MCA Boatmaster licences - BML

We provide both practical and oral preparation courses for the BML examinations. Training can be tailored for individuals, small groups or Companies and there are several training options available:

Mock Orals and short knowledge refresher sessions
6 day oral preparation courses
MSQ Units leading to an SQA Qualification and possible exemption from the oral exam.

For Companies with a number of employees to qualify as Boatmasters we are able to design a package to suit their needs. In addition to the generic syllabus for the underpinning knowledge, we can provide training for some Endorsements.

Training takes place primarily in Plymouth, some elements can be taught from our London base or in a training room at the Company's location.

Who requires a Boatmasters’ Licence (BML)?
All masters operating commercially in UK waters are required to be suitably qualified. Vessels operating on ‘Inland’ Waters or as defined by the MCA as categorised and limited coastal areas must have masters qualified under the BML Regulations or equivalent.

The BML Regulations apply to masters operating on Category A – D waters and limited coastal areas.  Limited Coastal Area is defined as “no more than 5 miles from land and 15 miles from a point of departure”.

Information on categorised waters can be found in MSN 1837 ‘Categorisation of Waters’. See resources below.

Commercial vessels under 24 metres and carrying less than 12 passengers operating in categorised waters,  under the Small Commercial Vessel Code can be operated by masters holding appropriate certificates under that code.

Oral preparation

For seasoned seafarers who already have an RYA/MCA Certificate or Competence or have been working on an exemption but are maybe a little rusty or daunted by the syllabus we offer a six day pre oral exam prep course to assist in filling in the knowledge gaps between small craft commercial certificates and those required by the Boatmaster syllabus. Included in the course are two volumes of specific Boatmaster training materials covering each syllabus point.  The course costs £840 per person. Click to view scheduled course dates, or call or email us with your requirements.

For 1:1 or groups, we can tailor courses to cover your exact requirements on specific subjects.

Online Skype Boatmaster mock oral or prep - 2 or 4 hour sessions
This is a highly effective way to cram particular subjects or general subject areas. We use video skype connection, so you will need a stable internet connection. The system we use is fully interactive and previous students have given very positive feedback.

The system is fully tailored to subject areas that you would like to work on or we cover a mock oral exam. Because the training is tailored exactly to your needs, a lot of ground can be covered quite quickly, or we can spend more time on particular subject areas that you require.
2 hours £80 – 4 hours £155                        8 x 2 hour sessions £550

Practical preparation
We offer a day or more afloat to fine tune boathandling practices and safety procedures.
Prices depend on the vessel but start at £450pd