New Boatmasters Licence (BML) Regime FAQ's

GENERAL

What is the smallest vessel that the BML is required for?
The regulations are designed to ensure that, by the time the regulations are fully in force, all of those operating commercial vessels are appropriately qualified. For all passenger ships and for all other vessels over 24m in length, the BML is generally the appropriate qualification. For vessels carrying no more than 12 passengers, and which are under 24m in length, alternative qualifications are specified – see MSN 1808 Annex 1.

A General Exemption is being prepared for the smallest vessels - eg unpowered vessels which do not carry passengers, those working within an operators premises. The general exemption will apply where the employer has carried out a risk assessment and ensured that the person in charge of the vessel has an appropriate level of training and/or experience.

Some “marginally” commercial vessels (eg traditional narrowboats where the owner lives on board but may also have a small cottage industry) may also qualify for an exemption.

How long have I got to get my BML/alternative qualification?
The Regulations set out a timetable for application to different kinds of vessels. Passenger ships are covered already. The coming into force dates for other types of vessels are as follows:

• freight-carrying vessels of 24 metres or more load line length - 30th September 2007
• workboats of 24 metres or more load line length - 31st March 2008
• small passenger vessels* - 30th September 2008
• freight-carrying vessels and workboats of less than 24 metres load line length* - 31st March 2009

*Alternative qualifications are accepted for operation of these vessels – see MSN 1808, Annex 1.

EXISTING MASTERS/SEAFARERS

I have a passenger BML, which I have only just had renewed. What do I need to do?
Your BML remains valid until it is due for revalidation, when you will need to apply on form MSF 4362. In the meantime, you should keep a record of your work time. A sample form is at the back of MSN 1808, but provided that your record contains the same information, you can make your own version.

I have a passenger BML, but have also worked on other commercial vessels [eg motorised barges]. Can I add these to my BML?
If you are working on a vessel which falls under the new regulations but is not covered by the 1993 regulations, you will need to extend your licence by the time the transitional period for that type of vessel expires – see paragraph 12.3 of MGN 333. The normal qualifying requirements for sufficient service for that type of operation, within the last 5 years, will apply.

I have worked on inland waterways for years on unregulated commercial vessels, and I want to apply for a licence. What do I do?
You can apply for a licence on the basis of your previous experience, with the support of testimonials for those you have worked for or with. Provided you have the required amount of experience, you will not need any assessment or examination, other than your medical examination. See MGN 333, and application form MSF 4362. Application should be sent to RSS in Cardiff.

What safety training courses do I need to do?
There will be new approved safety courses available soon – details will shortly be placed on the MCA website.
Everyone with an existing MCA BML is deemed to have completed sufficient safety training for a Tier 2 licence – ie if you are continuing in the same type and area of operation, you do not need to do any safety training.
For existing masters who have no licence, if you have previously had first aid or fire safety or personal survival training, include details. If not, and you cannot arrange this before you need to apply, you can be issued with an interim licence to allow you to work in the meantime, provided that you complete the training within the first two years of holding a licence.

I have STCW qualifications*, but wish to work on a vessel on inland waterways. Do I need a BML?
*This does not apply to STCW II/3 certificate (master) for inshore tugs or STCW II/3 (Master) for operations in Category D waters, which are designed for, and attest to experience in, operations in confined waters.
Yes, you do, unless the vessel is under 24m and carries no more than 12 passengers. An STCW certificate will exempt you from the Underpinning Knowledge examinations and Task Record Book for the generic licence, but you may require a practical and oral assessment – eg to ensure that you have relevant competencies for boat-handling in confined waters, or for a command role (if your STCW ticket is not a master’s ticket. The MCA examiner will determine the level of additional assessment required, based on your previous experience.
For specialist operations (general cargo, towing and pushing, passenger operations etc), you may need to undergo UPK examination and experience on the vessel if you do not have previous experience in these areas.

I have a BML for operating on non-tidal inland waterways, and want now to work in a coastal area. Can I extend my existing licence?
If you are moving to a new area, in tidal waters, you need a new Tier 1 licence. See MSN 1808 for the requirements.

Does my previous experience give me exemption from any of the requirements for a Tier 1 licence?
You can use your previous safety training, and your previous experience will allow you to complete part of your Task Record Book. Your previous experience will count towards part of your Qualifying Service Time, but you will need to discuss with the Marine Office how much experience you will need in the tidal environment (usually 50% of the required amount, but if you have recreational experience in tidal waters, this may be reduced).

I work on my own. How can I obtain testimonials for my previous experience?
MCA will not accept self-certification in place of testimonials, but will be pragmatic about who to accept testimonials from, in respect of the self-employed, or where a former employer has gone out of business – eg port or navigation authority official, customer.

I have an old-style passenger BML, have been operating for 20 years, and want to upgrade to a Tier 1 licence for passenger operations in the same categories of waters. What do I need to do?
Your previous service can be counted for Qualifying Service Time, and you will not need to complete a Task Record Book (TRB). However, you will need to do approved safety training courses (if you have not previously attended formal training) and pass the underpinning knowledge (UPK) examinations for the Generic Licence and the Passenger Endorsement (these will normally be written examinations via an MCA-approved examination centre).
If you move to different Categories of waters (eg from canals to tidal rivers), or to different types of operation, you will need to complete the additional sections of the TRB for that new area.

As an operator, I am recruiting an experienced passenger boatmaster from another area to work on my vessel. Does he need an exam?
If he has an old-style or Tier 2 licence, where a specified area of operation is shown on the licence, he will normally need a local assessment.
If he/she has a Tier 1 licence, no examination or assessment is required unless the new area requires a local knowledge endorsement.

I have been operating a Coded vessel at sea, and now want to operate a small (up to 12) passenger vessel within categorised waters. Must I get a BML?
If you hold one of the qualifications that are authorised under the MCA Codes, that will be acceptable for operating as the master of:-
    - a Small Passenger Vessel (one that carries no more than 12 passengers, and does not go to sea); or
    - a non-passenger vessel under 24m in length.

NEW ENTRANTS TIER 2

How much of the Task Record Book do I have to complete for a Tier 2 licence?
You should complete all sections which are relevant for your area and type of operation. For example, if you work on canals, the section on locks and bridges should be completed (unless the stretch where you work, and for which you will be licensed, has none of these). The Marine Office examiners will give advice if you are in doubt

How do I find out who offers safety training courses?
A list will be published by MCA, or you can consult your local Marine Office who will be able to advise.*
*Approvals to follow.

Can I provide in-house safety training for trainee boatmasters in my own company?
Yes, provided that MCA has approved the course, to say that it meets the published syllabus, as appropriate for your operation.

TIER 1

How do I demonstrate that I have the necessary qualifying service?
You are required to complete a work record (See MSN 1808 Annex 4).

Do I have to attend a college course?
No, the requirement is to pass examinations in underpinning knowledge. MCA does not specify how you must obtain that knowledge. MCA will publish a list of approved examining centres.

If I want to attend a course, how do I know if it is going to teach the right syllabus?
Training providers can apply to MCA for approval of their courses. These trainers are audited regularly by MCA to ensure that they meet the necessary standards, but you do not have to attend an MCA approved course/courses. The syllabuses for the generic licence and each endorsement are published on the MCA website.

What will a training course cost?
MCA does not set fees for training courses. You will need to consult the training providers.
How much of the Task Record Book do I have to complete?
For a Tier 1 licence, you will need to demonstrate that you have completed the tasks relevant for the licence you are applying for. If there are particular tasks you cannot get experience of in your normal work or by arrangement with other operators, you may nevertheless be asked questions about these in your practical and oral assessment to ensure that you have the required level of knowledge.