Owners of small vessels
STATE INSPECTORATE FOR SMALL VESSELS OF THE VITEBSK REGION INFORMS!
The State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (GIMS) of the Vitebsk region informs that cases of emergency use of small vessels (rowing and motor boats, motorboats, jet skis, sailing-motor yachts) occur annually in the region, resulting in threats to life and health of people, severe injuries, and often the death of both the vessel owner and passengers of the small vessel.
Thus, in 2022, 6 emergency cases involving small vessels occurred in the Vitebsk region, resulting in 6 deaths. Deaths were recorded in Ushachi district (2 deaths), Chashniki district (2 deaths), Miory and Orsha districts (1 death each).
The causes of death when using small vessels are:
- disregard for basic safety measures when using small vessels, such as refusing to wear a life jacket and ignoring adverse 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 para. 3, item 19 of the Rules for the Use of Small Vessels, 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 as vessels with a length of 20 meters and a permissible number of people on board not exceeding 12 people, including vessels with outboard engines and jet skis.
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.
Prior to the operation of a small vessel, a 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.
Operation of a small vessel is possible only after registration in the vessel logbook; affixing of side numbers and technical inspection conducted 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 motor-powered small vessels are obliged to carry with them a certificate of entitlement 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 territory of the Vitebsk region, such units are located in the cities of Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, Glubokoye, Braslav, and Lepel.
Based on the "Rules for the Use of Small Vessels and Bases (Structures) for Their Mooring," the skipper and persons on board a small vessel while in motion must wear fastened life jackets. Some citizens disregard this rule, which sometimes leads to loss of life.
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 when operating small vessels and to ensure maximum safety of their use. By observing the established safety rules, you guarantee your life and the lives of those 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 of territorial GIMS units, and other necessary information are posted at the electronic address: https://gims.mchs.gov.by
The rules for the use of 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 (State Inspectorate for Small Vessels) offices. Take care in advance of the readiness of your small vessel for safe operation.