Owners of small vessels

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

THE STATE INSPECTORATE FOR SMALL VESSELS OF THE POLOTSK DEPARTMENT INFORMS!

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

For example, over the 12 months of 2023, 7 accidents involving small vessels occurred in the Vitebsk region, resulting in 6 fatalities. Fatalities were recorded in the Braslav district (2 deceased), Chashniksky district (1 person deceased, 4 people rescued), Vitebsk, Sharkovshchinsky, and Lepelsky districts (1 deceased each).

The causes of fatalities during the use of 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 ensuring 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 it has not undergone state registration and classification and/or technical inspection in the prescribed manner.

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

Based on the "Rules for the Use of Small Vessels and Bases (Structures) for Their Mooring," the vessel operator 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.

Operators of motorized small vessels are required to carry a certificate of entitlement to operate a recreational motor vessel with an engine exceeding 5 horsepower, and a vessel registration certificate for the small vessel.

The organization of training for the right to operate small vessels is carried out by GIMS (State Inspectorate for Small Vessels) units. In the Vitebsk region, such units are located in Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, Glubokoe, Braslav, and Lepel.

Therefore, the Polotsk GIMS unit urges citizens to comply with the established requirements for the operation of small vessels and to ensure their safe use to the maximum extent possible. 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.

It is best to undergo registration and technical inspection in February, March, and April. Closer to the opening of the season (second half of April, May) and in the first summer months, there is significant congestion at GIMS units. Ensure your small vessel is ready for safe operation in advance.

Information on current legislative acts regarding the use of small vessels, contact details of territorial GIMS units, and other necessary information are available at the electronic address: