Registration of a small vessel in the GIMS is not just a bureaucratic procedure, but a mandatory step for any owner who wants to legally traverse the waters. After completing all stages and obtaining a boat's ticket, the owner faces a critical task: correctly apply the water. tail-room It is this unique identifier that allows supervisory officers, rescuers and other traffic participants to identify your vessel anywhere in the waters.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that you can just scrawl numbers with a marker or stick cheap stickers from a construction store. GIMS requirements Marking is strictly regulated and not only concerns the numbers themselves, but also their size, color, contrast and location, and failure to comply with these rules can result in a fine or even a ban on the operation of the vessel, so the issue of board registration should be approached with the utmost responsibility and attention to detail.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what the correct boat-roomWe will discuss the nuances of various hull materials, from PVC to aluminum, and answer the most common questions boat owners have when self-marking.
Regulatory framework and labelling requirements
The main document regulating the appearance and procedure for applying identification marks is the Order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia No. 340, which clearly defines that the onboard number must consist of a series of letters, a digital code of the region and two letters indicating belonging to the GIMS. Recording format It is strictly uniform for the entire territory of the Russian Federation and does not allow arbitrary changes or reductions.
The key requirement is that the number be readable, and it must be clearly distinguishable from a distance of at least 50 meters, which is especially important in conditions of poor visibility or excitement on the water. contrast The maximum between the color of the symbols and the color of the side should be the maximum. If the side of your boat is dark, the letters and numbers should be light, and vice versa.
⚠️ Note: Applying a number in places where it can be closed by equipment, passengers or structural elements (for example, behind a cylinder or under a transom) is a violation.
It is also important to consider that the number is applied to both sides of the vessel, which ensures that the boat is identified regardless of which side the inspector boat or other vessel approaches it, and that the symmetry of application is another important aspect that is checked during the technical inspection.
Font standards, sizes and proportions
One of the most common questions in preparing for labeling is the choice of font. The legislation does not bind boat owners to one particular computer font, but imposes strict requirements for the proportions of symbols. The height of the signs should be at least 150 millimeters, and the width should be approximately 100 millimeters (or 2/3 of the height).
To simplify the task, there are special stencils that can be purchased in specialized stores or made independently. Impact or GOST Type A In graphic editors, when you create a stencil, you have to keep the proportions, so the main thing is that the numbers and letters are bold, without serifs and decorative elements that can make it difficult to read.
| Parameter | Minimum value | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height of sign | 150 mm | 160-180 mm | For better visibility |
| Breadth of sign | 100 mm | 100-110 mm | Proportionally high |
| Thickness of the line | 15 mm | 20 mm | Fatty stroke. |
| Distance between signs | 15-20 mm | 20-25 mm | For readability |
When making a stencil, make sure that the internal lintels of letters (for example, in the letters "A", "B", "O", "R") are thick enough not to "float" when applying paint. Clear boundaries This is what distinguishes a professionally applied number from an amateur attempt.
Selection of materials for application to different types of boats
The material of the case dictates the choice of the method of applying the number. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) aggressive solvents that can damage tissue structure are not suitable, and in this case, the ideal solution is a special vinyl-based sticker or a self-adhesive film with a printed number, which are elastic, do not crack when the boat is blown away and resistant to ultraviolet.
For metal and fiberglass boats, the range of possibilities is wider, and you can use nitro-emalee, polyurethane paints or ready-made plastic plates with a number. adhesion The material must be as close to the surface as possible, and the surface must be degreased and primed before applying paint if required by the material instruction.
Special attention deserves Although the law does not explicitly mandate their use, it has been shown that at dusk or when missing, such marking can play a crucial role: Reflective film costs more than normal, but it significantly improves the safety of the vessel at night.
⚠️ Warning: When buying ready-made stickers, check their quality. Cheap film can fade in one season or start peeling off at the edges, making the number unreadable and causing inspection problems.
Before sticking the film on PVC, heat the surface with a building hair dryer to 40-50 degrees - this will improve the adhesion of the glue and allow the film to better fit the irregularities of the balloon.
Step by step instructions: how to apply the number yourself
The process of applying the number requires care and preparation. First, you need to determine the exact location. Usually the number is located on the top of the side, at a distance of at least 150 mm from the top edge of the side (for inflatable boats, on an inflated cylinder), markings are better done with a washable marker or chalk, so that you can correct errors before the final application.
If you use stencil and paint, make sure that the stencil fits tightly to the surface around the perimeter. For inflatable boats, it is better to slightly lower the balloon to keep the surface flat, but after applying paint, the boat should be kept straightened until completely dry. Paint in thin layers, avoiding undertightening.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for application
When you use self-adhesive film, the technology is different: after marking, you put the film on the surface, carefully remove the protective layer and smooth it from center to edge, expelling air bubbles, and you can use a plastic spatula or a regular bank card wrapped in soft cloth.
The final step is to check the quality. Walk 50 meters from the boat and assess the readability of the room. If all the numbers and letters are distinguishable and the contrast is observed, the work can be considered successful. Remember to let the materials dry or polymerize for the time specified by the manufacturer before launching the boat.
Features of marking for PVC and metal boats
Owners PVC Hard paint when the cylinder is deformed (blown/blown, temperature changes) can crack and crumble. Therefore, for PVC, it is recommended to use only specialized formulations with high elasticity or, more reliably, a thermal application or a high-quality vinyl film.
For metal boat (aluminum, duraluminum) The main problem is corrosion and mechanical damage. A number applied directly to metal without protection will quickly rust or be knocked down when mooring. The optimal solution for metal is to install a separate plate made of stainless steel or plastic with engraved that is attached to rivets or bolts, or use two-component epoxy paints.
Can I change the font size?
The law sets a minimum height of 150 mm. You can make a room larger if the dimensions of the boat allow it, but it is strictly forbidden to reduce the size. Too small a room will be regarded as no marking.
On inflatable boats, the place of application is most often the upper part of the balloon so that the number does not overlap with oars or passengers.
Fines and liability for violations
The absence of a license plate or its non-compliance with the requirements is considered by the SIMS as a violation of the rules for the use of small vessels. According to the Code of Administrative Offences (CAP), this entails the imposition of a fine.
But financial punishment isn't the biggest problem: If you find a fault in the marking, the inspector has the power to ban the vessel until the fault is corrected, which means that your fishing or walk can be interrupted, and the boat can be delayed until you apply the number correctly, and in the middle of the season, when the queues at the GIMS are scheduled for weeks, this can be a serious obstacle.
Also, an unreadable number can cause problems in an emergency situation, and if something happens to you and other drivers or rescuers can't quickly read the ID code, it will make it difficult to provide assistance and identify the owner in the databases.
A number that is properly marked is not only about complying with the law, it's also about keeping you safe, and making sure you get home quickly.
⚠️ Warning: Repeated violations of the rules of registration or management of an unregistered vessel can lead to more serious sanctions, including confiscation of the vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a paper or cardboard stencil?
You can use paper stencils, but only once and with great care. Paper quickly gets soaked from the paint and can break, spoiling the cut line. It is better to use a dense film (for example, for binding) or a ready-made reusable plastic stencil that will provide smooth edges of the letters.
Do I need to register the number or is it automatically assigned?
The number is automatically assigned when the vessel is registered with the GIMS, you get a document (boat registration certificate) in which this number is indicated, you can not independently invent or change the number - this will be considered a violation of the registration rules.
What to do if the number is worn or damaged during operation?
If the damage is serious and the number is not readable, the vessel is formally considered unmarked, it is better to make a high-quality copy of the room in advance (a photo with dimensions) and carry a spare set of stickers or stencil for rapid recovery.
Can I put a number on the boat's transom?
The Tran is not a side. The requirements state that the number is applied to the side. The label of the number only on the transom can be considered by the inspector as a violation, since from the side angles (for example, from the shore or another vessel) the number will not be visible.