat, mandatory lifejacketIt is important to understand that conventional inflatable circles or float jackets for swimming pools will not work. The certificate of conformity must be stitched into the product documentation, and the vest itself must have reflective elements.
The size of the vest is selected strictly by the weight and volume of the passenger's chest. Drowning man Inflatable models require regular valve checks and no microcracks, as they can lose buoyancy in the sun and wind at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Note: The use of homemade life-saving appliances or products without GOST/EAS marking is equal to their absence and entails a fine.
In addition to the vests, there should be a life-line It is attached to the outer side of the boat and is used to pull a fallen person overboard or tow, the length of such a line is usually not less than half the length of the hull of the boat, but not less than 3 meters, the end of the rope should be equipped with a weighting or float, so that it can be easily found in the water.
- 🛟 Life jacket with a certificate of conformity for each passenger.
- 🪢 Rescue line length of at least 3 meters, fixed on board.
- 🔦 Waterproof flashlight for light signals (if the exit is in the dark).
- 📢 A whistle to give audible signals.
Presence scoop If you puncture a balloon or get overwhelmed by a wave, you can only remove water quickly from the cockpit by mechanical means. PVC boats It is better to use soft folding scoops from rubberized fabric, so as not to damage the bottom with sharp edges.
Documentation and identification of a small vessel
The second critical aspect is the proper documentation. flyboat However, even if your boat does not require registration (engine power less than 8 hp and weight less than 200 kg), you must have the documents proving ownership and conformity of specifications.
The inspector has the right to request a passport boat and engineThese numbers must match those on the transom of the boat and the engine's lower unit, and the lack of documents or mismatches is interpreted as an attempt to conceal the origin of the property, which can lead to the arrest of equipment until the circumstances are clarified.
Special attention should be paid to the marking of the sides, according to the new rules, the registration number must be marked with contrast paint on both sides. fly-boatThe height of letters and numbers is strictly regulated and depends on the length of the hull. For small boats, it is usually 150 mm, which ensures good readability from shore and from other boats.
If you use motorboat If you have a low-power unit, you don't need to register with GIMS, but you need to have your manufacturer's passport with you, and the inspectors are reluctant to accept digital copies of documents on your phone, so it's better to have a paper version in a waterproof bag, which will save time during the check and eliminate unnecessary questions.
| Type of document | When necessary | Where to store |
|---|---|---|
| boat registration certificate | When registering a boat (power > 8 hp or weight > 200 kg) | Original on board in a waterproof package |
| Passport for boat | Always (proof of ownership) | With you or a copy in your phone + original home |
| Management rights | With engine power over 5 hp (category M) | With the driver (plastic or in the application) |
Management rights small-boat M categories are mandatory if the engine power exceeds 5 horsepower. Many people mistakenly believe that an 8-horsepower engine does not need a license, but this is not the case. Lack of a license equates to driving without a license with all the ensuing fines and arresting the boat until the identity is determined.
Navigational equipment and communications
You can't swim safely without being orientated, and even on a familiar body of water, in fog or changing the landscape, it's easy to lose direction. Navigational instruments for PVC boats don’t have to be complex and expensive, but they do have to be reliable and have a supply of power.
The compass is a basic element that is independent of batteries and satellites. The magnetic compass must be installed away from metal objects and working electronics so that the arrow points in the right direction. flyboat Ideal wrist compasses or models on a suction cup, which can be quickly fixed to the cylinder.
Communications are a critical security element, and a cell phone in a sealed neck is the bare minimum, but it may not be possible to catch it far from shore. radio Or a satellite phone would greatly improve the chances of an emergency, and the devices would need to be fully charged before each exit.
- 🧭 Magnetic compass with backlight for night use.
- 📱 Mobile phone in a sealed package with a spare powerbank.
- 📻 Portable VHF radio station (for communication with rescuers and other vessels).
- 🗺️ Paper navigation map of the reservoir in the tablet.
For night exits or swimming in poor visibility conditions are mandatory navigational lightsOn. rowboat It is enough to have a white light (lantern) with you, which can be displayed in time so that other boats notice you. On a motorboat, the lights must be fixed permanently and switched on from the control panel.
⚠️ Warning: A flashlight that only shines forward is not a navigation light. The designation of a boat on water requires a circular glow or specialized top lights.
First aid kit, repair kit and tools
The water element dictates its repair and first aid requirements. PVCBecause many of the medicines can become unusable from moisture or heat, the kit should be focused on treating wounds, sunburns and protecting against hypothermia.
A repair kit is something that should be in the boat at all times, even when you go out for 15 minutes. A puncture on a snag or a stone is a common situation, and the ability to quickly put in a boat. patching The PVC glue dries for a long time, so it's best to use self-adhesive tapes or fast adhesion remixes for emergencies.
The tools must be compact and not rust. Multitudes, pliers and a set of keys for lifting mounts fittings Often, the screws of the cans or transoms attachment are unwinded by vibration, and they need to be tightened periodically to avoid loss of elements on the water.
The first aid kit must contain sunburn and repellents, the sun is more active in open water because of the reflection of the rays from the surface, and you can get burned very quickly, and you also need a supply of drinking water at least 1 liter per person per hour in the sun.
| Category | Required items | Storage requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine. | Bandages, antiseptic, burn, patch. | Airtight container, protection against UV |
| Boat repairs | Glue, patches, degreaser. | Cool place, separate from sharp objects |
| Tools | Knife, multitool, keys | In a tether or in a vest pocket |
The knife on the boat should not only be sharp, but also safe. It is recommended to use knives with a fixed blade in the scabbard or folding knives with a one-hand opening mechanism. The blade should be stainless, or better - titanium, so as not to be corroded by salt or river water.
Anchor and mooring
Stopping on water requires reliable fixation boatUse of stones or sandbags as anchor on PVC boats are dangerous: they can damage the bottom when lifting or shift the center of gravity. Specialized anchor for inflatable boats must have a folding design and rounded elements that are not able to pierce the balloon.
The weight of the anchor is selected depending on the displacement of the boat and the strength of the current. For a two-seater boat, an anchor weighing 1.5-2 kg is usually enough. It is not the weight, but the shape of the legs and the reliability of the rope attachment. The anchor false (rope) should be sufficiently long - at least triple depth at the parking lot, but not less than 10 meters.
Anchor rope anchoring to floatboat It is carried out only through special rings or dice located in the nose. Tethering to a leer or handles for carrying is strictly prohibited, since when the anchor is jerked, these elements can come off, damaging the balloon.
The mooring end is also necessary for landing on shore or other vessel, it must be bright in color (to be visible in the water) and have a loop at the end for quick throwing on a collard or wood, synthetic materials (nylon, polypropylene) preferable to natural, as they rot less and dry faster.
- ⚓ Folding anchor with rounded edges (weight 1.5-3 kg).
- 🧶 Anchor line length of 10-15 meters with a carbine.
- 🎈 Anchor buoy to mark the anchorage.
- 🪢 The mooring end with a ogon (loop) at the end.
Weather protection and equipment
The weather on the water changes rapidly, and what was a clear sun in the morning can turn into a shower and wind by lunch. raincoat Or a wet suit is a must-have, even if the forecast promises warmth, and wet clothing quickly takes away body heat, which can lead to hypothermia and loss of coordination.
A hat protects against not only the sun, but also heat stroke. A visor cap or a Panama should sit securely on your head, preferably with a strap, so that they do not blow away by the wind. Sunglasses with polarization filters will help you see through the glare on the water and notice obstacles or fish in time.
⚠️ Warning: Boat shoes should be non-slip soles and foot fixation, flip-flops or shoes without backs can slip into the water and cause injury or loss of balance.
To protect against the cold, even in the summer should have in the jungle thermal underwear Water cools the body 25 times faster than air, and in high winds at speed, the risk of freezing is very high. Change dry clothes in a sealer is a rule that is often ignored, but it saves lives.
Frequent errors in the configuration and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is overloading. flyboatWhen trying to bring all the equipment they can, fishermen often exceed the maximum carrying capacity specified in their passports, which reduces the height of the board above the water, makes the vessel roll and increases the risk of being overwhelmed by the wave.
The misallocation of cargo is also dangerous. Heavy objects (battery, anchor, crates) should be placed as low and close as possible to the diametric axis. boatShifting the cargo to one side can lead to a roll that, combined with the movement of the passenger, is able to flip the boat.
The use of uncertified equipment, such as homemade transoms or artisanal life jackets, creates the illusion of safety. In real situations, such products may not withstand the load, which will lead to tragic consequences.
- ❌ Exceeding the permissible load capacity (passengers + cargo + engine).
- ❌ Place heavy objects high or on the nose/feed without balancing.
- ❌ Lack of protection of the sharp edges of the transom from rubbing cylinders.
- ❌ Use of petrol canisters without ventilation and fixation in the boat.
Do I need to register a PVC boat if the engine is more powerful than 8 hp, but I don't take it with me?
Yes, if the boat is equipped with an engine that exceeds 8 hp, it is subject to registration, whether the engine is currently installed or is in the garage, the fact that the installation is possible and the technical specifications of the vessel are important.
Can I use a baby inflatable instead of a life jacket?
Absolutely not. Toy swimming aids are not life-saving, are not certified, and are not designed to save a person's life in an emergency.
What is the validity of the first aid kit for the boat?
The shelf life of medicines in the first aid kit should be current at the time of getting on the water. It is recommended to check the complete set and deadlines every 6 months, replacing used or expired drugs.
Do you have to have original documents on board or is there enough photos?
You are legally required to carry original documents (boat ID, license, boat's passport) and although inspectors often take photos on a smartphone, they are formally entitled to demand a paper original and issue a fine for not having one.