Raid inspections were carried out to ensure compliance with the Rules for the use of small vessels and bases (structures) for their mooring.

Belarus is often called the land of lakes, and for good reason, as their number exceeds 11,000. There are over 2,300 lakes in the Vitebsk region. It is home to the deepest lake in Belarus, Lake Dolgoye (Glubokoye district, maximum depth 53.6 m), and the fourth largest lake, Lake Lukomlskoye (Chashniki district, area 37.71 km²). Lakes not only offer beauty but also pose increased risks. As of July 27, 2020, 50 people have drowned in the waters of the Vitebsk region.

To prevent loss of life on the water, including during the operation of small vessels, the Vitebsk Transport Prosecutor's Office, together with the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels for the Vitebsk Region, conducted raid inspections to ensure compliance with the Rules for the Use of Small Vessels and Bases (Structures) for Their Berthing (approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of June 20, 2007 No. 812). These inspections revealed a number of violations.

In accordance with clause 9 of the Rules for the Use of Small Vessels and Bases (Structures) for Their Berthing, approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers of June 20, 2007 No. 812, the vessel operator and persons on board a small vessel while underway must wear fastened life jackets.

It is this safety rule that is most often disregarded, with the absence of a life jacket explained by forgetfulness.

Following a raid conducted on July 11, 2020, on Lake Rybnoye in the Orsha district, 3 individuals were brought to administrative liability under Part 1 of Article 18.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and fined for violating the requirements of the aforementioned Rules. One individual was issued an official warning regarding the inadmissibility of violating legislation. Repeated violations were also identified during a raid inspection on July 17, 2020, on Lake Vymno in the Vitebsk district. Three out of ten fishermen were on a small vessel underway without life jackets. The violators were brought to administrative liability. For one of them, who was on a homemade floating device, fishing ended for the day (he was escorted ashore).

Preventive conversations were held with individuals operating small vessels on the aforementioned water bodies during raid events, who did not commit any violations, regarding the inadmissibility of violating the Rules.

Senior Assistant
of the Vitebsk Transport Prosecutor's Office
Snezhana Sazonova