Water element requires from the skipper not only technical skills of management of the boat, but also impeccable knowledge of the set of rules governing the movement on inland waterways. MotorboatEven a small inflatable model is equated with a full-fledged boat, which imposes a serious responsibility on the owner for the safety of the crew and others. Ignoring the norms can lead to emergencies where the cost of error is measured by human lives, not just damaged property.
Unlike highways, there are no markings and traffic lights on the water, and the maneuverability of the lungs PVC And so, understanding the right-hand principle, knowing the signals and priorities, is a critical skill for anyone who goes into the waters with the engine running. The basic principle of safety on the water is that any action must be predictable for other participants in the movement. Violation of these postulates entails administrative responsibility and the risk of abnormal situations.
This article aims to systematize your knowledge of navigation based on current rules of navigation on the inland waterways of the Russian Federation. We will discuss speed limits, rules of overtaking and meeting vessels, as well as the specifics of behavior in conditions of limited visibility.
Priorities and divergence of boats on water
The foundation of safe navigation is a clear understanding of who should give way to whom. Unlike one-way roads, on water, boats can move in any direction, creating many points of potential course intersection. Right-hand rule The basic rule is that if the trajectories of two power-driven vessels intersect, the one who sees the other boat on the starboard side must give way, which works similarly to the "jamming right" rule at intersections of equivalent roads.
Particular attention should be paid to the discrepancy with vessels with limited maneuverability or following the fairway. Large boats, towers and hydrofoils have significantly greater inertia and less maneuverability compared to lighter ones. PVCEven if you're formally prioritized, common sense and self-preservation dictate that the giant will give way, as it will not be physically able to stop or collapse.
When approaching each other (vessels' courses intersect or parallel in opposite directions), both boatmasters must shift to the right, ensuring safe passage on the port side, a standard procedure to prevent frontal collisions.
- 🚤 When crossing the courses, the one who sees another vessel on his starboard side is inferior.
- ⚓ A vessel going downstream has an advantage over a vessel going upstream (on rivers).
- 🛥 A motorized vessel is always inferior to a sailing vessel if the latter does not use a mechanical engine.
- 🏗 Any vessel is inferior to a vessel engaged in fishing or towing if they show appropriate signals.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to "pass" in front of a large vessel, counting on its maneuverability. The wave from the propeller of the boat can turn a light inflatable boat even at a distance of 50 meters.
Speed and water restrictions
Speed control is one of the most important safety aspects, especially for light inflatable vessels. PVC Dramatically reduces handling and increases the braking distance, making the vessel virtually unmanageable in an emergency situation, and many bodies of water have local restrictions that prohibit speeds above 15-20 km / h near shore, beaches and settlements.
The boatmaster must choose the speed that allows him to maneuver effectively and stop in time, especially in conditions of limited visibility, narrowness, fairways and crowded places, exceeding the permissible speed not only creates a dangerous wave that can damage coastal structures or other boats, but also increases the risk of ejection of the passenger overboard.
At night or when weather conditions deteriorate, the speed should be reduced to the minimum possible to maintain steerage. Remember that at high speed, a blow to a floating object or a log can penetrate the balloon. PVC boats, which will lead to rapid flooding.
Use a GPS navigator or a smartphone with a speed control app. On water, the sense of speed is dulled, and visually 40 km / h may appear safe 20 km / h.
There are areas where motorized vessels may be banned or restricted to certain hours, such as recreation areas, beaches, nature reserves and water areas near hydraulic structures, and violations of these restrictions are punishable by fines and may result in the forfeiture of the rights to operate a small vessel.
Overtaking and overtaking rules
Overtaking is a maneuver that requires increased concentration and strict compliance with the rules, which means that if you see only the stern position light of another vessel or do not see its side lights, you are in overtaking.
It is an ironclad rule that overtakers are fully responsible for the safety of the maneuver until they pass the overtaker at a safe distance. Attempting to cut or pass in close proximity to the transom of another boat is unacceptable, as you fall into the range of his screw and wakes.
When overtaking, beeping if the situation so requires, or using lights at night, it is enough to make sure that your actions are clear to the other boatmaster and he does not start the maneuver at the same time as you.
| Situation | Overtaking | Actions of the overtaken |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | Make sure you're safe, keep your course. | Hold course and speed |
| Night time. | Watch the lights, do not cross the course | Don't change course |
| In narrowness | Request permission from the signal | Confirm the signal or prohibit |
| Limited visibility | Slow down, be ready to stop. | Beeping the beeps |
⚠️ Warning: Never overtake the boat on the right if you are in a narrow fairway or canal where traffic is organized on the principle of the road (right), overtaking on the left in such cases is standard, if it is safe.
☑️ Pre-overtaking check
Traffic in reduced visibility
Fog, heavy rain, snowfall or smoke dramatically change the rules of the game on the water. In such conditions, visual contact with other objects is difficult or impossible, so the main sources of information are hearing (sound signals) and radar (if installed). PVCIn the case of radar-free sonars, extreme caution becomes the main tool.
When sailing in reduced visibility, each vessel must proceed at a safe speed adapted to prevailing conditions. A mechanical vessel on the move must give one long whistle every two minutes. If the vessel is anchored but not anchored, it will give a signal from one short, one long and one short whistle again.
The particular danger in fog is the loss of orientation. PVC boats They can unobtrusively deviate from their course and enter the fairway of large boats or in shallow waters, and it is recommended to use GPS tracking and pre-pave the route, adhering to known safe depths.
What lights should be lit in the fog?
In reduced visibility conditions, the tops, side lights and stern lights must be switched on while under way, and when anchored, a vessel less than 50 metres displays a white all-round light (top-stop light), but shall not switch on running lights to avoid misleading other vessels.
If you hear the other boat's hazy signal ahead of you, or you can't locate it, you have to keep your speed to the minimum necessary to keep you steering, and be ready to stop immediately, and to continue driving at full speed in the fog is a gross violation of the rules, equating to blindly driving a car with your eyes closed.
Light and sound signals
The language of signals on the water is universal and understandable to boatmasters of any country. motorboat At night, proper lighting allows others to understand your course and status (you are on the move, anchored or fishing).
Motorized boat on the move is less than 12 meters long (which is relevant for most people). PVC) may carry one white all-round and side lights instead of separate side and masthead lights, but for safety and to avoid confusion with inspectors, it is better to follow the standard scheme: a red light on the left side (left side), a green light on the right side (right side) and a white masthead light on the front.
Sound signals are used to warn of maneuvers: one short whistle means "I'm changing my course to the right," two short whistles mean "left," three short whistles signal the engine to reverse ("I'm giving full back"), five or more short, frequent whistles signal danger and demand immediate clarification.
- 🔦 A white round-fire is an anchor light or a stern light (on small vessels).
- 🔴 Red Boat Fire - left side, visible at 112.5 degrees.
- 🟢 Green side light - starboard, visible at 112.5 degrees.
- 🔊 The whistle is the main communication tool in fog and maneuvers.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use floodlights to illuminate the path towards oncoming vessels. Bright light blinds the boatmaster and may lead to a collision. The light should be directed only downwards at the water before the forehead.
Responsibility and typical mistakes of beginners
Violation of the rules of navigation on small craft entails administrative liability under the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation. GIMS inspectors regularly conduct raids, checking the availability of rights, registration of the vessel, life jackets and compliance with speed limits. Fines can range from warnings to hefty amounts, and in the case of an accident – to criminal liability.
One of the most common mistakes of beginners PVC-boat The rule is that the vest should be worn, not in a hazelnut, that if it suddenly tips over or hits the wave of time, it will not be worn, and that the rule of sobriety is often ignored: driving while drunk is prohibited and punished severely.
Another mistake is underestimating weather conditions: going out on the water in a storm warning or high wind for a light inflatable boat is deadly. PVC of the boat.
Safety on the water does not depend on the size of the boat, but on the discipline of the skipper and knowledge of the rules.
Remember that water does not forgive mistakes. Knowledge of the rules, sober calculation and respect for the elements - the guarantee that your sailing on a motor boat will bring only positive emotions and vivid impressions of fishing or recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need the rights to drive a PVC boat with a 5 hp engine?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, the rights of category "M" (small-sized vessels) are not required if the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) and the weight of the equipped vessel is less than 200 kg. However, the vessel must be registered in the GIMS if its weight is more than 200 kg or the engine power is higher than 8 kW. For the combination of light boat + low-power engine (up to 10 hp and the total weight of up to 200 kg), registration and rights are not necessary, but everyone must comply with the rules of navigation.
Can you drive a boat without a life jacket?
No, the presence and use of life jackets by number of people on board is a mandatory requirement of safety regulations. The absence of a vest is the first thing that GIMS inspectors pay attention to when checking, and there is a fine for this. The vest must be fit and fit.
What is the maximum speed of a PVC boat in a residential area off the coast?
In places of mass recreation of people, beaches and within the boundaries of settlements, the speed should be reduced to the minimum, so as not to create a dangerous wave. Specific figures can be regulated by local regulations, but usually it is not more than 5-10 km / h.
What to do if the PVC boat overturned?
The key is not to panic. If you're in a vest, you'll stay afloat. You'll hold onto an inverted boat (it's buoyant even when it's upside down) and give signals for help. You can try to climb on an inverted side, but it's difficult without special training. You'll want to stick around and wait for help or try to warm up to the shore if it's close.