Rules for the operation of small vessels
March 10, 2021
Water does not forgive irresponsibility, negligence, and carelessness. This is worth remembering in connection with the onset of warm weather and the swimming season.
Water does not forgive irresponsibility, negligence, and carelessness. This is worth remembering in connection with the onset of warm weather and the swimming season. During this period, people not only visit beaches but also engage in fishing and active recreation on the water, using various watercraft for this purpose. Often, the Rules for the Use of Small Vessels and the Rules for Navigation on Inland Waterways of the Republic of Belarus are violated, which frequently leads to accidents. For instance, in 2020, 7 people died in the Vitebsk region due to the use of small vessels.
The State Inspectorate for Small Vessels of the Vitebsk Region informs vessel operators and residents of the region that small vessels are subject to mandatory registration and classification, with the exception of rowing boats, kayaks, and inflatable vessels with a carrying capacity of less than 225 kilograms (in accordance with Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 200 of April 26, 2010). Small vessels are understood as vessels with a length of 20 meters and a permissible number of people on board not exceeding 12, including vessels with outboard engines and personal watercraft.
The owner must register a small vessel within 30 calendar days from the date of purchase of the small vessel or its acquisition on any other legal basis. To do this, the owner presents the following documents to the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels:
- a small vessel with an engine;
- an operation manual (passport) for the vessel and engine with a sales record, and title documents;
- a receipt for payment of the registration fee;
- an application;
- a passport certifying identity.
A small vessel subject to state registration and classification, but not registered and classified in the prescribed manner, is not permitted for operation.
Prior to the operation of a small vessel, technical inspection shall be carried out within 10 days after its state registration and classification, or on the day of state registration and classification, provided that the registration number is affixed to the small vessel. The vessel owner is obliged to present the small vessel for technical inspection before and during its operation.
Frequency of technical inspection of small vessels:
- for small rowing vessels, for which less than 10 years have passed since the year of manufacture, including the year of manufacture - 5 years;
- for small vessels with an engine power of less than 3.8 kW and more than 22 kW, for which less than 10 years have passed since the year of manufacture, including the year of manufacture - 3 years;
- for other small vessels and personal watercraft, for which less than 10 years have passed since the year of manufacture, including the year of manufacture - 2 years;
- for small vessels, for which 10 or more years have passed since the year of manufacture - 1 year.
Operation of a small vessel without undergoing technical inspection within the established time limits and procedure is prohibited.
A small vessel must be registered in the prescribed manner and undergo technical inspection. For motor-powered small vessels with an engine exceeding 5 horsepower, the skipper must have a certificate of entitlement to operate such a vessel. Special attention must be paid to life jackets; they must be worn and fastened while moving.
In case of detection of violations or any emergency or incident related to the operation of a small vessel, immediately inform GIMS or EMERCOM by phone 101 and 112. Additional information can be obtained on the website https://gims.mchs.gov.by, as well as at the Vitebsk section of GIMS: Vitebsk, M. Gorky St., bldg. 44, contact phone number 8-0212-377361.
Take care in advance of your vessel's readiness for safe operation. Have a pleasant voyage, and remember that you are expected home.