The need to obtain management rights rubber-boat Many owners of swimming equipment mistakenly believe that the inflatable structure automatically relieves them of responsibility before the law, but this is far from the case. The legislation of the Russian Federation clearly regulates when a boatmaster's license is required and when it is possible to do without it, based on specific technical specifications.
The main criterion determining the need for registration and the availability of rights is the total engine internal combustion, if you plan to install on your own PVC boat If you have an inflatable outboard motor that exceeds a limit, you have to get a license, and if you ignore those rules, you can have serious financial losses and even forfeiture.
In this article, we will take a look at all the nuances of the legislation that are relevant for the current year, and find out what documents you should have on board. GIME and get a fine.
Key criteria for the necessity of rights
To determine whether you need to be licensed to operate a small vessel, you must refer to the Regulations on Registration of small craft. Under current regulations, category M (small-sized craft) rights are required if the installed internal combustion engine exceeds the power of the internal combustion engine. 8 kilowattsIn the usual for boaters horsepower, this value is exactly 10.88 hp, but in practice and in documents, the rounded value of 10 horsepower most often appears.
It is important to understand what is being taken into account. factory-power Even if you artificially strangled the engine or set it up so that it develops less traction, the GIMS inspector will only care about the official number in the product passport. If the documents are 12 hp, and you claim that the engine only pulls 8, it will not relieve you of responsibility.
There's also an important nuance about the number of engines, and if you have two or more engines on the transom of your inflatable boat, they're powered. summariseFor example, the presence of two engines of 5 hp each gives a total of 10 hp, which formally fits into the limit, but the installation of two engines of 6 hp already requires the rights and registration of the vessel, since the total power will be 12 hp.
- 🚤 Engine power up to 10 hp inclusive - rights are not required.
- ⚓ The power of the engine over 10 hp - the mandatory presence of rights of category "M".
- 🔋 For electric motors, the rules are different and depend on the weight of the vessel.
- 📜 Only the factory capacity specified in the data sheet is taken into account.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to interrupt the engine number or change the power markings, GIMS inspectors check the compliance of the numbers in the documents and on the units, and forgery of identification numbers is criminalized.
Rules for boats with electric motors
Owners electric motors Small craft equipped with electric motors up to and including 8 kW are exempt from registration in the register of small craft, but exemption from registration does not always mean that there are no requirements for the boatmaster, especially when it comes to carrying capacity.
The key parameter for boats with electric motors becomes loading capacityIf the mass of the boat in service (boat + engine + battery + equipment) exceeds 200 kilograms, such a vessel shall be registered regardless of the type of engine, in which case the skipper shall carry with him the documents of ownership and registration, as well as, in some cases, the boatmaster's certificate.
For light inflatable boats that weigh less than 200 kg with equipment and are equipped with an electric motor up to 8 kW, the right not requiredThis makes electric motors a popular choice for fishing in small bodies of water where high speed development is not required, and the priority is silence and no exhaust gases.
It is also worth noting that when using electric motors, inspectors may pay attention to the capacity of the batteries, since they make up a significant part of the mass of the equipped vessel. lithium-iron-phosphate battery It is worth recalculating the total weight so as not to go beyond the permissible limits.
Registration of small vessel in GIMS
Boat registration is required not only to legalize the rights to control, but also to assign the boat a unique tail number. If the power of your engine exceeds 10 hp or the carrying capacity exceeds 200 kg (for non-sailing boats), you must register the boat in the boat. State Inspectorate for Small-Sized VesselsThe registration process includes inspecting the boat, checking documents and paying the state fee.
To pass the registration procedure, the owner must provide a package of documents, including a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, documents confirming the ownership (purchase agreement, commodity check), as well as a technical data sheet for the boat and engine.
After successful inspection and verification of documents, the boat is assigned registration numberThe size and font of letters and numbers are strictly regulated: the height of the symbols should be 150 mm, the width should be 100 mm, and the thickness of the font lines - 15-20 mm.
☑️ Documents for registration
The registration period is unlimited, but the owner is obliged to pay annual transport tax if the vessel is subject to taxation (although most small boats with engines may not be subject to a certain threshold, this depends on regional laws).
Table of rights and registration requirements
For ease of perception, we have systematized the basic requirements according to the type of engine and the specifications of the vessel, and this table will help you quickly navigate the need to obtain a license and undergo the registration procedure.
| Type of engine | Power/Mass | Registration with GIMS | Rights of category “M” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (PIC) | Up to 10 hp (inclusive) | Not required | Not required |
| Petrol (PIC) | Over 10 hp. | Required. | Mandatory. |
| Electrical. | Up to 8 kW and weight < 200 kg | Not required | Not required |
| Electrical. | More than 8 kW or mass > 200 kg | Required. | Mandatory. |
If the boat is used for commercial (rental, tours), the requirements may be significantly stricter, and the availability of rights will be mandatory regardless of the engine power.
What to do if the documents are lost?
If you lose your boat or motor documents, you need to contact the organization where the purchase was made to obtain duplicates or certificates, and if this is not possible, you will need to conduct examinations to confirm ownership, which is a complex and lengthy process.
Fines and liability for violations
Driving a small vessel without the necessary rights or an unregistered vessel entails administrative liability under the Code of Administrative Offences (CAO), the size of fines can be very tangible for the budget of a fishing enthusiast, for example, driving a vessel without a license will cost from 2 to 3 thousand rubles, and in some cases, arrest can be applied.
It is worth mentioning the penalty for absence on board. lifejacketsUnder the new rules, everyone on board, regardless of age or ability to swim, must wear a life jacket, a fine of 3,000 rubles for each person without a vest, and GIMS inspectors are prioritizing this issue because it is a matter of safety.
There are also fines for breach of navigation rules, entering restricted areas, driving while drunk, the latter being considered one of the most serious and can result in not only a large fine, but also deprivation of the right to drive vehicles (including a car), as well as arrest.
⚠️ Attention: Repeated infringement of the rules of operation of a small craft, especially when drunk, can lead to the confiscation of the boat and motor in favor of the state.
Procedure for obtaining a boatmaster's licence
If your motor is more powerful than 10 hp, you need to take training and pass the exam at GIMS. Training can be completed in specialized centers licensed, or independently prepare for the exam, having studied the rules of swimming, navigation, lifeguards and the basics of legislation. The exam consists of a theoretical part (testing) and practical (checking control skills).
The theoretical examination includes questions on navigationThe practical part is carried out directly on the water or on a simulator, where the candidate must demonstrate the ability to safely steer the vessel, moor and perform maneuvers.
To be admitted to the exam, you must provide a medical certificate of form 003-O/y, confirming the absence of contraindications to the management of small vessels, you can obtain such a certificate in any licensed medical institution after undergoing an examination by a therapist, ophthalmologist and other specialists.
Keep all checks and documents about payment of state duties and training, which may be necessary not only to obtain a license, but also to confirm expenses in case of disputes with the tax authorities or insurance companies.
After passing the exam, you are issued a boatmaster’s certificate for a small vessel, which is valid indefinitely (previously an extension was required every 5 years, but now this paragraph is abolished for rights obtained after 2014, but the old rights are valid until the expiration of the term).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a boat if the engine is 9.9 hp?
No, a boat with a 9.9 hp engine (which is actually rounded 10 hp downward) is not required to register if the boat's load capacity does not exceed 200 kg. The documents must clearly state the value of 9.9 or less. If the passport says 10 hp or 10.88 kW - registration is required.
Can I drive a boat with a license to a car?
No, a motor vehicle licence (category B) does not authorize a motor boat; a small vessel with a motor greater than 10 hp requires a special boatmaster's licence for small-sized vessels of category M.
What is the penalty for driving a boat without a license?
According to part 2 of article 11.7 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation, the management of a small vessel by a boatmaster who does not have a driving license with him, entails a warning or a fine of 2000 rubles. If there are no rights at all (he did not pass the exam), the fine may be higher, up to 3000 rubles.
Do I need a boat without a motor (rowing)?
Boats with a carrying capacity of less than 225 kg are not required, but if the boat has a carrying capacity of more than 225 kg, it is subject to registration, but the rights to operate it are still not required, since there is no engine.
The key message is that if your engine is more powerful than 10 hp, get ready for exams and registration. If less, just buy vests and enjoy the water, following safety rules.