Gaps in the Concept and Accounting of Floating Objects on Inland Water Transport in the Russian Federation

Under present economic conditions on water transport the number of managing subjects and the variety of objects have increased. Floating objects which can be used for various purposes, not only those related to navigation, are one of them. The concept of a floating object and requirements for its operation are relatively new in the national legislation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the concept of a floating object, to define its place in the system of inland water transport facilities and to consider some issues arising in connection with the accounting of such facilities. On the basis of the investigation, the author comes to a conclusion that the present definition of a floating object is not sufficient, it does not define exactly what objects are meant, which leads to an expansive interpretation of this concept and unreasonable burdens for some owners of such objects. In particular, it is proposed to develop an official classification of floating objects in order to eliminate the problem of ambiguity, also taking into account legal norms of the European law. Also some issues of account of floating objects that cause problems in law-enforcement practice and require elimination.

Code of internal water transport, floating object, account of floating objects, inland water transport, transport