Many owners of swimming equipment often wonder whether it is possible to carry out the motor-driving The law is changing and what was authorized five years ago could now result in severe sanctions from the supervisory authorities. The main criterion used by the State small craft Inspectorate (SIS) is the combination of the technical specifications of the vessel and its carrying capacity.
If you plan to go out into the water, you need to clearly understand the difference between a walk near the shore and a full exit into the open water area. Navigation signs And the restrictions are for everyone, but the documentation requirements depend on the specific model of your boat or inflatable boat, and ignoring the rules can lead to the boat being detained on the dock.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the legislation in detail so that you can feel confident on the water without breaking the law. It is important to consider not only the power of the engine, but also the mass of the body itself, since it is the amount of them that determines the need for registration and the availability of a certificate.
Key parameters for determining the need for rights
The Russian Federation legislation clearly regulates the conditions under which a boatmaster's licence is required, the main regulation here is the Russian Government Decree No. 86, which sets out the criteria for small vessels, focusing on two parameters: the length of the vessel and the number of people on board, as well as the power of the power plant.
For inflatable boats and boats, the critical threshold is 8 kilowatts (approximately 10.88 horsepower). loading capacity With more than 200 kilograms, even with a weak engine, it is subject to registration, which automatically requires the right to the appropriate category, which often comes as a surprise to owners of large inflatable boats with low-power engines.
There is also the concept of a small boat, which is used for pleasure purposes, if your boat is less than 20 meters long and the number of passengers is less than 12 people, it falls into this category, but the exemption applies only if all the limits are met simultaneously.
- 🚤 The engine power must not exceed 8 kW (10.88 hp) for exemption from the rights.
- ⚖️ The total load capacity of the vessel shall be less than 200 kg, including the weight of the engine and equipment.
- 📏 The length of the vessel on the hull shall not exceed certain standards for a particular type of vessel.
- 👥 The number of people on board is limited to twelve passengers for pleasure purposes.
⚠️ Note: The load capacity is calculated not only on the boat's passport, but also on the weight of the equipment, fuel and anchor-failing accessories installed. If the total weight exceeds 200 kg, the GIMS may require registration.
It is important to note that even if you do not formally violate the limits, the inspector has the right to require documents confirming the technical specifications. passport The boat and motor must always be in the original or a certified copy, and the absence of a factory number marking on the transom may also raise questions during the inspection.
Category "up to 10 horsepower"
The most common myth among water-engineers is the magic 10 horsepower, and many people think that having a 9.9 horsepower engine automatically eliminates all the paperwork issues, which is not true, and there are many legal subtleties that you should know about in advance.
The fact is that 10 hp is about 7.35 kW, which is technically less than the allowed 8 kW (10.88 hp). However, if your boat has a large own mass or is designed for heavy loads, the amount can exceed the permissible threshold of 200 kg. registration It is mandatory regardless of the engine power.
It is also worth considering that some manufacturers indicate rounded power. The inspector can use accurate data from the technical specification when measuring or checking documentation, where 9.9 hp can turn into 11 hp or vice versa. certificatewhere the power is indicated in kilowatts.
If you own the popular boat + 9.9 hp bundle, you are more fortunate than others, but relax early. The law requires that the vessel is not used for commercial purposes and does not go beyond the established navigation signs unless it is registered.
Features of PVC inflatable boats and their registration
PVC inflatable boats are the most popular class of boats in Russia, their main advantage is mobility and storage in a garage or even at home, but they are the most often controversial situations when communicating with GIMS inspectors due to the variability of equipment.
The problem is that the same boat model can have different loading capacity depending on the year of manufacture and modification. If you bought a boat with no documents, it will be difficult to prove its parameters. examination It can be imposed, which will entail additional costs.
For PVC boats, weight in running order is critical, and if you install a powerful gas tank, a heavy anchor and additional navigation equipment, you can quietly exceed the 200 kg limit. motorboat It requires a license, even if the engine is weak.
PVC boat owners are advised to keep a notebook of boat documents or store digital copies of all checks and passports in the cloud, which will help to quickly respond to the inspector's demands and avoid delaying the vessel until the circumstances are clarified.
☑️ Checking the water-readiness
Table of conformity of parameters and requirements
To organize information and avoid confusion, a summary table can be used to quickly determine if your boat is subject to the requirement of rights and registration, and remember that the data is current, but the legislation may change.
Note that if at least one of the parameters exceeds the permissible value, the vessel must be registered and the boatmaster must be certified.
| Type of vessel | Engine power | Load capacity | Registration | Rights. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable boat | up to 8 kW (10.88 hp) | 200 kg | No need. | Not necessary. |
| Inflatable boat | up to 8 kW (10.88 hp) | more than 200 kg | I need it. | Needed. |
| Boat (metal/plastic) | more than 8 kW | any | I need it. | Needed. |
| Sailing-boat | motorless | 200 kg | No need. | Not necessary. |
| Hydrocycle | any | - | I need it. | Needed. |
As you can see from the table, jet skis require rights and registration at all times, regardless of power, which is associated with the increased danger of this type of boat. For metal boats, the threshold of entry into "disenfranchisement" is almost impossible due to the large mass of the hull.
⚠️ Note: Using a boat that is subject to registration without a license plates and documents is equivalent to driving without a number, which entails a fine and placing the boat in a parking lot.
Fines and liability for violations
Violations of the rules governing small courts are regulated by the Administrative Offences Code (CAO), fines vary depending on the severity of the violation and the presence of repeated episodes, and the lack of rights is one of the most frequent violations recorded on the water.
If you are stopped without a license on a vessel that requires one, the fine can be anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles, and you can be suspended and the boat detained, which means that your rest will end before you start, and calling a tow truck for the boat will cost more than the fine itself.
Special attention is paid to the state of intoxication, and driving a boat under the influence of alcohol is punished much more severely, including criminal liability if there are victims. Administrative protocol In this case, it is the least of the problems.
Also, seasonal restrictions are important: during the spawning season or when a storm warning is issued, water can be completely prohibited, and rights will no longer matter.
Practical advice to skippers
It's not enough to know the theory to sail safely and legally, and you have to put that knowledge into practice and to respect the culture of water behavior. Experienced boaters always carry a minimum set of documents and communications.
Even if you're sure your boat doesn't require a license, carry a copy of your passport and a proof of ownership, which will speed up the verification process and show your integrity, and GIMS inspectors are more willing to meet trained citizens.
Don't neglect personal protective equipment. The life jacket should be worn, not just in a flunduck, and in the event of a sudden wave or falling overboard, it will save lives. Security Water is more important than any documents.
Check your boat regularly, leaks, steering failures or fuel system problems can cause an accident, and a responsible approach to operation is a guarantee of long life and safety.
Do I need a 9.9 HP engine license?
The license is not required if the total load capacity of the boat (including the weight of the engine, equipment and people) does not exceed 200 kg. If the load capacity is greater, registration and rights are required, despite the power of the engine.
What is the penalty for driving a boat without a license?
The fine for an individual is from 2000 to 5000 rubles in accordance with Art. 11.1 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation. In addition, the detention of a vessel until the circumstances are clarified can be applied.
Do I need to register a PVC boat less than 3 meters long?
Registration is not required if the mass of the running condition is less than 200 kg and the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (10.88 hp).
Can I drive a boat with tractor rights?
No, small boats require a special boatmaster's license issued by the GIMS. Tractor or motor licenses do not give the right to operate a boat with an engine.