The question of how much it will cost to obtain a certificate for the right to drive a small vessel worries everyone who plans to buy a boat with an engine. motorboat It's not just about the official bill, but also about the cost of training, medical examinations, and possible re-takes, and many newcomers mistakenly believe that it's enough to pay a bank receipt, but the law requires a full certification.
This year, tariffs have changed, and ignoring current rates can lead to unpleasant surprises when submitting documents. State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Courts (GIMS) So knowing the exact amounts will help you plan your budget, and we'll go into detail below about all the components of the final price.
It's worth noting that the price can vary significantly depending on the region you live in and the way you prepare, and if you have the experience and knowledge, you can save on courses, but the basic government fees will remain unchanged throughout the country.
What is the final cost of registration
The final cost is a process that requires attention to detail, and the main cost is divided into mandatory government fees and variable costs, depending on your level of training. State duty The size of the vessel is a fixed value established by the Tax Code and does not depend on the engine power or the length of the vessel.
But, in addition to the crust itself, you'll need money to get a medical certificate for the form 003-O/y. Without this document, you'll simply not be allowed to take exams. The prices in health centers vary, and in large cities they can be much higher than in the regions.
Also worth considering is the cost of taking photos, making copies of documents and transportation costs to the exam venue. If you live in a remote area, logistics can become a tangible expense; in some cases, candidates spend more on travel and accommodation than on the exams themselves.
⚠️ Payment of the state duty through the portal of public services gives a discount of 30%, but this option may be temporarily unavailable during periods of technical work or changes in the legislation.
It is important to understand the difference between boat-leadership These are two different procedures with different rates, and the confusion in these terms often leads to citizens coming to the GIMS with a partial payment package.
Current size of state duties
The amount of the financial contribution to the treasury is regulated by federal legislation and is the same for all regions of the Russian Federation. Today, the cost of issuing a certificate for the right to operate a small vessel is 2000 rubles. This amount is relevant for the initial receipt, replacement at the end of the term or loss.
If you look at the registration of the vessel itself, the rates are higher: you will have to pay 2,000 rubles for each act for registration of the vessel purchased, change of registration data or restoration of lost documents.
For those who plan to open new categories (for example, you have the rights to a motorboat, and you want to get the rights to a jet ski), the procedure is equivalent to the initial receipt in terms of exams, but the state fee for issuing a new document or making changes is also 2000 rubles.
| Type of service | The amount of duty (ruble) | Regulatory act |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance of boatmaster's licence | 2 000 | RF NC Art. 333.33 |
| Replacement of the permit (loss/depreciation) | 2 000 | RF NC Art. 333.33 |
| Amendment of the certificate | 2 000 | RF NC Art. 333.33 |
| Registration of small-sized vessels | 2 000 | RF NC Art. 333.33 |
Payment of these amounts is required by the details of the specific division of the GIMS, where you apply. Errors in the indication of the code of budget classification (BBC) can lead to the fact that the payment will “hang”, and you will not be allowed to the exam.
Cost of training and preparation for the exam
The most variable part of the cost is training. In theory, the law does not require you to attend a fee-paying course if you are confident in your knowledge of the rules of navigation on small boats, but statistics show that on the first attempt, less than 40% of self-taught people pass the GIMS exam.
In specialized training centers, the cost of training varies from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. The price depends on the region, the availability of your own reservoir for practicing practical skills and the qualifications of teachers. The program usually includes a theoretical course and practical classes on the water.
- 🎓 Basic theoretical course (online or in-person) - from 3000 to 6000 RUB.
- ⚓ Full course with practice on the water - from 8 000 to 15 000 RUB.
- 🚤 Individual classes with an instructor - from 2000 RUB per hour.
Training in authorized centers often includes help with paperwork and exams, which reduces stress and increases the chances of success, and instructors know the specific questions that inspectors in your particular region like to ask.
If you choose to study independently, don't skimp on literature. Current taskbooks and swimming rules are inexpensive, about 500-1000 rubles, but their availability is critical. Old editions may contain irrelevant norms, which will lead to an error in the exam.
Medical examination: prices and nuances
Obtaining a medical certificate is a mandatory step, and its cost depends entirely on the tariffs of medical institutions. The GIMS certificate (Form 003-O/y) requires examination by a psychiatrist and narcologist, as well as an ophthalmologist and an internist.
At the state clinics in your home country, getting a certificate can be free or cost a token amount if you have a MHI policy and referral, but the process can take several days due to the need to visit different doctors on different days.
Private medical centers offer express passage for all doctors in 1-2 hours, which ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles depending on the city and the prestige of the clinic, and often includes requests for drug treatment and neuropsychiatric dispensaries.
⚠️ Note: The medical certificate for GIMS is valid for 1 year. Do not pass the medical examination too early if the planned exams are still far away so that you do not have to pay for the certificate again.
The cost of certificates from dispensaries, if they are not included in the comprehensive service of the clinic, a visit to the narcologist and psychiatrist at the place of registration can cost from 500 to 1000 rubles for each specialist.
Expenses for retake of examinations
No one is immune from failure the first time. If you haven't passed a theory or practice, the law allows you to retake the exam. state duty You will not be charged again if you meet the deadline.
However, there are time limits. After a failed attempt, the next one is assigned no earlier than 7 days; if you fail to show up for a retake or fail again, the next attempt is scheduled after 30 days; after three unsuccessful attempts, you will be obliged to undergo additional training.
- 📅 The first re-sale is free (after 7 days).
- 📅 The second re-submission is free (after 30 days).
- 📅 Third re-submission – requires confirmation of additional classes (paid).
And that's where the hidden costs lie, and if you need more training, you'll have to pay the training center again, and the cost of a refresher course or a repeat module can be anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles.
And also, don't forget about transportation costs. Every trip to GIMS is time and money for gasoline or tickets. In big cities, taking into account traffic jams, the cost of one trip can reach 1,000 rubles, which, if you try three times, will result in a significant amount.
Fines for lack of rights and management without category
Savings on rights can lead to much higher costs in the form of fines: the Code of Administrative Offences (Cao of the Russian Federation) provides for severe sanctions for those who operate a boat without a proper certificate.
According to article 11.7 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation, the management of a small vessel by a person who does not have a license to drive, entails the imposition of a fine of 2,000 rubles. This is the minimum sanction if you simply forgot the "crust" at home, but have rights.
The situation changes dramatically if you do not have a license at all, or you are operating a vessel that does not fit your category (for example, the right to a boat is available, but the jet ski is not inscribed), in this case, the fine is from 2,000 to 4,000 rubles, but this is not the worst.
The most unpleasant consequence is the detention of the vessel, the inspector has the right to send your vessel to the parking lot, the cost of storing and evacuating a small vessel is borne by the owner and can range from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles or more, depending on the region and type of vessel.
Thus, minimum cost of "saving" on rights when meeting with the inspector is about 10 000 - 25 000 rubles (fine + parking + evacuation), which is 5-10 times more than the cost of legal registration of all documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay a fee if I change my name?
Yes, the replacement of the certificate due to changes in personal data (name, first name, parentage, date of birth) or the expiration of the validity period is equivalent to the issuance of a new document, the state fee in this case is a standard 2,000 rubles.
Can I get a boat license for free if I am a veteran or disabled person?
There are no federal duty exemptions for boatmaster's licenses for veterans or disabled people, but some regions may have local support programs, so it makes sense to check with the local GIMS or social protection office.
How long is the medical certificate for GIMS valid?
The medical certificate on Form 003-O/y is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, it is important that the certificate is valid at the time of submission of the exam and obtaining the certificate, and if the process is prolonged and the certificate expires, the medical examination will have to be re-examined.
Will the state fee be returned if I fail the exam?
The state fee is paid for a legally significant act - the issuance of a certificate. If you fail the exam, the action is not done. You can refund the fee by applying for it if less than 3 years have passed since the payment was made, but it is easier to pay a new receipt on the next attempt, since the amount is small.
Do I have to pay for a new category if I already have the license?
Yes, opening a new category (for example, switching from boat control to jet ski) requires taking exams for a new program, and after successfully passing, you receive a new certificate or insert, for the issuance of which there is a state fee of 2,000 rubles.