When sailing to a pond, many small boat owners forget basic safety rules, relying on experience or calm weather. However, the calmness of the water is often deceptive, and a sudden gust of wind or a wave from a passing boat can be fatal for a person who finds himself in the water without support, which is why the legislation strictly regulates the availability of personal protective equipment on board.
The staff of the GIMS regularly conduct inspections, and the most common violation remains the lack of life jacket Many people mistakenly believe that the rules do not apply for a small inflatable boat or PVC mattress, but they do not. Violation of the equipment standards entails administrative liability and financial punishment, the amount of which remains significant for the budget of the fisherman or tourist this year.
In this article, we will go into detail about when wearing a vest is legally required and when it is simply a safety recommendation, the exact fines, the difference between having a vest in a boat and using it, and the exact requirements that apply to the means of escape, and ignoring these rules will not only devastate your wallet, but can also cost your life or your companions.
Legal bases and requirements of the administrative code of the Russian Federation
The main document regulating water safety is the Code of Administrative Offences (CAP), in particular, Article 20.6 of Part 1.1 clearly prescribes liability for violation of the rules of conduct on water bodies. Fine for not having a life jacket It is imposed not for the fact that it is not in the boat as an object, but for violation of the rules of its use or configuration depending on the situation. If the vest is in a haunduk, and the person is on the water without it during the period of mandatory wearing, this is a violation.
It's important to distinguish between "fitting" and "use." The rules require that there is one safe escape for every person on board. If you go out without a vest at all, that's one violation. If you have vests, but they're in a sealant at the bottom, and you're swimming in the fairway or in conditions that require them to be worn, that's another violation. Staff of GIMS They have the right to stop the boat for inspection.
ā ļø Warning: The absence of a life jacket on a child under 12 years of age on any boat (including inflatable boats) is a violation of the rules requiring mandatory wearing of a protective gear, regardless of weather conditions.
The amount of punishment is fixed and does not depend on the power of the engine or the type of boat, whether it is expensive. RIB rowing FloaterHowever, repeated violations or the creation of an emergency can lead to more serious consequences, including the seizure of the rights to operate a small craft.
When wearing a vest is mandatory by law
Many boat drivers are mistaken in thinking that the vest is only needed in a storm. lifejacket It is a mandatory, well-defined, and especially for children, and any movement of a child on a water body, regardless of its size or type of boat, requires that it be worn and fastened with a vest of the appropriate size.
The second critical point is night time, it's very difficult to find a person in the water in the dark, even if they're screaming, so the rules require everyone on board to wear their vests when driving in the dark, and it's also mandatory to use rescue equipment when driving along the fairway, where there's a high probability of encountering large boats that create a dangerous wave.
- š Being on the boat in conditions of storm warning or strong wave, regardless of the time of day.
- š Driving or parking on the water in the dark (from dusk to dawn).
- š¶ Children under 12 years of age (vestes must be worn)
- š¤ Traffic along the fairway or in places of heavy traffic of other vessels.
It's worth noting that local regulations on specific bodies of water can expand this list, for example, on reservoirs with shipping, the requirements may be stricter than on a remote forest lake. But basic federal regulations apply everywhere. If you drive a motorized boat, you are responsible for all passengers, so controlling the availability and proper use of vests is your direct responsibility.
When buying a vest for a child, be sure to try it on: straps should not slide on the ears, and the lower edge should not cover the nose when the child raises his hands.
Fine and table of violations
According to part 1.1 of article 20.6 of the administrative code, violation of the rules of conduct on water bodies, ensuring the safety of people, entails the imposition of a fine. For citizens, this amount ranges from 1000 to 2000 rubles. In some cases, if the violation did not create a threat to life and health, the inspector can limit himself to a warning, but do not count on it.
It's important to understand that a fine is issued for each infringer or for each infringement found, that if there are three adults in the boat without vests during the mandatory period, in theory, three protocols can be issued, although in practice, one fine is issued for the driver of the vessel for improper control, but there is a risk of multiplication of the amount.
| Type of violation | Article of the Cao | The amount of the fine (ruble) | The alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lack of vest on board | 20.6 p.m. 1.1 | 1000 - 2000 | Warning |
| Unwearable vest (with mandatory) | 20.6 p.m. 1.1 | 1000 - 2000 | Warning |
| Lack of vest on child | 20.6 p.m. 1.1 | 1000 - 2000 | Warning |
| Repeated violation within a year | 20.6 p.m. 1.1 | Increased fine | No. |
Payment of the fine must be made within 60 days of the enactment of the order, with a 50 percent discount for 20 days, which saves the budget, but ignoring the fine will result in the case being referred to bailiffs, doubling the amount and a possible ban on travel abroad. Administrative punishment It is better to pay in a timely manner so as not to aggravate the situation.
āļø Checking readiness for GIMS inspection
Requirements for life jackets themselves
Not every orange vest is suitable for inspection. The GIMS inspector has the right to require documents for rescue equipment or check the presence of markings. The life jacket must be certified and meet the requirements of the technical regulations of the Customs Union. The product must be marked with the indication of size, load capacity and date of manufacture.
Using homemade vests, dog vests, baby armlets or "frogs" for swimming instead of full-fledged life-saving aids is equated with their absence. Life jacket It should be able to keep a person face-up on the surface of the water, even when they're unconscious, and the usual wakeboard or kayaking vests without foam inserts around the perimeter may not work.
Also important is the condition of the vest: If the foam is crumbled, the fabric is torn, and the clasps are not working, this protection is not considered to be working. The inspector may ask about the shelf life as the materials age. Inflatable boats often use compact vests, but they also need to have the appropriate certificates. It is recommended to store the vests in a dry place protected from direct sunlight, so that the fabric and filler do not break down.
ā ļø Note: Vests purchased on Chinese marketplaces without Russian-language markings and EAU certificates may be found by the inspector not to meet the requirements, which will lead to a fine.
And you have to pay special attention to the size, and the vest should sit tightly on the figure, and if you take a XXL vest on a child or a thin person, if you fall into the water, it will just jump off or go up and cover its face. life-jacket This is not only a matter of comfort, but also of survival, as well as the absence of claims from the controlling authorities.
What to do if the inspector requires documents for the vest?
If the markings are worn or the documents are lost, it is difficult to prove compliance, in which case it is better to honestly admit to wear and promise to replace the equipment, but formally the lack of readable marking is a violation of the package. Always check the tags before the season.
Features for inflatable boats and PVC
Inflatable boat owners often consider themselves exempt from the rules, arguing that the small size of the boat. However, from the point of view of the law, an inflatable boat with an installed engine of any power (or even a fun one if it is used in certain areas) falls under the rules. PVC The likelihood of being in the water is higher due to the risk of puncture or loss of balance, so the requirements here are even more relevant.
The problem with inflatable boats is often space shortages. Vests take up space, interfere with fishing or comfort. But the rules don't make it a discount on crowding. You have to either take fewer people or provide everyone with the means of escape. Compact inflatable vests can be the solution, but remember: they have to be pumped up or ready to be used quickly if the situation requires.
Another nuance is the attachment of vests: on the rigid hull of the boat there are special places, and on an inflatable boat the vests are often just thrown to the bottom where they get wet and interfere. It is recommended to use sealants or special nets on the sides for storage, if necessary, to quickly reach them, the inspector will assess the order and readiness of the crew to act in an emergency.
- š Use sealed vest storage bags to keep them always dry and light.
- ā Fix the vests with slings so that they do not fall overboard during a sharp maneuver.
- š¦ For night exits, purchase vests with reflective elements or attach flashlights.
Remember, in an inflatable boat, the center of gravity is higher, and the risk of tipping over in a sloppy move is higher than in a keel boat, so neglecting the vest on a inflater is a double risk. Statistics GIMS shows that most drowned are the owners of small rowing and motor boats that did not use rescue means.
For inflatable boats, it is critical not only to have vests, but also to keep them properly - they should be accessible in seconds, not hidden under the seats.
How to check and communicate with the inspector
The meeting with the GIMS patrol is usually standard. The inspector on the boat or from the shore signals to stop. Your task is to turn off the engine (if you are on the move), to be calm and comply with the requirements. The first thing you will be asked for the documents for the boat and the rights to drive. After checking the documents, you will be followed by a visual inspection of the equipment, where the fact of the absence of vests is revealed.
Be polite, but know your rights. You have the right to see your employee's ID. If you have vests but they're in your bag, show them off. If they're not, don't argue that "knee water" or "I'm a great swimmer." The law is the law, and arguing with a water inspector rarely leads to a repeal of protocol, but only spoils mood and delays.
The report takes time. The inspector must explain your rights, record the witnesses (if any) and your explanations. In the "explanation" column, you can say that you agree with the violation, but indicate mitigating circumstances (for example, the first time, the vests are forgotten at home due to inattention, but will not be repeated), this can help in obtaining a warning instead of a fine, although there are no guarantees.
ā ļø Warning: Not signing the protocol does not cancel his actions, and the inspector will make a note of this in the presence of two witnesses, and the document will go to court.
Once you get a copy of the protocol, you have 10 days to appeal if you don't agree, but if you do, it's easier to pay a discounted fine. Remember, the inspector's goal is not to raise money, but to ensure safety. Aggressive behavior can lead to more thorough inspection of the entire vessel, including transom measurements, checks on engine markings and the presence of a fire extinguisher.
Can I appeal against the fine for the vest?
Appeals can be made if the protocol is not compiled (no understood, no rights are explained, no data errors) if the vest was not real, the appeal is meaningless and will only lead to a loss of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to wear a vest if Iām just anchored and fishing?
The rules require that you wear a vest if you are on a boat in conditions that require it to be used (night, children, storms). In calm weather during the day, it is formally sufficient to have a vest on board in accessibility, but inspectors often interpret "being on a water body" broadly. It is safer to keep it on or unbuttoned on yourself.
Is there a penalty if the vest is old and worn?
If the vest has lost its functional properties (foam crumbles, the straps are rotten), it is considered defective, the inspector may consider this as the lack of a means of salvation, it is better not to take risks and replace the worn out equipment, since its price is not comparable to the risk to life and the amount of the penalty.
What is the penalty for not wearing a dog vest?
Federal regulations do not explicitly require a vest to be worn unless it is a guide or service animal in specific circumstances. However, if the dog's behavior poses a safety risk (runs, jumps), the owner may be prosecuted for violating the rules of conduct.
Is there a 50% discount on the penalty for not wearing a vest?
Yes, Article 20.6 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation falls under part 1.3 of Article 32.2 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation. If you pay a fine within 20 days from the date of the decision (not from the date of receipt!), the amount will be reduced exactly twice.
Can the inspector stop me on a boat without a motor?
Yes, water safety rules apply to all boats, including rowing boats, kayaks and even sap boards (SUPs) if used for recreational purposes. The requirement for a life jacket (especially for children) is relevant for any type of swimming.