Operating a small vessel without proper registration is now equated with a violation of water safety regulations, and owners of inflatable craft often face the need to clearly and correctly identify their property. Number on PVC boat This is not just a formality, but a mandatory requirement of legislation, the disregard of which entails serious fines and the detention of the boat.
The process of staining the side signs requires attention to detail, from the choice of location to the material from which the symbols are made. Errors in the font or location can lead to the fact that the inspector GIMS recognizes the number as unreadable or not conforming to the standard. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances that will help you to register without unnecessary problems and protect yourself from bureaucratic delays.
Modern materials make the marking durable and resistant to aggressive aquatic environments, but before you take a brush or stencil, you need to clearly understand what exactly and in what form should be depicted on board your vessel. PVC boats They have their own design features that dictate the choice of place to apply.
GIMS regulatory requirements for boat marking
The main document regulating the rules of registration and registration of small craft is the order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia. According to current regulations, each vessel must have a registration number and side signs. Registration number It's assigned to the boat when it's registered, and it's made up of alphanumeric combinations, and it's important to understand that you can't change the format without permission.
The shipboard signs, which are applied directly on board, must be contrasted with the background of the sideboard, this requirement is dictated by the need to quickly identify the boat from a distance, especially in conditions of poor visibility or on water. The height of the signs shall be not less than 150 mm and the width not less than 100 mm..
⚠️ Attention: Applying the number to the transom panel or to removable elements (for example, on cans or inflatable tubes that can be blown away) is a violation.
The symbols are also strictly regulated, they are applied on both sides in the middle of the length of the vessel, shifting towards the bow is allowed if the design of the boat does not allow them to be placed strictly in the center, the main condition is readability and consistency of location.
Choosing font and writing format
One of the most common questions that owners have flyboat The law does not always provide a comprehensive graphic scheme for each case, but there is a strong practice and technical requirements for readability, and it is recommended to use direct chopped fonts without serifs, such as those used in road signs or technical documentation.
The alphanumeric part should be made in a uniform style, and the use of handwritten marks, curls or decorative elements that can make it difficult to recognize symbols is not allowed. font It should be simple, clear and easily reproducible, often using a font that visually resembles Times New Roman (but without serifs) or Arial Bold.
The separation between the letter and the digital part is also important. It's usually a hyphen or just a space, but in the registration number it often looks like a single line. It's important to observe the proportions: the height of the numbers and letters must be the same. If you order a stencil, make sure that the jumpers in the letters (for example, in "A", "B", "D") are wide enough so that the paint does not "float".
- 📏 Sign height: strictly from 150 mm.
- 🎨 Color: contrasting background of the side (black on white, white on blue).
- ✍️ Style: straight, chopped, without decorative elements.
Use a screen film (oroctal) instead of regular paper, which does not soak from the solvent and allows you to make clear edges by simply removing the film after the paint is dry.
Materials and tools for applying the number
The choice of materials directly affects the durability of the labeling. PVC is a specific material, it has the ability to stretch and contract at temperature changes, and is also exposed to ultraviolet light. Conventional oil paint can quickly crack or peel. PVC boats Specialized elastic paints or self-adhesive materials are best suited.
The most popular and reliable method is stencils and nitro paints or special enamels for PVC. Also widely used vinyl stickers cut with plotter. They are less durable than paint, but easier to replace. To work, you will need a set of tools that will ensure a high-quality adhesion of the material to the surface.
| Materials | Durability | Difficulty of application | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stencil + enamel for PVC | High (5+ years) | Medium | Low. |
| Vinyl sticker | Average (2-3 years) | Low. | Medium |
| Laser engraving | Permanent. | Tall (specialty needed) | High. |
| PVC marker | Low (season) | Low. | Low. |
When choosing paint, consider its elasticity after drying. It must stretch along with the material of the boat. Using rigid compounds will cause the number to crack when pumping cylinders or deflating the boat. Specialized aerosols Often contain additives that provide the necessary flexibility of the layer.
Step by step instructions: how to apply the number
The application process requires surface preparation, which is a critical step that is often ignored, which leads to poor results. PVC surfaces must be absolutely clean, low-fat and dry. Any traces of dirt, oil or factory lubrication will worsen the adhesion of paint or glue.
- Clean the application site with soft rags soaked in soapy solution, then wipe with alcohol or a special degreaser for PVC.
- Stap the stencil on board. You can use paint tape to do this. Make sure the stencil fits tightly to the surface, especially at the edges of the letters.
- Apply paint with light movements using foam tampon or aerosol. Do not allow stains under the edges of the stencil.
- Let the first layer dry (usually 10-15 minutes), then carefully remove the stencil. If you need a second layer for saturation, repeat the procedure.
☑️ Checklist for surface preparation
If you use a self-adhesive film, the technology is a little different, and after degreasing, you stick it from the center, smooth it with a rackel or a plastic card to the edges to drive out the air bubbles, and it's important not to stretch the film when you stick it, otherwise it can get tighter over time and there will be gaps between the letters.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use acetone or aggressive solvents to degrease PVC! They can damage the structure of the boat material by making it sticky or changing color. Use only recommended remedies or isopropyl alcohol.
Once you have the number applied, let it dry and polymerize completely. For paints, it can be anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Only then can the boat be launched or blown away. The rush at this point can nullify all efforts.
What to do if the paint is leaking?
If you notice a leak immediately, carefully remove it with a dry cotton swab, without smearing. If the paint is already dry, you will need to carefully clean the defect with fine sandpaper (very carefully!) and paint it again with a thin layer.
Common mistakes in boat marking
Floating owners often make mistakes that only become apparent when they meet an inspector, and one of the most common is the wrong choice of location, and a number that is placed on the junction of the tank and the bottom or on a bend will not read well when the boat is in the water. Broadside signs They should be visible at all times.
Another mistake is the use of substandard materials, cheap paint can wash off after the first season or even after one intensive washing, and there is also a frequent mismatch in size: signs less than 150 mm are formally a violation, even if they are read, and the inspector can issue a correction order.
- ❌ Applying the number to a removable seat or a johnduk.
- ❌ Use a marker that fades in one month.
- ❌ Non-compliance with contrast (dark blue number on the black side).
Sometimes owners try to save money by hand and write a number without stencil, which leads to "danced" letters of different sizes, which looks unaesthetic and can be seen as an attempt to make identification difficult, and accuracy is the key to successful inspection.
A properly printed number on a PVC boat serves not only to comply with the laws, but also helps to find the owner in the event of loss or hijacking of the boat.
Registration and restoration
Even a well-marked number requires maintenance, and after each release, especially in salt water or contaminated water bodies, it is advisable to rinse the board with fresh water, which will prevent the accumulation of salts and chemicals that can destroy the paint or glue layer of the sticker.
If you notice that the room has begun to dim or chipped, don't wait for the season. Local restoration will prolong the life of the marking. All you need to do is clean the damaged area, degrease it and apply a thin layer of paint to the tone of the main color of the signs. Regular examination The condition of the veil signs should become a habit.
If the boat is sold, the number remains on the boat, as it is tied to its technical data sheet and hull, it is not necessary to remove it or paint it when selling it, the new owner re-registers the documents for himself, and the number remains the same until the expiration of the registration or disposal of the vessel.
Can I put the number on a protective cover or awning?
No, it is absolutely not. The number must be marked directly on board the vessel, the covers and awnings are removable elements and can be easily replaced or removed, making identification of the vessel impossible at the time of inspection.
Do I need to register a boat if it is powered by a motor less than 10 hp?
From 2021 (and in the current rules of 2026), all motorboats weighing less than 200 kg are subject to registration if the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). However, if the boat with the engine mass exceeds 200 kg, registration is required regardless of the engine power.
What is the penalty for not having a number?
Driving an unregistered small craft or a vessel without a license plates is punishable by an administrative fine, the fine may vary but is usually several thousand rubles, and the vessel may be detained until the violations are corrected.
Can I use a stencil made of ordinary paper?
You can use it for a short time, and it quickly soaks away the solvent in the paint and loses its shape, and you'd better use a laser film, a dense cardboard laminated with tape, or you could order a professional stencil of plastic or film.