The Tier 1 Boat Master License consists of 13-19 weeks of training, covering three compulsory sectionsof learning. In addition there is a compulsory ancillary safety training module covering basic safety courses.

There are also a further optional nine special endorsements which may be obtained.

The Boat Master's License is required for the masters of passenger ships carrying more than 12 passengers, and for non passenger vessels of 24m and over, including cargo vessels; tankers; tugs and pusher carft engaged in cargo operations; workboats and dredgers, when they are operating in inland waterways or in limited coastal areas.

To obtain a Tier 1 Boat master license, the candidate must:

• Present their completed task record book
• Have completed the appropriate qualifying service time (generally 240 days at sea, and 24 months of qualifying employment).
• Present an ML5 or ENG 1 medical certificate
• Be of the correct minimum age, which varies according to the category of water, and the type of operation, but which is at least 18. Please see Annex 2a of notice MSN 1808(M) or your task record book for appropriate details.

To see the whole notice click here.

All candidates must also have a qualifying STCW 95 Basic Safety Training. This consists of

• Personal Survival Training
• Fire Fighting and Prevention
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilty

These must be renewed every five years

and Elementary First Aid, which must be renewed every three years.

Please contact us for more information and for pricing for this course. We can help you arrange accommodation, but it will not be included in the price.

This is a formal, and european wide recognised qualification and, once you have passed MCA oral and practical examinations, will enable you to take control, as master, of a passenger vessel carrying up to 250 passengers and crew. As such it is a sought after accreditation and may be used to launch a new career in the commercial passenger industry.

For those looking to complete the BML Tier 1 Level 2 training as an individual, you may be eligible for a career development loan in order to help you cover costs. For more information on CDLs, contact the Learning and skills council, or look at the website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/CareerDevelopmentLoans/index.htm

For accommodation, we can recommend the Duke of York, only 5 minutes away, or suggest the accommodation pages on Cowes Online