MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC 1 & 2) Certificate

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

The AEC 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 30 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.

Course Structure

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.

Useful Information

Pre- Course Requirements

None.

The AEC course is a highly interactive course 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.