The need for a small boat licence (SVC) remains one of the most debated issues among inflatable boat owners, and the law often changes with nuances that can confuse even an experienced water-engineer. Main ruleThe law, which is in force today, states that the need for rights depends not only on the power of the engine, but also on the carrying capacity of the boat itself.
Many people mistakenly believe that if the engine is weaker than a certain mark, you can safely go sailing without checking the documents of the inspector of the GIMS. Code of Administrative Offences The EMERCOM orders dictate their terms, and in this article we will discuss in detail when you need the category "M", and in which cases you can do without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures.
It's worth noting that the lack of governance rights is not the only problem, and boat owners often forget the need to do so. registration Even if the engine is low-powered, but the boat is heavy, it may still be required to be registered, so let's look at this maze of requirements so that your water vacation is not marred by fines or delays.
Key parameters: power and mass
To determine the need for obtaining rights, GIMS uses two main criteria: engine power in horsepower and weight of the equipped vessel in kilograms. Critical boundary For motors, it's set at 8 kilowatts, which is about 10.88 horsepower, which is often a stumbling block when buying new equipment.
The second, equally important parameter is load-loadThis includes the weight of the boat hull, permanent equipment, but without taking into account fuel, passengers and cargo. If your boat weighs more than 200 kg, you will need rights even when installing a very weak engine, a rule often ignored by owners of large metal or composite boats, who put on them weak electric motors or gasoline units up to 5 hp.
It is important to understand that if at least one of the parameters (power or weight) exceeds the permissible limit, you automatically fall into the category of boats requiring registration and rights. Summarization of capacity And it also happens that if you have two or more engines on a boat, they add up, so for example, two 5 hp engines will add up to 10 hp, which is technically less than 10.88, but if the boat is heavy, you still need a license.
ā ļø Attention: Inspectors of the GIMS are guided by the data specified in the technical documentation (passport) for the boat and the engine. If the boat's passport indicates a mass of 210 kg, and you claim that it is easier after revisions, you will still be fined for lack of rights, unless you prove otherwise in court.
There is a common misconception that electric motors don't require rights, and that's only true if they don't exceed 8 kW (which is rare for electric motors, as they're usually weaker) and if you put a powerful electric motor on a heavy boat, you can't do that. tractor-driver's license or the rights of the GIMS will become mandatory.
Categories of rights and types of courts
A small boat licence is issued with a category, and for most water lovers, the categories related to motorboats and boats are of interest. Category "M" It's designed specifically for motorboats, and it's the most common category among fishermen and tourists.
There are other things that might be needed by more specific vehicles, like category A, which is off-road motor vehicles (quad bikes), but in the context of water transport, it's boating license that matter. If you're planning to operate a boat with an outboard motor, you need category M.
It is worth distinguishing between GIMS license and those granted by other agencies, for example, a jet ski is also required under the category "M", but with the appropriate mark. If your vessel is a pleasure yacht or sailboat, other qualifications may be required. However, for a classic "PVC boat + gasoline engine" bundle, a basic certificate is enough.
- š¤ Category "M" Motorboats (the main type of rights for most people)
- āµ Category "G" Small sailing vessels (if the area of sails exceeds the established norms).
- šļø Category "A" Off-road vehicles (quad bikes, snowmobiles), not to be confused with water rights.
- š„ļø Category āDā Small passenger boats (for commercial use).
The acquisition of rights occurs after training in specialized centers and passing the exam. The theoretical part includes knowledge of navigation rules, navigation signs and basic safety. Practice involves the ability to maneuver, moor and act in emergency situations. Exam. It is adopted directly in the units of GIMS.
What happens if your license expires?
If your license expires, the vessel is treated as a non-managing operation, and the fine will be between 2,000 and 4,000 rubles, and the vessel can be detained until the reason for the detention (i.e., until the person with valid rights appears).
Do I need a license for 2.5, 5 and 9.9 hp engines?
This is the most common question you hear on powerboating forums. Let's take a look at popular models in order. 2.5 hp (for example, Tohatsu M2.5 or Yamaha 2.5) almost never require rights, as their power is well below the 10.88 hp threshold and the boats on which they are bet are usually light.
The situation with the engines 5 hp (for example, Honda BF5, Suzuki DF5) It's the gold standard for those who don't want to mess with bureaucracy, and it's easy to start, it's economical, and, most importantly, it allows you to legally swim without a license if the boat is light, but if you put it on a heavy metal boat weighing more than 200 kg, you need a license.
The most interesting case with motors 9.9 hp (often these are models) Yamaha 9.9, Tohatsu M9.9) Technically 9.9 is less than 10.88. However, many manufacturers document 9.9 hp, which is about 7.3 kW. This is less than 8 kW. Consequently, technically, rights to such engines are not necessary. But here lies the catch: some inspectors may recalculate the power themselves or require confirmation that the engine has not been converted from a more powerful one (which often do "kulibins").
Buying a 9.9 hp engine, be sure to keep the factory seal and technical data sheet. If the engine was deforested (power limited) from 15 hp to 9.9 hp, you must have official confirmation from the manufacturer or service, otherwise you may have questions during the inspection.
If the engine power is the same 10 hp and above (e.g. popular) Yamaha 15, Mercury 20), category M rights are mandatory 100% of the time, regardless of the weight of the boat (because the power threshold is exceeded). Even if the boat weighs 50 kg, the engine 15 hp (11 kW) requires a certificate.
ā ļø Attention: Don't try to strangle a powerful engine up to 9.9 hp without documentation. If checked, the inspector has the right to send the engine for examination. If it turns out that the design allows you to develop power above 8 kW, you will be fined and the engine will be withdrawn.
Table of conformity of power and necessity of rights
So for ease of perception, we're going to put this into a single table, which will help you navigate the legal requirements quickly, and remember that the weight of a boat, 200 kg, is the second key factor that you can't ignore.
| Engine power (hp) | Power (kW) | Boat mass (kg) | Do I need a license? | Do I need registration? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 5 hp | up to 3.68 kW | 200 | No. | No. |
| up to 9.9 hp | up to 7.3 kW | 200 | No. | No. |
| 10bhp and higher | 7.35 kW | Anything. | Yes. | Yes (if > 200 kg or motor > 10.88 hp) |
| Anything. | Anything. | more than 200 | Yes. | Yes. |
| 8.0 kW (10.88 hp) | 8.0 kW | 200 | Yes. (boundary value) | Yes. |
The table shows that the gray zone is almost nonexistent if you follow the numbers. However, in practice, most often there are bundles of boats up to 200 kg + engine up to 10 hp. It is this segment of the market (inflatable boats with transom) that is most popular among those who want to avoid trips to GIMS.
If you are planning to upgrade your boat, always check your passport details. Replacing the engine from 5 hp to 9.9 hp is safe from a legal point of view, but switching to 15 hp will require you to obtain a license. Register A boat with a powerful engine will not work without a license.
āļø Testing season readiness
Rights procedure and examinations
If you find out that you do need a license, you don't have to worry, because the procedure for obtaining a small boat license is well-established and transparent, you need to get training first, you can do it in licensed training centers, or you can prepare for the exam yourself, although the courses greatly increase the chances of success.
The training includes a theoretical course and practical exercises. The theory covers the rules of navigation, the design of boats, the basics of meteorology and first aid. The practice is conducted on the water and includes maneuvering, approaching the pier, saving a person overboard. After training, the GIMS exam is taken.
The exam consists of two parts: a computer test and a practical exam on water (or on a simulator if weather conditions do not allow). Medical certificate Form 003-V/y (with the mark "fit to manage small vessels") is a mandatory document for admission to the exam.
- š Passport And a copy of it.
- š„ Medical certificate (original)
- šø Photographs 3x4 (usually 2-3 pieces, matte).
- š° Receipt on payment of the state duty (you can pay through public services at a discount).
- š Document at the end of the course (if any).
The validity period is 10 years, and then you need to go through the renewal procedure, which is easier than the initial receipt (usually does not require re-taking exams, only checking documents and photos), it is important not to miss the deadline, so as not to start all over again.
The fastest way to get a right is to enroll in a course at a GIMS department or an authorized training center, and self-training is possible, but requires a deep knowledge of theory and having your own boat to practice.
Fines and liability
Ignoring the requirements of the law can lead to unpleasant financial consequences: the fines for operating a small vessel without a license or registration are quite high and regularly indexed. According to article 11.7 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, the operation of a vessel by a person without a certificate carries a fine.
The fine for lack of rights is from 2000 to 4000 rubles. If the inspector finds out that the boat is not registered (if there is such a duty), the fine will be from 1500 to 2000 rubles. summarily: for lack of rights, and for lack of registration, and for the lack of life jackets.
In addition, in the event of a serious breach or repeated offense, the inspector has the power to detain the vessel and send it to the parking lot, the cost of evacuating and storing the boat will fall on the shoulders of the owner, so the savings on rights and registration often turn out to be much more expensive.
ā ļø Attention: Driving a boat while drunk entails a fine of 30,000-50,000 rubles or administrative arrest up to 15 days.
It is also worth mentioning that the lack of rights can become a problem in the event of an insured event. If you get into an accident on the water, the insurance company can refuse payment, citing violations of operating rules and lack of legal rights to operate this type of equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a boat if the engine is 5 hp, but the boat weighs 220 kg?
Yes, you do. The 200 kg weight threshold for a curbed vessel is mandatory for registration. If the weight exceeds 200 kg, the vessel is subject to registration with the GIMS, regardless of the power of the installed engine. However, the driving rights may not be necessary if the engine power is less than 8 kW (10.88 hp), but the boat itself will have to be registered.
Can I bring a copy of the license and leave the original at home?
No, you can't. According to the rules, you have to have original A copy, even a notarized copy, or a photo on the phone are not valid documents for the inspector of the GIMS and will not save from a fine.
Do I need a license for an inflatable boat without a motor (rowing)?
The rights to operate a rowing boat are not required if its load capacity is less than 225 kg. If the boat is larger, it is subject to registration, but the rights to operate the oars are not necessary.
Are the GIMS license valid throughout Russia?
Yes, a small boat license issued in any region of the Russian Federation is valid throughout the country, and there are international boat licenses that you may need when leaving for the waters of other countries, but for internal water bodies of Russia, a national certificate is enough.
What to do if you lose your boat license?
You need to apply to the office of the GIMS, where the certificate was issued, or any other (since the database is unified) with a request for a duplicate, you need to write an application, provide a passport and possibly a photo. The state fee for a duplicate is usually not charged or is a symbolic amount, but management without a document will be considered a violation.