Safety rules on operation of small-sized vessels

We bring to your attention the rules for the safe movement of small-sized vessels (hereinafter referred to as the vessel) in the internal sea and territorial waters, rivers, reservoirs, and other water basins of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Conditions for the safe operation of vessels:

- operation of vessels in reservoirs is allowed only during daylight hours;

- vessel can be loaded only according to the cargo carrying capacity stated in its technical documents;

- vessel cannot carry more than the number of passengers specified in its technical documents;

- vessels must be state registered in the State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (hereinafter referred to as the Inspectorate);

- vessel owners must undergo a technical inspection of their vessels at the Inspectorate within one year of the previous inspection, in order to assess their technical condition and extend the sailing period;

- vessel users must have a driving license issued by the Inspectorate, giving them the right to use vessels.

The operation of vessels is prohibited in the following cases:

- vessel is not state registered;

- vessel does not pass a technical inspection;

- there is no vessel number;

- cargo and passenger transportation norms are violated on the vessel;

- person driving the vessel does not have a driver's license;

- person driving the vessel is drunk;

- accepted speed rules are violated;

- sound signals, distinctive lighting, and maneuvering rules are violated;

- vessel is operated in prohibited areas without permission;

- vessel is operated in public recreation areas;

- minors are not accompanied by their parents on the vessel;

- vessel is not used for its intended purpose;

- people move from one vessel to another during movement;

- fire protection rules are violated during refueling;

- using an engine that is not mentioned in the vessel's ticket;

- vessel is operated when visibility is limited or in foggy weather conditions;

- crossing rules are violated in canals and in places where repair works are carried out;

- rules of sailing and the safety of passengers are not ensured;

- wind speed is more than 5-7 m/s, and the height of the waves is more than 0.5-0.75 m;

- vessel is not equipped with a lifebuoy, magnetic compass or GPS navigation aids, a life jacket (depending on the number of crew members), an anchor, mooring ropes, a pair of oars, a flashlight for night signals, a bucket or hand pump, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and potable water.