Approved Engine Course Part 1 (AEC1)

The MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC1) Part One is the first step on the MCA engineering progression pathway. Designed to develop your basic understanding from the RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course, it provides students with the practical basic hands on training and theoretical knowledge of diesel engines, enabling you to carry out regular maintenance work and safety checks. With a focus on skill enhancement, it is also invaluable for those considering becoming a skipper on smaller yachts.

Category: Engineering Courses

This Approved Engine Course Part 1 forms the first half of the 2 part AEC qualification and is an entry-level course, one often taken alongside the STCW Basic Safety Training Course. Students will gain general insights into basic marine diesel mechanics and electrics as well as learning the Chief Engineer’s responsibilities.

This course meets all the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s code of practice for safety of large commercial sailing and motor vessels as well as the Department of Transport’s ‘The safety of small commercial vessels – A code of practice’ and ‘The safety of small commercial sailing vessels – A code of practice’.

Course Content

MCA Approved Engine Training Course Certificate Syllabus:

General principles of compression ignition engines
Two- and four-stroke operation cycles and construction details
Fuel system and the role of air in the combustion process
Cooling systems and lubrication technology
Power transmission units and hull fittings
Engine electrical systems
Safe working practices and pollution legislation
Bottled LPG installations

Who should do this course?

This MCA-approved course is entry level for commercial yachts and is the first level qualification for the MCA Engineering Officer of the Watch CoC commercial yacht pathway. Recognised by Captains and yacht crew management companies, AEC1 is ideal for those wishing to start careers within the deck or engine department of superyachts or skippering smaller yachts.

This course provides students with the basic theoretical knowledge and some practical hands-on experience of diesel engines, enabling them to work as dual deck hand/engineers on yachts over 24m on successful completion.

Having obtained the MCA Approved Engine Course certificate, it offers up the opportunity to fill the position of:

Chief Engineer on sailing yachts over 24m in length and less than 200gt and 750 Kw within 60 miles from a safe haven.
Chief Engineer on motor yachts over 24m in length and less than 200gt and l500Kw within 60 miles from a safe haven.
Act as the Assistant Engineer on vessels over 200gt within 60miles from a safe haven (under the Large Yacht code LY(2)