To owners of small vessels

May 24, 2023

The State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (GIMS) of the Vitebsk region informs that annually there are cases of emergency use of small vessels (rowing and motor boats, motorboats, jet skis, sailing-motor yachts) in the region, which pose a threat to the life and health of people, citizens receive serious injuries, and often the death of both the vessel owner and passengers of the small vessel occurs.

THE STATE INSPECTORATE FOR SMALL VESSELS OF THE VITEBSK REGION INFORMS!

For example, in 2022, 6 accidents involving small vessels occurred in the Vitebsk region, resulting in 6 deaths. Deaths were recorded in Ushachi district (2 deceased), Chashniki district (2 people died), Miory and Orsha districts (1 person died each).

The causes of death when using small vessels are:

- disregard for elementary safety measures when using small vessels, such as refusing to wear a life jacket and ignoring difficult weather conditions;

- operating small vessels while intoxicated;

- non-compliance with existing rules for the use of small vessels regarding the provision of conditions for their safe operation (according to paragraph 3 of clause 19 of the Rules for the use of small vessels, the operation of a small vessel is prohibited if the small vessel has not undergone state registration and classification and (or) technical inspection in the prescribed manner).

For reference:

All small vessels are subject to mandatory registration and classification (except for rowing boats, kayaks, and inflatable vessels with a carrying capacity of less than 225 kilograms). Small vessels are understood to be vessels with a length of 20 meters with a permissible number of people on board not exceeding 12 people, 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 acquisition thereof on any other legal basis.

Before operating a small vessel, a technical inspection is 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.

Operation of a small vessel is possible only after registration in the vessel logbook; affixing of side numbers and technical inspection, carried out immediately after state registration or during its operation.

Operation of a small vessel without undergoing technical inspection within the established deadlines and in the established manner is prohibited.

Skippers of motorized small vessels are obliged to have with them a certificate of the right to operate a recreational motor vessel with an engine power exceeding 5 horsepower, and a vessel logbook for the small vessel.

The organization of training for the right to operate small vessels is carried out by GIMS units – in the Vitebsk region, such units are located in Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, Glubokoye, Braslav, and Lepel.

Based on the "Rules for the use of small vessels and bases (structures) for their parking", the skipper and persons on board a small vessel during movement must wear fastened life jackets. Some citizens neglect this rule, which sometimes leads to human casualties.

Based on this, the GIMS of the Vitebsk region, on the eve of the 2023 navigation period, calls on citizens to comply with the established requirements for the operation of small vessels and to ensure their safe use as much as possible. By observing the established safety rules, you guarantee your life and the lives of citizens around you – your life is in your hands. Do not neglect these rules.

Information on current legislative acts regarding the use of small vessels, contacts

territorial units of GIMS and other necessary information are posted at the electronic address: https://gims.mchs.gov.by

The rules for using small vessels apply not only to small vessels subject to registration, but also to those that do not require registration.

It is best to undergo registration and technical inspection during the winter period and early spring. Closer to the opening of the season (the second half of April, as well as May) and in the first summer months, there is a significant rush at the GIMS units. Take care in advance of the readiness of your small vessel for safe operation.