We are thrilled to announce that Fire Aid is officially expanding its training portfolio to offer the MCA Approved 1-Day Boatmaster’s Licence (BML) Fire Safety Course at our purpose-built academy facilities in Hardley, Hythe (Southampton).

Whether you are working toward your MCA Boatmaster’s Licence (BML), operating under Workboat Code Edition 3, or skipper/crew on small commercial vessels, inshore ferries, and windfarm transfer boats, this hands-on course delivers the essential fire safety competencies required by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

What is the MCA BML Fire Safety Course?

The Boatmaster’s Fire Safety Course is a 1-day, non-STCW domestic ancillary course designed under MSN 1853 (M) Amendment 1. It combines essential classroom theory with practical live-fire fighting techniques tailored to small commercial vessels and inland or limited coastal waters.

Course Highlights & Syllabus:

  • Theory of Combustion: Understanding the fire triangle, ignition sources, and fire spread mechanisms onboard.
  • Vessel Hazards & Prevention: Identifying common engine room risks, fuel line hazards, electrical safety, and gas/LPG systems.
  • Emergency Action Protocols: Mastering the standard FIRE response sequence (Find, Inform, Restrict, Extinguish), raising the alarm, and emergency fuel/ventilation isolations.
  • Extinction Media & Systems: Safe operation and limitations of Water, Foam, CO2, Dry Powder extinguishers, and fire blankets, along with fixed engine suppression overview.
  • Practical Live-Fire Ground Exercises: Real hands-on experience using portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets on live Class A and B fires at our approved live-fire facility.

Course Entry Requirements & Details

Course Duration: 1 Day (Classroom & Live Fireground)

Location: Fire Aid Academy (Unit 6 Hardley Industrial Estate, Hythe, Southampton)

Entry Requirements: Minimum 16 years of age & medical fitness declaration for practical fire exercises

Prerequisites: None (Entry-level ancillary safety course)

Certification achieved upon completion: MCA Approved BML Fire Safety Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BML Fire Safety and STCW FPFF?

The 1-Day BML Fire Safety Course is an MCA-approved domestic ancillary qualification specifically designed for inland waterways, small workboats, and limited coastal operations under MSN 1853 (M). The 2 and a half Day STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) course is an international qualification required under the STCW Convention for seafarers serving on larger ocean-going or commercial vessels over 24 metres.

Who needs the MCA BML Fire Safety Course?

This course is mandatory for candidates working toward an MCA Boatmaster’s Licence (BML) and crew operating under Workboat Code Edition 3. It is ideal for Thames boatmen, local workboat skippers, passenger ferry crew, and small vessel mariners operating on rivers, estuaries, and inshore waters.

Does the BML Fire Safety Certificate expire?

Unlike STCW basic safety certificates (which require 5-year updates), the BML Fire Safety certificate does not have a mandatory 5-year revalidation rule under MCA domestic regulations unless requested by your employer’s Quality Management System (QMS) or local harbour authority.

Are there any prerequisites before booking?

No prior qualifications or maritime certificates are required. Candidates only need to be at least 16 years of age and physically fit to complete practical exercises on the fireground.

Ready to Book Your Spot?

Places for our upcoming BML Fire Safety course dates are filling up quickly. Equip yourself and your crew with confidence, practical skills, and MCA-approved compliance.