MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC 1)

The MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC1) is run over 5 days and its objective is to provide students with the basic theoretical knowledge and practical hands on experience of diesel engines and systems to enable them to meet the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (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 AEC1 course is the first step in the MCA engineering progression pathway.

The course does not attempt to make expert diesel engineers out of you, but rather is designed in such a way that you will be able to carry out regular maintenance and safety checks as well as troubleshoot should there be a problem.

The MCA Approved Engine course (AEC) objective is to provide students with the basic theoretical knowledge and practical hands on experience of diesel engines and systems to enable them to meet the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (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.

Please note:

Annex 5 of the Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels defines the Engineering Competencies required for these vessels.

Annex 7 of the Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels defines the Engineering Competencies required for these vessels.

Annex 11 of the Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats defines the Engineering Competencies required for these vessels.

In short the course does not attempt to make diesel engineers out of you. It is designed in such a way that you will be able to carry out regular maintenance and safety checks as well as troubleshoot should there be a problem.

Course Structure

Course Content

The course includes practical and theory sessions covering the following elements:

Compression Ignition Engine

Cycle of Operation and Constructional Details

The Fuel System

The Role of Air in the Combustion Process

The Cooling System

The Lubrication System

Engine Electrical Systems

Power Transmission

Hull Fittings

Marine Pollution

Code of Safe Working Practices

Bottled LPG installations