About This Course

The MCA Approved Engine course or AEC is now made up of two parts. The 5-day AEC-1 and the 5-day AEC-2. Both parts together, make up the full AEC qualification.

The objective of the Approved Engine Course 1 is to give students both the theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience of diesel engines and associated systems.

The AEC-1 enables students to carry out regular servicing of marine diesel engines and to carry out fault prevention and detection. This course meets the requirements for the MCA Codes of Practice for the ‘Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels’, the ‘Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels’ and the ‘Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats’.

The 35-hour diesel engine qualification is the entry-level qualification for the MCA ‘Engineering Officer (Yacht)’ syllabus. It is also a prerequisite for certain areas of both the Fishing and the Workboat sectors.

What We Cover

The AEC-1 course is a highly interactive programme which involves classroom teaching mixed with practical workshop sessions in order to ensure candidates reach the required standard.

A display engine is used during the classroom sessions to allow hands-on demonstration and learning of the different components.

This is followed up in the workshop where candidates get their hands on a working naturally aspirated 4-cylinder marine diesel engine to experience the effects of the individual components on the running of the engine.

The course will focus on the following topics:

• Compression ignition engine
• Cycles of operation and construction details
• Fuel system
• The role of air in the combustion process
• The cooling system
• The lubrication system
• Engine electrical system
• Power transmission
• Hull fittings
• Marine pollution and safe working practices
• Fault finding and rectification

Assessment and Certification

Assessment is by a continuous appraisal by the instructor, via question and answer sessions and practical ability assessments.

On completion of the AEC-1 course, you will receive the MCA AEC 35-hour diesel engine certificate.