To owners of small vessels

THE STATE INSPECTION FOR SMALL VESSELS OF VITEBSK REGION INFORMS!

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

In 2022, there were 6 emergency incidents involving small vessels in Vitebsk Region, resulting in 6 fatalities. Fatalities were recorded in Ushachy District (2 fatalities), Chashniki District (2 fatalities), and Miory and Orsha Districts (1 fatality each).
The causes of fatalities when using small vessels include:

• neglect of basic safety measures when using small vessels, including refusal to wear life jackets and failure to consider adverse weather conditions;
• operating small vessels under the influence of alcohol;
• failure to comply with existing rules for the use of small vessels regarding ensuring conditions for 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).

Note: All 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. Small vessels are defined as vessels up to 20 meters in length with a maximum allowable number of people on board not exceeding 12, including vessels with outboard motors and jet skis.

The owner must register the small vessel within 30 calendar days from the date of purchase or acquisition on another legal basis.

Before the operation of a small vessel, a technical inspection must be conducted within 10 days after its state registration and classification, or on the day of state registration and classification if the registration number is applied to the small vessel.

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

Operating a small vessel without undergoing technical inspection within the established time frame and in the established manner is prohibited.

Operators of motor small vessels must carry a certificate of competence for operating a recreational motor vessel with an engine power exceeding 5 horsepower, as well as a ship's ticket for the small vessel.

Training for the right to operate small vessels is organized by GIMS sections – in Vitebsk Region, such sections are located in the cities of Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, Hlubokaye, Braslaŭ, and Lepel.

According to the "Rules for the Use of Small Vessels and Bases (Facilities) 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.

In light of this, GIMS of Vitebsk Region calls on citizens to comply with established requirements when operating small vessels and to ensure maximum safety in their use as the navigation period of 2023 approaches. By adhering to established safety rules, you guarantee life for yourself and 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 sections, and other necessary information is available at the following electronic address: https://gims.mchs.gov.by.

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

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