Water Patrol Service to Transition to Enhanced Operations from July 1

The safety of citizens and the maintenance of public order at Lake Sevan and its coastal areas are primary objectives of the Water Patrol Service. To prevent serious accidents, appropriate measures will be put in place. As of July 1, the Water Patrol Service will transition to enhanced operations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports.

"The Ministry of Internal Affairs warns: adhere to the rules for operating watercraft and maintain public order. Law stipulates penalties, including fines. Violations of watercraft operation rules will result in fines in the following instances: operating a watercraft under the influence or evading sobriety checks (up to 30,000 AMD, equivalent to 15 times the minimum wage), using unregistered or technically faulty watercraft or operating without side numbers (10,000 AMD, equivalent to 10 times the minimum wage), operating a watercraft without a navigation certificate or allowing an unlicensed person to operate the watercraft (20,000 AMD, equivalent to 20 times the minimum wage), using a watercraft without the required documents (10,000 AMD), operating a watercraft without rescue equipment or exceeding the allowable number of passengers (10,000 AMD), violating fire safety regulations on watercraft (20,000 AMD), operating watercraft in designated swimming areas (50,000 AMD), approaching or removing watercraft from restricted areas near beaches (20,000 AMD)."

We urge everyone to comply with the law and follow safety protocols. Individuals who violate the law will be subject to administrative penalties enforced by water patrol officers operating in the area," the statement advises.