The question of the need to obtain a certificate for the right to drive a small craft (SLMS) arises from each owner. flyboatThe law has changed dramatically in recent years, often causing confusion among water-powered motorists, and the main criterion used to be engine power, but now the priority has shifted to the power of the engine. loading capacity and the total weight of the boat in use.
Modern. Registration rules and attestation rules They require a careful approach to the specifications of your boat. PVC If you have an outboard motor, you need to be clear about whether your kit is subject to mandatory registration, and errors in the calculations can lead to serious fines from inspectors. GIMS MOEIn some cases, the boat is detained until the circumstances are clarified.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the current regulations and help you determine whether you need an M or A license. We will look at the nuances related to engine type, boat design and even the navigation region. Understanding these rules is not just a way to avoid a fine, but also a guarantee of your safety on the water, since the certification confirms the minimum necessary control skills.
Key criteria: vessel weight and engine power
The main document regulating the need for rights is the order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, according to current regulations, small vessels weighing more than 200 kilograms are subject to registration, but here lies an important nuance: it takes into account not just the weight of the hull, but also the weight of the hull. maximum load capacity This is often the decisive factor in dealing with water inspectors.
For inflatable boats PVC materials calculation is carried out as follows: the weight of the boat in running order (with standard equipment), weight is added outboard The maximum power for which the boat is intended and the weight of the total fuel reserve. If the amount exceeds 200 kg, the boat is subject to registration and the rights to operate it are required. electric motors The weight is considered different because they have no fuel supply, but the weight of the batteries can also be considered depending on the design.
How mass is calculated for GIMS
The weight of the boat is composed of the weight of the hull, the equipment (anchor, paddle, seat), the outboard motor and the full fuel tank. For boats with electric motors, the weight of the fuel is not taken into account, but the weight of the batteries is taken.
Engine power also plays a role, but it's secondary. If your boat is lightweight (less than 200 kg in kerb), then the engine power can be any, and the rights are not required. 8 horsepower (or 5 kW) makes it mandatory to have rights in the appropriate category. For lower-power engines, even on heavy boats, the rights may not be required, but registration of the vessel is still mandatory.
Always carry a copy of the technical documentation on the boat and the engine, which indicates their weight, which will help quickly prove to the inspector that your boat does not require registration if the calculations are carried out at the edge of 200 kg.
Categories of rights for the management of small courts
If you've figured out from the calculations that you need the rights, you should look at the categories. flyboat Two main categories of licenses are relevant: the first is the category "M", which gives you the right to drive a motorboat, the second is the category "A", but with the restriction "motor boat", which often confuses beginners who are accustomed to motor rights.
The category "M" is intended for small motorized vessels, regardless of the type of engine (gasoline or electric), obtaining this category requires training in a specialized center and passing an examination in the field of motorized craft. GIMS MOETraining includes the theoretical part, where the rules of navigation, navigation signs and safety basics are studied, as well as the practical development of mooring and maneuvering skills.
There is also a nuance with category "A" for motor vehicles, but in the context of water technology, it is specifically about specific rights to small craft. If you plan to operate a motorized boat of more than 10 hp (although the threshold of 8 hp also often appears in old instructions, now focusing on weight), you need to have a valid boat with you. certificateLack of license is equivalent to driving without a driver's license and entails administrative responsibility.
- 🚤 Category "M" - allows you to control motorboats of any design, including inflatable.
- ⚓ Category A (motor boat) – often required for heavier boats or vessels with specific specifications.
- 🛟 Management rights hydrocycle They are issued separately and do not give the right to drive a boat, and vice versa.
Registration of the boat: when it is mandatory
Registration of a small vessel is a procedure for entering the data of the boat into the state register. PVC boats It is wrongly assumed that if they do not go to the high seas or large reservoirs, they do not need to be registered, but the law is the same for all water bodies used for navigation, including rivers, lakes and even some canals.
boats weighing more than 200 kg, as mentioned above, are subject to mandatory registration, and registration is also required if the boat has an engine capacity greater than that of the vessel. 8 horsepower (5.88 kW), regardless of the weight of the boat, although in the latter case, the interpretation may depend on the local offices of the GIMS, so it is better to focus on weight as the main criterion.
The registration procedure requires the submission of documents confirming the ownership (purchase agreement), technical passports for the boat and engine, as well as receipts for payment of the state duty. boat-sweeper And the engine matched the data in the paperwork, so if you're buying used equipment, make sure the previous owner deregisters it, or you're going to run into bureaucratic difficulties.
⚠️ Warning: An unregistered vessel subject to registration may be fined and the boat parked in a special parking area, and inspectors may check the documents at any time when the vessel is on the water or even on a trailer near the water.
Comparison of requirements: PVC boats vs. boats
Owners flyboat They often envy metal boat owners or they find their requirements less stringent, and in fact, the law is about unification, but the physical differences in boats dictate different approaches to safety. Inflatable boats They are more susceptible to wind and wave influences, which requires special skills from the driver, which are tested when obtaining rights.
To compare requirements, we have prepared a table to help you visualize the difference in registration and rights for different types of small boats. Please note that even within the class of inflatable boats, requirements can vary depending on the model and year of manufacture.
| Parameter | Inflatable boat (PVC) | Metal boat | Hydrocycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration criterion | Mass > 200 kg | Mass > 200 kg | Mass > 200 kg |
| Case material | PVC reinforced | Aluminum/Steel | Fiberglass |
| Typical engine power | 2 - 30 hp. | 30 - 300+ hp | 60-300 hp. |
| Necessity of rights | At mass > 200 kg | Almost always. | Always. |
As you can see from the table, the 200 kg weight criterion is the universal threshold. metal boat They are almost always above that weight even without motor and fuel. flyboat They often remain in the gray zone up to 200 kg, especially in the sub-local versions with low-power engines, which makes the issue of rights for owners of PVC boats the most pressing and requiring individual calculation.
If your inflatable boat with an engine and fuel weighs less than 200 kg, registration and licenses are not required, regardless of engine power.
Certification and training process
If you find out that you need rights, it raises the question of where and how to get them, and training is provided in training centers licensed to train small boatmasters, a course that usually lasts from two weeks to a month and includes theory and practical exercises on the water.
The training program covers a wide range of issues: from the device outboard Special attention is paid to navigation signs and lights, as knowledge of "road signs" on the water is critical to avoid collisions. The exam consists of the theoretical part (testing) and practical (maneuvering).
☑️ What to take the exam in GIMS
It's worth noting that a medical certificate is required to obtain a boat license, it must state that you have no contraindications to operating small boats, you can get a medical examination at any licensed medical institution, and after you pass the exams, you will be issued a plastic card, a license that is valid for 10 years, similar to a driver's license for a car.
Liability and penalties for violations
Violation of the rules of registration and management of small vessels entails administrative liability under the Code of Administrative Offences (CAP), fines can be significant, especially if the violation is committed repeatedly or has created a threat to the safety of other people on the water.
The most common violations include operating an unregistered vessel, lack of rights, breach of navigation rules and lack of life jackets on board. GIME They have broad powers and can stop your boat for inspection at any time, and it's important to understand that not having rights is equivalent to driving a vehicle by someone who doesn't.
⚠️ Attention: The fine for driving a vessel without a license can be from 2 to 3 thousand RUB, and in case of repeated violation, the amount can be increased.
In addition to financial losses, the lack of management skills that are tested when obtaining rights can lead to tragic consequences on the water. Inflatable boat It is a high-risk tool, and it is unacceptable to disregard safety rules, so even if you do not formally need a license (for example, you have a light boat), we strongly advise you to take at least a basic course of study or learn the rules of navigation yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a license for an electric motor boat?
Yes, if the weight of the boat in running order (taking into account the weight of batteries and equipment) exceeds 200 kg If the weight is less than 200 kg, rights are not required, regardless of the power of the electric motor.
Can I drive a boat with a license to a car?
No, a driving licence for a car (category B) does not give the right to drive a small vessel. You must have a boatmaster's license for a small vessel issued by the SHIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
What is the penalty for not registering a boat?
The fine for operating an unregistered small craft is from 1500 to 2000 rubles. If the boat also does not have navigation lights or life-saving aids, the fines are added up.
Do I need to register the motor separately?
The engine itself is not registered, it is indicated in the boat's boat's ticket, but if you change the engine to a more powerful one, you may need to change the boat's ticket or re-register if the total weight of the boat in use changes.
Are boating license valid throughout Russia?
Yes, a boatmaster's license issued in one region of Russia is valid throughout the country, including all water basins where navigation is allowed.