Training

What is Binding?

Apprentices begin their journey with us by signing their indentures at the binding ceremony held three times each year.  This takes place in front of friends and family and is an important stage in an apprentice’s early career. This formal ceremony conducted by the Company Court is when apprentices make a commitment to serve an agreed-upon period with us. The duration typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on age and experience.

The training and support offered by the Company is supported financially by the Company’s education charity.

The Court of Admission

Admission marks an official ceremony held by the Company Court to welcome apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship. These individuals, either having obtained their Tier 1 Level 2 Boatmaster’s Licence with a minimum of two specialist endorsements, or having met the requirements of entry by Patrimony, are admitted to the Freedom of the Company.

Our Pre-BML program prepares apprentices for entry into the BML course, providing foundational skills in seamanship, river navigation, and safety.

This preparatory 12-18 months is ideal for students with limited maritime experience or those looking to build confidence before advancing to the BML qualification. Through this course, students become familiar with key concepts, terminology, and basic navigational techniques, setting them up for success in the more intensive BML programme.

They will also gain maritime qualifications during this period include RYA Power Boat Level 2, STCW First Aid, and be given the opportunity for external trips on the river, and further afield.

Apprentices are expected to participate in some rowing events during this period, either in traditional fixed-seat boats, barge driving or to begin training in sculling boats

(Cohort 1)

Classroom sessions

• Wednesday 19^th November (RYA Essential Navigation Day 1)
• Wednesday 26^th November (RYA Essential Navigation Day 2)
• Wednesday 21^st January (Introduction to the simulator & introduction to passage planning)
• Wednesday 25^th February (Distance and bearings, night-time passage planning)
• Wednesday 25^th March (Distance and bearings, night-time passage & emergency planning)

External sessions

April to June – dates to be confirmed, and held at Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre

Recommended external events

• Rowing sessions
• Sculling weekend
• Upriver and downriver training trips
• Draw off walk
• Various operators visits and vessel types

Recommended external courses

This programme is designed to support progression in professional maritime knowledge and skills, building toward the Boatmaster’s  Licence (BML).

During this period, they will be completing their BML Task Record Book and logging their days (if required) within the LKE area.

They will add maritime qualifications during this period including firefighting, personal survival and VHF radio and be given the opportunity for external trips on the river, and further afield.

Apprentices are expected to participate in some rowing events during this period, either in traditional fixed-seat boats, barge driving or sculling boats.

This course will include theoretical instruction and hands-on practice in the following subject areas:

Maritime Authorities and Regulations

Safety Management Systems

Vessel Preparations

COSWOP (Code of Safe Working Practices)

Basic Engineering Knowledge

Environmental Compliance (MARPOL)

Emergency Preparedness

Drills and Emergency Scenarios

(Cohort 2)

Classroom sessions

Recommended external courses

The BML is the essential qualification for those seeking to become licensed masters of passenger and non-passenger vessels on UK inland waterways.

The BML programme covers a comprehensive curriculum, including vessel operation, navigation, safety procedures, and leadership skills.

This course is specifically designed to ensure apprentices meet the necessary requirements to operate vessels on the River Thames and beyond.

During this period, they will be completing their BML Task Record Book and logging their days (if required) within the LKE area.

They will add maritime qualifications during this period including firefighting, personal survival and VHF radio and be given the opportunity for external trips on the river, and further afield.

Apprentices are expected to participate in some rowing events during this period, either in traditional fixed-seat boats, barge driving or sculling boats.

(Cohort 3)

Classroom sessions

(Usual Classroom sessions are bi-weekly on Mondays)

Monday 22 September

Monday 6 Oct

Monday 20 Oct

Monday 3 Nov

Monday 17 Nov

Monday 1 Dec

Monday 15 Dec

And then in 2026:

Monday 19 Jan

Monday 2 Feb

Monday 16 Feb

Monday 2 March

Monday 16 March

Monday 13 April

Monday 27 April

Monday 11 May

Monday 18 May

Monday 1 June

Monday 15 June

Monday 29 June

On request Classroom sessions

(We offer some apprentices the opportunity to attend sessions on Thursdays if their working schedules prevent them from attending on Mondays)

Recommended external courses

• STCW Fire fighting
• STCW Safe working and vessel management
• Crisis Management

Being bound as an apprentice to the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames carries significance far beyond preparing for a career on the river.

For those with family connections to the Company, being bound as an apprentice is a way to continue a lineage that may have lasted for generations. It allows individuals to participate in the same traditions as their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents, building a sense of continuity and pride.

Joining the Company helps to honour and preserve a family legacy, reflecting a respect for the hard work and dedication of previous generations who may have spent their lives working on the Thames.

For all cohorts

External Course dates

STCW First aid

4^th February, 25^th March and 4^th December

RYA Radar

12 March

RYA Power Boat Level 2

18 & 19 March 2025 and 20 & 21 May 2025

RYA SRC/ VHF course

7 February and 3 October

RYA Essential Navigation

30 September & 1 October