This course contains some exercises that are physically demanding. Any candidate unsure of their fitness for such activities should consult their doctor.

STCW Basic Safety Training

Certification: Upon successful completion candidates will receive MCA approved certification in the following:

Prerequisites: None

Location: South West Maritime Academy, Cromhall Quarry, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA

Your Path to Boatmaster Safety Starts Here

Embarking on your journey to obtain a Boatmasters’ Licence (BML)? South West Maritime Academy provides the essential foundation with our comprehensive three-day package covering the core safety training required by the MCA.

We exclusively offer the following three basic safety courses:

  • First Aid: Gain vital skills for responding to emergencies.
  • Fire Safety: Learn essential fire prevention and firefighting techniques.
  • Water Safety: Develop crucial knowledge for personal survival and safety on the water.

Please note: While these three courses are a mandatory component of the BML application, South West Maritime Academy does not offer the other elements required to obtain your full Boatmasters’ Licence. You will need to acquire the additional necessary qualifications and complete the practical and oral examinations through other approved providers.

Understanding the Boatmasters’ Licence:

The Boatmasters’ Licence (BML) is a legal requirement for skippering passenger and non-passenger commercial vessels on inland waterways and specific coastal areas within the UK. Governed by Merchant Shipping regulations since 2007, it ensures that individuals mastering such vessels possess the necessary competence.

How to Obtain Your Full Boatmasters’ Licence (Beyond Our Courses):

To successfully apply for your BML, you will need to fulfill several prerequisites in addition to completing our three basic safety courses. These include:

  • Submitting the official application form (MSF 4364).
  • Providing evidence of completing our three basic safety courses (or equivalent MCA-approved qualifications like STCW Basic Safety Training).
  • Holding a valid medical certificate (ENG1 or ML5).
  • Completing a Task Record Book (MSF 4367).
  • Providing work record or evidence of time served (Tier 1 applicants only – MSF 4366).
  • Meeting minimum age requirements.
  • Submitting any Pilotage Exemption Certificates (PECs) if applicable.

Furthermore, you will be required to successfully complete:

  • An oral assessment evaluating your underpinning knowledge (BML Syllabuses).
  • A practical boat handling assessment (e.g., coming alongside, anchoring, man overboard procedures).

Take the first crucial step towards your Boatmasters’ Licence. Book your three-day safety course package with South West Maritime Academy today!

Boat Masters’ Licence Modules

 Course content

The Boatmasters’ Licence ancillary safety training consists of three modules*:

 

*There are also equivalent training options that can be used in the stead of the below courses, all of which we supply at SWMA. Details can be found through the following link to the .gov website.

First Aid

  • Demonstrate an awareness of body structure and functions
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the measures to be taken in cases of emergency, including
  • How to position a casualty, How to apply resuscitation techniques and maintain clear airway,
  • How to control bleeding, How to apply appropriate measures of basic shock management
  • Describe the appropriate measures in the event of burns and scalds including accidents caused by electric current
  • Describe how to improvise bandages and use materials in emergency kit
  • Demonstrate how to raise the alarm efficiently and effectively for accidents or medical emergencies in different situations

Additional elements for categories C and D, and adjacent coastal sea

  • Describe how to rescue and transport casualty (e.g. use of stretchers for Class VI vessels)
  • Demonstrate how to identify promptly the probable cause, nature and extent of any injuries
  • Demonstrate awareness of ‘Category C’ medical stores, and when they should be carried

Fire Fighting

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the theory of combustion
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of types and sources of ignition likely to be encountered on vessels including
  • classification of fires (A, S, C and D) correct extinguishing equipment and methods for each type
  • Demonstrate an awareness of flammable materials, fire hazards and the spread of fire on board including the knowledge of best practice precautions arid the need for vigilance
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of correct sequence for fire detection and raising the alarm (“FIRE”): find, inform, restrict and extinguish
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of types of extinguishers including
  • Water,  Dry powder,  Foam, C02 and Fire blanket
  • Describe how to extinguish fire including practical demonstration of the use of extinguishers
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of correct location of fire-fighting equipment on a vessel
  • Additional elements for categories C and D, and adjacent coastal sea
  • Demonstrate an awareness of types and use of fixed fire fighting installations on large vessels

Personal Survival/Water Safety

  • Demonstrate an awareness of safe practices and accident prevention in order to minimise risks including the types of emergency situations which may occur, such as collisions, fire, grounding and man overboard the need to adhere to the principles of survival
  • Identifiy the types of life saving appliances normally carried on inland waterways vessels for the relevant areas of operation including lifebuoys, lifejackets/vests, lines
  • Describes the correct utilisation of appliances to aid another crew member, or self in the water
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of effects of immersion in water including hypothermia and how to treat affected persons
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of recovery procedures in man-overboard situations

Additional elements for categories C and D, and adjacent coastal sea

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of types of lifejackets likely to be carried on board including the donning and use of lifejackets
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the types of life rafts likely to be carried and encountered on board including
  • Stowage and deployment, Maintenance and servicing requirements, Hydrostatic release units,
  • Distress signals, helicopter strop and portable radio equipment or set (if any)

Contact us

Please contact us if you require any further information about this course or wish to book on behalf of a company:

Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com

Normal office hours are (UK time):
Monday  – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00

Please be aware that online bookings will be confirmed with course joining information within one working day of the booking being made. Confirmation of payment will be received by email.

There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre to suit everyone’s budget. For a list of local accommodation please click here.