Firth of Lorne Sea School MCA Courses

The maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) was established on the 1 April 1988 as an executive agency of the department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The Agency was created by the merger of the Coastguard Agency (TCA) and the marine Safety Agency (MSA) and is responsible for carrying out the functions of both organizations.

The Firth of Lorne Sea School provided instructions in the new department of Transport Boatmasters Licence, a requirement for any skipper taking parties to sea. The five day course is designed to prepare candidates for a practical test afloat followed by an oral exam ashore.

Please note that candidates for the BML should have a reasonable level of boat handling experience, usually a minimum of one season as second man or equivalent.

There are three categories of licence taught:

Class 3.
Required by fish farm workers and skippers of small vessels that can carry not more than 12 passengers. The course includes local pilotage and rule of the road and has a large emphasis on safe working practices and the work boat code.

Class 2.
For skippers of vessels carrying more than 12 passengers up to 100. Candidates will be tested aboard their own vessel.

Class 1.
For skippers carrying up to 250 passengers again candidates will be tested aboard the boat they will be skippering.

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Firth of Lorne Sea School Captain W. Sturrock M.N.I. Sionascaig, Benderloch, Nr Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QS. Tel/Fax: 01631 720501 E-mail: firthoflornesea.school@virgin.net