Inland Water Safety Management (non-tidal) & Marina Safety Management (coastal / tidal) Courses
Until the direct involvement of British Marine, there had been a significant gap in occupational water safety training provision for individuals working or operating on or around inland, non-tidal water, including those around or aboard small vessels (<24m). Furthermore, the tidally affected marina and yacht harbour sector had no tailored training package available to cater for their specific requirements.
Despite the inherent risks associated with these environments, there were no standardised or widely accessible vocational courses designed to equip operators with the necessary safety skills and competencies, approved or accredited by either Professional or Trade bodies.
In response to this need, British Marine commissioned Birmingham & Midland Marine Services Ltd, working with Atlantic Crest, to develop two specialist Occupational Water Safety courses, specifically for those working around water margins: ‘Inland Water Safety Management’ a modular set of courses for boat and / or bank based personnel, and ‘Marina Water Safety Management’ (Coastal / Tidal) both variations being accredited by the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue.
These courses provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical, hands-on skills needed to make sound safety decisions and respond effectively in emergencies, including life-saving rescue techniques. They address a significant gap in existing training provision and offer a comprehensive solution for organisations looking to safeguard their teams in aquatic environments. In addition, the courses support employers in meeting their statutory duties by ensuring staff are appropriately trained and prepared for the risks associated with working near the water or whilst aboard.
Importantly, the courses fall outside the scope of existing training frameworks such as DEFRA’s Flood Rescue Concept of Operations, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Boat Master Scheme, and STCW 95 training. (Standard for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Rather than overlapping with these specialist qualifications, they serve a distinct purpose: supporting occupational roles where individuals are regularly exposed to water-related risks but are not formally part of rescue or maritime operations. However, both new courses draw on best practices from the DEFRA Flood Rescue Concept of Operations, and MCA Boat Master Licence training, to ensure a robust and credible foundation in water safety and emergency response.
The Inland Water Safety Management course is a non-tidal environment course, designed for individuals and organisations operating near rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, non-tidally affected boatyards and marinas. The full course covers the generic elements, boat and riverbank safe working. Candidates requiring either ‘boat’ or ‘riverbank’ but not both elements, have the option of the tailored course in modular format.
Focusing on risk identification, site-specific safety planning, and practical emergency response techniques tailored to inland, non-tidal environments. The course equips participants with the competence to assess dynamic water conditions and implement effective safety measures in both routine and high-risk situations.
The Marina Water Safety Management (Coastal / Tidal) course is tailored for those working in and around coastal or tidally affected marinas, harbours, and waterfront infrastructure. It addresses the unique risks associated with tidal influence, vessel movement, confined walkways, and public access. Participants will gain the skills to manage safety in busy marine environments, respond to incidents involving accidental immersion, and apply rescue techniques specific to marina and harbour settings.
Please contact the office to discuss your situation prior to making a booking.
