COURSE NOTES
MCA Boatmasters Tier 2 Licence
We have been running Boatmasters Licence, (BML), Grade 3 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 and does
not allow use in the EU.
Willow Wren Training can provide all the necessary training to obtain the BML Tier 2 licence.
The outline for BML Tier 2 course is given below. In addition to the basic course 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 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 back on booking the full Boatmaster Course. The day will also help toward
completing some of the obligatory Task Record Book entries.
The completion of a Task Record Book is an essential requirement of the BML Tier 2. This is a record
whereby you complete a number of practical functions such as tying knots, manoeuvring the craft in a
winding hole, coming alongside etc., a set number of times, usually four. These tasks then have to be signed
off in the record book by a Boatmaster or Employer.
The BML course cost also includes the MCA exam fee but does NOT include the cost of the Medical Report,
(ML5 certificate), which you will need to obtain from your doctor.
Once you have registered for this course we will deal with all the official forms and applications for testing
on your behalf. We will also provide you with a list of pre-course reading documents obtainable from the
MCA.
For further information on the new Boatmasters licence and the requirements for the operation of other
vessels, see the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, (MCA), website.
There is also a need for a Certificate of Competency for those with a small workboat or tug under 24 metres
and passenger vessels carrying no more than 12 persons operated on Category A and B waters. There are a
number of qualifications that suit this need including the National Community Boats Association, (NCBA),
Certificate in Community Boat Management or RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman's certificate, (the latter is
available at Willow Wren Training).
Willow Wren Course Notes: BML Tier 2
Course Profile
Duration
Three day course with MCA Examination on day three. Each day starts at 09.00, finish at 17:00. Tea &
coffee is provided throughout the day. Lunch is not provided, please bring a packed lunch. There is a fridge
available to keep your food cool.
Number of delegates per course
Maximum 6 delegates.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not supplied but we will help you choose a suitable hotel or bed and breakfast.
Boats used
Steel hull narrowboat certified to British Waterways and E.A. safety standards.
Aim of Course
To familiarise candidates with the requirements of the MCA syllabus and prepare them for success in the
examination.
Mandatory Pre-Course Preparation
Candidates must have completed the following training before the course:
First Aid, (RYA First Aid is suitable).
Personal Survival/Water Safety
Fire Safety
Candidates must have completed and recorded the necessary training in their personal Task Record Book.
There is a list of essential pre-course reading which must be reviewed by the candidate and brought to the
course for further discussion.
Candidates must have provable recent experience on Cat A waters or have obtained the RYA IW
Helmsman’s Certificate in the last 12 months.
Candidates must have obtained an ML5 Medical certificate.
Although some boat handling training will be given on the first two days of the BML course, candidates will
need to possess reasonably good and safe practical boating skills to ensure success of the third day
assessment.
Qualification
Successful candidates will receive the MCA Boatmasters licence Tier 2 for Canal use Category 'A' Waters.
Willow Wren Course Notes: BML Tier 2