Who requires a MCA Boatmaster Licence (BML)?
The MCA Boatmaster License is required by;
- Masters of commercial vessels operating on inland and near coastal waters.
- The Master of Class IV, Class V and passenger ships (i.e. commercial vessels carrying more that 12 passengers) operating in UK Category A, B, C, D Waters and/or coastal waters within 5 mils of shore and 15 miles of departure or arrival port
- The Master of freight ships and workboats operating in Category A, B, C, D Waters and/or coastal waters within 5 mils of shore and 15 miles of departure or arrival port.
There are 4 Level of MCA Boatmaster License, (BML). The 2 National licenses can be used throughout the UK, The two restricted licenses are tied to a particular port, i.e. Portsmouth Harbour, Port of Liverpool, Bristol Port, Medway Port, Port of London (Thames Watermen) etc.
BOATMASTER LICENSE (BML) NATIONAL LICENCE (Tier 1):
- Tier 1 Level 1 (T1L1)
- Tier 1 Level 2 (T1L2)
BOATMASTER LICENCE (BML) RESTRICTED LICENCE (Tier 2):
- Tier 2 Level 1 (T2L1)
- Tier 2 Level 2 (T2L2)
MCA BML OPERATING AREAS:
| Tier 2 Level 1 | Tier 2 Level 2 | Tier 1 Level 1 | Tier 1 Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| License Level | Local | Local | National | National |
| All category A canals | ✅ | ✅ | ✅1 | ✅1 |
| Specified areas of Category A and/or B waters; | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Specified areas of non-linked category C Waters | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Specified areas of category C & D Waters | ✅ | ✅2 | ||
| Limited Coastal area | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| All non tidal water A, B & non linked C) | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Category A to D waters | ✅2 | |||
| Coastal waters up to 15 miles from departure or arrival and within 5 miles from the shore | ✅2 |
- Except where local knowledge requirements apply.
- This licence is not available for the Thames below Teddington.
We offer three separate exam preparation weeks. Each one is 5 days and is typically Monday to Friday
- BML Tier 2 Preparation (for Tier 2 Level 1 and/or 2)
- BML Tier 1 Level 1 Preparation
- BML Tier 1 Level 2 Preparation
MCA BML PREP COURSE PRE REQUISTES:
| Tier 2 Level 1 | Tier 2 Level 2 | Tier 1 Level 1 | Tier 1 Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 |
| GMDSS CoC (any level) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Knowledge to RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Level | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BML T2 L2 or Knowledge to RYA Coastal Skipper | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| RYA Coastal Skipper Level | ✅ | |||
| RYA Radar (or higher level radar cert.) | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| STCW Personal Survival Techniques | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Minimum Sea Time | 1 month | 1 month | 6 months | 12 months |
MCA BML EXAM PRE REQUISTES:
| Tier 2 Level 1 | Tier 2 Level 2 | Tier 1 Level 1 | Tier 1 Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Local knowledge of your local port | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| STCW Elementary First Aid or RYA First Aid | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| STCW Personal Survival Techniques | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| STCW Fire Prevention & Fighting or MCA Fire Fighting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Minimum Sea Time | 40 days in 6 months | 40 days in 6 months | 12 months | 24 months |
| ML5 or ENG1 Medical | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
The MCA will require Testimonials as evidence of sea service. You can not self certify. They will accept the following
- A company letter signed by an appropriate person (e.g. the owner or fleet manager);
- A letter from a representative of the statutory navigation/port authority responsible for the area in which the applicant operates;
- A letter from a shipper or customer who can verify the applicant has the relevant experience; or
- A letter from a trade association who can verify the applicant has the relevant experience.
Where does training take place?
At Chieftan Training, Southampton
The MCA Boatmaster BML Exam
The exam is conducted by an MCA Examiner, usually on board your boat. It contain two sections. The practical assessment and the oral exam. The training courses below are intended to help you with the oral exam. If you additionally require training toward the practical section then we can arrange for an Instructor to join you on board your employer’s vessel.
The Boatmaster Exam Prep Course
Our preparation course is classroom based in Southampton, Solent and focus’s on the subjects that might come up during the oral component of your exam. You and your employer will need to ensure you have gained on board experience to pass the boat handling component of your exam.
Booking an Exam
You wil need to apply to the MCA at Booking a BLM Exam