Maritime & Coastguard Agency logo with British red ensign, text 'MCA accredited course provider.'

MCA Boatmaster Prep Course

5 days- £950

We provide regular theory preparation courses for the all 4 levels of the Boatmaster Licence Oral Exam. If required we can also provide practical training on clients vessels.

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 such as Radar.

Our courses run as standard from our training centre in Rhu Marina, however we can easily arrange a course to be run at your company’s offices. Please contact us for details.

Please use this link for information on how to convert from other MCA & Fishing qualifications

A passenger cruise vessel on Loch Lomond

  • Tier 1 Level 2
    National License valid for operating a vessel anywhere on the UK's inland waterways (Category A-D) and limited coastal areas, except where local knowledge requirements apply. 

    Tier 1 Level 1
    National Licence valid for operating a vessel anywhere on the UK's non-tidal water (Category A, B and non-linked C), except where local knowledge requirements apply. 

    Tier 2 Level 2 
    Restricted license valid for specific areas of category A to D waters and a limited coastal area. This license is not available for the Thames below Teddington.

    Tier 2 Level 1 
    Restricted licence valid for all Category A canals and (i) specified areas of Category A and/or B waters; or (ii) specifies areas of non-links category C waters. 

  • Qualifying sea time:

    Tier 1 Level 2:

    min 24 months 

    Tier 1 Level 1:

    min 12 months

    Tier 2 Level 2:

    40 days in min 6 months 

    Tier 2 Level 1:

    40 days in min 6 months 

  • To qualify for a BML you need the following:

    • an application form MSF 4364

    • First Aid, Survival and Fire Fighting certifiction

    • a medical certificate ML5 or ENG1

    • a completed Task Record Book MSF 4367

    • work record or evidence of time served MSF 4366

    • meet minimum age requirements

    • meet minimum sea time requirements (see above)

    • 5 days tuition in our modern training classroom in Rhu Marina.

    • Extensive course notes and handouts

    • Notepad & pen

    • Use of laptop but bring your own laptop or tablet if you have one

    • Tea, coffee & biscuits throughout the course

    • Access to the Student Resources area on our website.

  • The exam is conducted by an MCA Examiner, usually on board your boat. It contains two sections: a practical assessment and an oral exam. This Tier 2 prep course is 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.  Either before or after doing this course,   you will need to apply for a licence. Follow this link:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-boatmasters-licence-new-entrants-msf-4364

Given our commitment to keep prices as low as possible, we reserve the right to cancel & reschedule any course where minimum numbers are not reached

EMPLOYERS - Looking to book a course for an employee? Don’t use the booking links below - please click here, and submit the completed form.

We will book in your employee(s) and send you an invoice direct