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.
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 at both our Plymouth Training Centre. We can also arrange a bespoke course in a training room at your company's location if required, please ask for details.
Boatmaster Prep - 5 Days
Plymouth Price: £1050 inc VAT
For seasoned seafarers who already have an RYA/MCA Certificate of Competence or have been working on an exemption but are maybe a little rusty or dated by the syllabus, we offer a 5 day pre-oral exam prep course to assist in filling knowledge gaps between small craft commercial certificates and those required by the Boatmaster syllabus. The course can be combined with our Master 200 prep weeks.
In order to book this course, please refer to the Master 200 preparation dates, and contact the office to book so that we are aware you require the Boatmaster preparation course and can advise the instructor in advance also there are different training materials we provide for Boatmasters.
Boatmaster Prep - 10 Days (2x separate weeks)
London Price: £POA
Preparing for an MCA Oral exam is a daunting experience, especially as quite often it is difficult to know how much you need to learn and to what level. We run preparation courses in two parts; an intro or refresher course to start with, followed by a heavier duty oral prep. You can do one or both courses leading to your orals and we are happy to chat through the best option. We run two courses as we found that many people were arriving on a Final Oral preparation course somewhat underprepared and therefore did not get the full benefit from the training as they were forever playing catch-up.
Oral prep part 1. Refresher, intro or possible BML T2 L1
This course is ideal for those that have been working towards their qualification, but are either: a little rusty, unsure what their knowledge is or wanting to ensure they have got a good solid foundation for Part 2. It can also be used as a primer for BML T2L1 exams.
Outline syllabus for Part 1: Weather, buoyage, chartwork and tides, stability intro, health and safety intro, safety management systems, vessel paperwork and class vessel intro, COLREGS (working knowledge), handling emergencies, compass work, mooring and unmooring, general publications
Oral prep Part 2. Final prep Master 200/OOW500, BML T1 L2 and OOW3000
This course is aimed at a final preparation for higher level Boatmaster and Oral preparations. Completing Part 1 is not a pre-requisite to attendance, but with experience we have found that many people would benefit from a refresher in many subjects before being put on the Part 2 higher level prep course.
Outline syllabus for Part 2: Stability, business and law, codes and health/safety, permits to work, records and record-keeping, emergency action, COLREGS (in depth), chartwork and compass, tides and tidal calculations / clearances, squat and interaction, radar, vessel documentation, in-depth SMS systems, corrections, nautical publications, pollution prevention and MARPOL
What’s included?
- Experienced instructors, each with considerable experience teaching preparations for MCA Master Orals and Boatmaster Licence T1 L2 and T2 licences, in an approachable and practical way
- Two unique illustrated folders, which have been written and compiled especially for these levels
In order to book these courses please refer to the London based Part 1 and Part 2 courses in the list below.
Plymouth Dates
| Course | Date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECDIS Generic (IMO 1.27) | 13 Jan - 17 Jan 2025 | 5 day | £ 1050.00 | Sold Out |
| MCA HELM (Operational) | 17 Feb - 19 Feb 2025 | 3 day | £ 525.00 | Book Now |
| MCA HELM (Operational) | 10 Mar - 12 Mar 2025 | 3 day | £ 525.00 | Book Now |
| MCA Master 200/Boatmaster Prep | 17 Mar - 21 Mar 2025 | 5 day | £ 1050.00 | Book Now |
| MCA HELM (Operational) | 6 May - 8 May 2025 | 3 day | £ 525.00 | Book Now |
Online Boatmaster Mock Oral or Prep (2 or 4hr sessions)
This is a highly effective way to cram particular subjects or general subject areas. We us Skype or Zoom, so you will need an 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 examination. As the training is tailored to your exact 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 - £450pd
We offer a day or more afloat to fine tune boat handling practises and safety procedures. Prices depend on the vessel but start at £450pd
SQA Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Rivers, Inland Waterways and Limited Distances to Sea - £11,000
The MSQ units below lead to the Scottish Qualification Authority Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies: Rivers, Inland Waterways and Limited Distances to Sea; this is included in the new Boatmaster Apprenticeship along with lots of other mandatory qualifications. Please click to view details of our apprenticeships.
If you would like to study the Diploma outside of the apprenticeship, please contact us for dates and availability.
| STCW Fire Fighting | STCW Survival | STCW First Aid |
| Mooring and unmooring | Rope work and safe access | Emergency procedures |
| Safe working | Manoeuvring | Emergency manoeuvres |
| Maintenance | Anchoring | Bridge watch keeping |
| Meteorology | Navigation | Ship knowledge & construction |
| Radar | Engineering (MCA AEC) |
We hope that you can find the information you require on these pages, if you have any further questions, or require advice, please call us.