Boatmaster Training
We have been running Boatmasters Licence courses ever
since the licence was introduced in the 1990's but the rules governing
the award of a licence changed on 1st January 2007. There are now two
tiers of BML, Tier 1 and Tier 2.
The BML Tier 2 is a 'local' licence to commercially operate freight
vessels or workboats of 24 metres or more in length or passenger vessels
carrying more than 12 persons. It has fewer requirements than the Tier 1
and it follows much the same lines as the previous BML Grade 3. It is
for Category A or B waters in the UK.
In addition to the Boatmaster training there is a requirement to undertake First Aid, Personal Survival/Water Safety and Fire Safety training which must be completed before your Boatmasters Licence can be issued. We run all of these courses at Willow Wren Training.
We guide you through every aspect of obtaining your licence including preparation of the Task Record Book, experience record and provide you with the MCA documents that you need to become familiar with. We will also prepare your application and communicate with the MCA on your behalf.
We can also provide a one-day "Boatmaster Standards Setting" day where potential Boatmaster delegates are trained and assessed to check their suitability for the Boatmaster licence. This allows employers to decide how much additional training/experience is required before committing to the full cost of the training. 50% of the cost of the BSS is credited on booking the full Boatmaster Course. The day will also help toward completing some of the obligatory Task Record Book entries.
The full Boatmaster training is over three days with the first two days taken up with theory and practical training. Day three is the day of the test with the MCA examiner.
The
examiner will want to see a professional standard of boat handling. If
you do not have recent practical experience of operating narrowboats on
narrow canals you are not likely to pass. We therefore insist that you
have provable experience or undertake a Helmsman's Course with us prior
to attending the Boatmaster course.
The examiner will also orally test your knowledge of safety procedures. Part of the training will be to prepare you for this.
The course cost also includes the MCA examination fee but does NOT
include the cost of the Medical Report which you will need to obtain
from your doctor prior to attending the training.
