How to obtain a license to operate a yacht or boat

As you may know, many small boats require a license to operate. The procedure for obtaining a boat license is practically no different from a driver’s license to drive a car. Therefore, preparation, training and obtaining rights must be approached with all responsibility. It is also worth knowing which boats you need to obtain a license for, the necessary documents, exams and much more.

What boats do you need to get a license for?

We have already considered the question of which boats require licenses, so we will not return to it in detail. Let us recall only the main parameters under which registration and obtaining rights are mandatory:

• If the motor power is more than 10 hp.
• The weight of the vessel is more than 200 kg.
• If the vessel is designed to accommodate 12 people or more.
• Also, licenses must be obtained for vessels if their length exceeds 9 meters.

If you are using a vehicle that does not meet any of the parameters listed above, then it is not necessary to obtain the appropriate driving license.

Obtaining a license for a boat motor

In search of an answer to the question of which outboard motor requires a license, you can study Federal Law No. 66, which was adopted in 2021 (May). It amends the Code of Administrative Offences, namely Article 11.7. It is noteworthy that in the text of the changes (formatted as a separate note) there is no figure 3.68, as well as no other mention of the minimum power of the PLM.

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But they are in the article devoted to violations of the operation of courts (Code of Administrative Offenses). Moreover, it is especially noted that driving a vehicle without the appropriate license is a violation. In both cases, the culprit is punishable by a fine of 1-1.5 thousand rubles. What useful things can be learned from this formulation? And the fact that in the absence of a license you will have to pay a fine.

Algorithm for obtaining an ID

The process of obtaining rights can be divided into several main parts. Each of them will play a significant role, so you need to approach them carefully. This algorithm will also allow you to clearly think through your plan of action and avoid mistakes. So, obtaining rights to a vessel now consists of the following stages:

• Collecting documents.
• Go through a medical examination and receive a certificate.
• Get full training.
• Passing exams at GIMS or courses.
• Submitting an application for the issuance of rights and obtaining them.

What documents are issued?

As a result of registering the vessel:

• the water vehicle is assigned a registration number;
• the ship owner is issued a ship ticket.

The registration number consists of letters (3 pieces) and numbers (4 pieces). The first letter (for the Russian Federation - P) is located before the numbers, the rest (identify the subject of the Russian Federation) after the assigned number.

The number assigned when registering the vehicle must be marked on the sides of the vessel. At the same time, the rules for its application are clearly regulated:

• the number must be on both sides of the vessel, at a distance of at least ¼ from the stem (an extension of the keel at the front of the vessel);
• It is recommended to apply the number with non-washable contrast paint;
• the height of the numbers and letter parts must be at least 15 cm;
• the width of the license plates is at least 10 cm;
• The thickness of the lines when writing with a symbol is approximately 15 - 20 mm.

At the request of the owner of the vessel, the latter can be assigned not only a number, but also a name.

The ship's ticket contains information about:

• the owner of the vessel;
• dimensions and characteristics of the vessel, including type, power, etc.;
• the availability of funds without which the specified vessel cannot be operated. This includes: signaling and rescue equipment, radio equipment, navigation, fire fighting equipment, and so on;
• carrying out a technical inspection check (date and result).

All changes about the owner or vehicle must be promptly entered into the ship's ticket. Otherwise, penalties may be imposed on the vessel owner.

Registration of water vessels is not much different from registration of land vehicles.

To carry out the procedure, documents confirming ownership of the vessel are required. To the driver? You can operate water transport only if you have special licenses.

About registering a car without changing the license plate in another region, see the article: registering a car in another region.

Where to register a vehicle in Moscow for legal entities, see the information.

How to restore the title and vehicle registration certificate is explained on the page.

Training courses

To obtain a license to operate a boat, you must contact the territorial office of GIMS (State Inspectorate for Small Vessels). Only here can you be registered and given the appropriate permit. However, there you will be asked to take an exam after completing training.

Finding a school or courses for driving small boats may pose several serious difficulties, because in some regions it is quite problematic to find them. Sometimes there are courses directly at GIMS or at specialized universities and technical schools. By the way, if you have an education diploma in the specialty “Navigation”, “Water transport management” or another related to water transport, then you do not need to undergo training or pass exams.

Navigation courses can be found in almost every major city. In some situations, you can find out where such centers are located by simply contacting GIMS.

The course duration takes from 1.5 to 6 months. Here everything depends directly on the training center, which offers its services. All training can be divided into two parts:

• Theory. Where you will learn subjects, rules and much more. It can be completed face-to-face, part-time or remotely, depending on the training center.
• Practice. Here you will need to gain management skills. Students are also taught how to service boat motors and vessels.

During training you will have to learn the following disciplines:

• Basic rules of swimming.
• Administrative law.
• The theory of the structure of ships.
• Radio communication.
• Signs and signals that will need to be used on the water.
• GDP directions.
• Meteorology.

Typically, many people think that the list of items is too long. Of course, if you swim in small rivers and lakes, then all your skills may not be useful. However, all this knowledge is considered useful, and you can actively use it in everyday life, so there is no point in neglecting its study.

Buying a boat driver's license without training

There are companies that offer to buy jet ski licenses without undergoing training or passing exams.

They offer their services to those who:

• knows how to drive a water vehicle and does not want to waste time on training and passing exams;
• lost his license and does not want to declare it for personal reasons;
• there is no educational institution offering the course in the owner’s city;
• rights are needed urgently.

The cost of services of such companies is from 15,000 to 20,000 rubles. They assure that the licenses will be real, and no one will notice that they are fake. It should be remembered that obtaining a certificate in this way is illegal and is punishable by law.

Exams

After successfully completing the training, you will have to take exams. This stage is considered key, and without successful completion you will not be able to obtain the right to drive. As a rule, training centers themselves organize the exam, assemble a commission, and invite inspectors from GIMS.

The exam consists of two parts: theory and practice. At the first stage, you will have to prove your knowledge that you acquired during your training. As a rule, centers independently establish a list of questions and prepare their students on them. Therefore, you will not have any problems passing the theory. Let us immediately note that the theory can be taken several times.

With practice, the situation is considered more difficult, since the number of attempts is limited. The practice exam will be held on special simulators, which is where many people have problems.

The exam results are issued by a special commission. If they are passed successfully, a corresponding conclusion-certificate is issued. Every person who wants to obtain the right to operate a vessel must have such a document.

Cost Cost of training in Moscow: obtaining a license for a boat with a motor, speedboat, jet ski

For organizational questions of training, you can contact by phone
Important! The rights issued by GIMS are international, more details.

Motor vessel (boat, cutter)

Practice on the Ivankovskoye Reservoir (Moscow Sea)

Practical lessons on the water - 1 lesson (3 academic hours)

Cost of practical training on a motor vessel Windboat 46PRO: 850 rubles/hour

Organization and support for the exam at GIMS

Motor boat + jet ski

Remote*:

Practice on the Ivankovskoye Reservoir (Moscow Sea)

Practical lessons on the water - 1 lesson (3 academic hours)

Cost of practical training on a motor vessel Windboat 46PRO: 850 rubles/hour

Organization and support for the exam at GIMS

Sailing yacht

Theory training time is 15 lessons of 2 hours each.

Practical lessons on the water – 1 lesson (4 academic hours).

Cost of practical training on a 22-foot Yacht: 875 RUR/hour

Persons who have a certificate for the right to operate a small motor vessel in the navigation areas of GDP, VP, MP - opening a sailing category, the cost of the course is 6,000 RUB.

Persons who do not have a certificate for the right to operate a motor vessel, navigation areas of the VPVP MP, the cost of training is 8,000 rubles.

Where to get a boat license

If a person has completed training, passed exams and received a certificate, he can submit documents and an application for obtaining a license to the GIMS. It takes about a month to make them, but a lot depends on the region. For example, in Sochi, a citizen almost always receives his license within a week. If something is wrong with the documents, an official refusal with justification should come from the State Inspectorate of the Inspectorate within the same month.

There are several ways to submit documents now:

• You can contact the territorial GIMS in person.
• You can also bring all the necessary documents to the MFC.
• You can try to do everything through the Internet portal “State Services”.

As you understand, the most proven way is to contact GIMS in person. This is exactly the option that many people use.

It is also worth noting that in rare situations, GIMS representatives require you to take exams (theory and practice) again. This can happen because a lot of time has passed since completing the courses, and the person’s skills and knowledge may have been forgotten.

Where to apply with documents

Where can I get a boat license? Specialized courses only teach the basics of driving a vehicle. They also issue certificates of successful completion of studies. But with the collected package of documents you will have to go to a completely different place. Where exactly?

In GIMS. What it is? State Inspectorate for Small Vessels. This is where a motorboat license can be obtained. The application is submitted here and all other documents are brought.

Often it is enough to simply provide certain papers and write a request for the issuance of a certificate. In some cases, a citizen may be asked to take an exam in the form of practice on a simulator. If a person has just completed a training course, it is not necessary to show your skills. But it’s still worth preparing for the requirement.

As soon as the documents for the boat (or rather, for operating a small vessel) are submitted, all that remains is to wait. On average, it takes about 30 days to produce and issue a certificate.

If you wish, you can submit your application in several ways. Now the population is offered:

• contact GIMS in person;
• resort to the help of the State Services portal;
• bring a package of documents to the MFC.

The first option is considered the fastest, most reliable and convenient. If you have to additionally take a boat control exam, you can bring your idea to life in the shortest possible time. And the certificate itself will be issued very quickly. But the MFC will slow down the process somewhat. Often you have to wait 1.5-2 months before you can get a license for a boat. GIMS is a place that will help you cope with the task as quickly as possible. However, citizens themselves can choose the place where to apply. The package of documents still remains the same in all cases.

What documents are needed

During receipt, special attention must be paid to collecting all documents. After all, if something is wrong, your application may be rejected as a result. So it is this stage that should be approached with all seriousness. The list of required documents is now as follows:

• Copy of the passport.
• Application for issuance of rights. You can find a sample of it in GIMS.
• A receipt for payment of the fee is required; without it, your application will not be considered.
• Certificate of successful completion of courses (or university diploma).
• Medical certificate.
• You must also provide 4 photographs measuring 3 by 4 cm.
• Documents for the vehicle you are going to drive (if any)

Remember! You will need to bring copies of all documents. However, the medical certificate is always submitted in the original, but you don’t have to worry about it, since after the documents are issued it will be returned to you.

The fee for obtaining a certificate is 1,300 rubles. However, if you also need to register the ship, you will need fees to pay for registration and issuance of a ship ticket.

As soon as you submit all the necessary documents and write an application, GIMS employees will tell you how many days your documents will be ready. They will need to be picked up within the prescribed period, taking your passport with you.

Registration of boats in GIMS: which vessels are subject to registration

• statement;
• passport;
• TIN;
• documents confirming ownership of the MS and engine;
• technical passport for the watercraft;
• technical passport for the motor (if any);
• a receipt confirming payment of the state duty (the amount of duty in 2021 is 1100 rubles)

• inflatable transom boats;
• inflatable, "Tourist" type;
• plastic;
• metal;
• wooden;
• collapsible composite;
• boats with electric motors of the specified power;
• various kayaks;
• rowing and sailing catamarans.

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