Training course From apprentice to boatmaster in half the time.
A three-year dual training programme for future boatmen and boatmasters. You learn the theory at TMLG Academy, gain experience on board, and every sailing day counts towards your next rank.
Higher ranks without years of waiting.
Without the course, you reach each rank only by collecting sailing days. On the training course you combine study and work on board, so you reach the same rank in half the time.
Three years that take you to the bridge.
For three years you work on board and study at TMLG Academy at the same time. Every sailing day counts, and you move up rank by rank from apprentice to the boatmaster’s patent.
- You earn money while you study and gain your experience on board.
- You reach higher ranks in half the time.
- At the end, the way to the UNION patent for boatmasters is open to you.
-
01
Year 1 · semesters 1 – 2
Boatman
TMLG rankCadet- Length of study
- 9 months
- Sailing days
- 90 days
- You get the apprentice rank as soon as you apply.
- We give you an employment contract with TMLG Group only if you do not already work on a vessel of another company.
- After 90 sailing days and the theory part, you take the boatman exam. Once you pass, you are a boatman.
Alongside your studies you can takeFee per year€5,000
-
02
Year 2 · semesters 3 – 4
Able boatman
TMLG rankSailor- Length of study
- 21 months
- Sailing days
- 270 days
- You keep working on board and studying.
Alongside your studies you can takeFee per year€5,000
-
03
Year 3 · semesters 5 – 6
Helmsman
TMLG rankCaptain- Length of study
- 30 months
- Sailing days
- 360 days
- You need to pass the radio operator’s exam. You can take the radiotelephony course at any time during your studies.
Alongside your studies you can takeFee per year€5,000
-
04
After the course
Boatmaster
TMLG rankFullcaptain- You take the exam for the UNION patent (Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster) right here with us.
- You can then add the Radar patent and the M patent for inland waterways with a maritime character.
You can extend your qualification with -
DestinationStart now
Welcome to the bridge, boatmaster.
Two ways into inland navigation. Different goals.
Basic safety training
An intensive course that gets you your first European service record book and the rank of deckhand. Since the legal changes of 2022, however, this rank is of almost no use for a steady job.
Course detailsTraining course
Dual training that combines theory and practice. It takes you from apprentice to helmsman and on to the boatmaster exam. You can work for TMLG Group or for another shipping company.
Apply onlineIn three years we can train a deckhand to become a boatmaster, all under one roof.
Hear it from those already on the water.
-
I felt at home here from day one. Whenever I didn’t understand something, they always found time to explain it. The captains who teach me have their hearts in the right place, and the group is great. Thank you for being there for me.
Jozef PauerTraining course studentCourseTraining course -
After basic safety training I had to wait a while for my first job on a ship, but it was worth it. Today I sail for TMLG Group and I’m really happy. I’ve also signed up for the training course, so I reach the higher ranks sooner.
Ján VojtylaBoatman at TMLG Group · training course studentCourseBasic safety training -
Basic safety training was my very first step. Today I work on a ship for TMLG Group and I do the training course alongside my job. I like that I keep moving forward.
Yevhen KravchenkoBoatman at TMLG Group · training course studentCourseBasic safety training
Questions about the course? Ask the captain.
Training course FAQ
Why choose the training course?
You save time: you become a boatman after 90 sailing days instead of 360. You also save money, because you take the exams right here at TMLG Academy. And part of the training takes place on a certified ship-handling simulator, where you can take the practical parts of the boatmaster and radar exams.
Do I have to work for TMLG Group?
No. We give you an employment contract with TMLG Group only if you do not already work on a vessel of another company. If you already sail with another company, you stay with your ship-owner.
Which other courses can I take during my studies?
The radiotelephony course is part of the programme and is compulsory. Over the three years you can also add the ADN course, the passenger navigation expert course (€1,490), the Radar patent (€2,490), the M patent (€2,490) and more. Every certificate makes you more valuable on the job market.
When can I start?
We agree your start date individually with the instructor. Fill in the application below and we will get back to you with all the details.
Is there an exam for able boatman and helmsman?
No. You become an able boatman automatically after another 180 sailing days. You become a helmsman after another 90 sailing days, provided you have completed the radiotelephony course and passed its exam.
What makes TMLG Academy different?
We are one of only a few institutions in Europe authorised to run this type of training, and we also have a certified ship-handling simulator. You are taught by experienced captains, which makes the way to the boatmaster’s patent fast and efficient.
