THE STATE INSPECTION FOR SMALL VESSELS OF VITEBSK REGION INFORMS!

The State Inspection for Small Vessels (GIMS) of Vitebsk Region informs that every year there are cases of emergency use of small vessels (rowing and motor boats, yachts, jet skis, sailing-motor yachts) in our region, which pose a threat to the life and health of people, resulting in severe injuries and often fatalities for both the vessel owner and passengers of the small vessel. In 2021, there was an increase in such cases compared to 2020.

In 2021, there were 7 emergency cases recorded in Vitebsk Region involving small vessels, resulting in the deaths (drownings) of 9 people. Fatalities occurred in the Ushachsky (2 fatalities), Verkhnedvinsky (2), Polotsky (4), and Gorodoksky (1) districts. For comparison, in 2020, there were 5 similar cases in Vitebsk Region, resulting in 7 fatalities.

The causes of fatalities in these cases were:

• neglect of basic safety measures when using small vessels regarding the use of life jackets and failure to consider adverse weather conditions;
• failure to comply with existing rules for the use of small vessels regarding their safe operation (according to paragraph 3 of item 19 of the Rules for the Use of Small Vessels, the operation of a small vessel is prohibited if it has not undergone state registration and classification and/or technical inspection in the established manner).

In light of this, GIMS of Vitebsk Region urges citizens to comply with established requirements when operating small vessels and to ensure maximum safety in their use.

GIMS of Vitebsk Region informs vessel operators and residents of the region that small vessels, except for rowing boats, kayaks, and inflatable vessels with a carrying capacity of less than 225 kilograms, are subject to mandatory registration and classification.

The operation of a small vessel is only possible after registration in the ship's log; affixing of hull numbers and technical inspection, which is conducted immediately after state registration or during its operation.

The operation of a small vessel without undergoing technical inspection within the established timeframes and in the established manner is prohibited.

Operators of motor small vessels must carry a certificate for the right to operate a recreational motor vessel with an engine power exceeding 5 horsepower and a ship ticket for the small vessel.

According to the "Rules for the Use of Small Vessels and Bases (Structures) for Their Mooring," the vessel operator and persons on board the small vessel during movement must wear fastened life jackets. Some citizens neglect this rule, which sometimes leads to human casualties.

The rules for the use of small vessels apply not only to small vessels that require registration but also to those that do not require registration.

Information on current legislative acts regarding the use of small vessels, contacts of territorial GIMS units, and other necessary information is available at the following electronic address: https://gims.mchs.gov.by