About the AEC 1 Course
The aim of the Approved Engine Course 1 is to provide a basic theoretical and practical
understanding of marine engines, their operation, basic maintenance, along with care and
respect towards others and the environment.
The course meets the requirements of the MCA Small Commercial Vessel Code, Large Vessel
Code and Workboat Code giving the basic training to engineer officers who want to further
their careers on “small vessels” (Fishing Vessels, Yachts, Tugs, Workboats, Standby, Seismic
Survey, Oceanographic Research Vessels and Government Patrol Vessels). The full MCA AEC 1
syllabus is available on the MCA website.
With increasing power to weight ratios and sophisticated control systems, knowing how to
operate engines safely and within their parameters, has never been more important. A good
working knowledge of an engines makeup, associated systems and its correct operation is vital.
Correctly tightening up a nut and bolt to changing a fuel filter are all equally important tasks. The
skills gained will help with regular servicing and preventative maintenance tasks. With this
improved engine confidence, earlier fault recognition and increased longevity from the plant
follows. This course will emphasise best practices throughout, safely.
Delivery is from marine going personnel with extensive time spent on the water. There is no
substitute for experience and here at The Seamanship Centre, all our instructors are time served
professionals. With the largest fishing port in Ireland on our doorstep, lots of opportunities to
experience at first hand larger vessels immediately outside the college door is an added attraction.
As this course is MCA approved, a high standard must be met and to that end we have
developed a training plan to meet with the specified areas of the MCA syllabus program. We
hope to cover additional topics of study as the course progresses and hope you will gain some
new skills and knowledge to make your time on the water safer, more enjoyable and successful.

Assessment is through practical demonstration and examination throughout the course. The
purpose of this is to ensure key points are understood in the various learning areas. There is a
written examination at the end and time will be given if needed to work on any areas left
unclear for everyone. We are here to train and promote best practices at all times. You will leave
having gained a greater appreciation for engines with a thorough grounding in engine principles, working safely
and developing fundamental marine engine and system knowledge. All we ask in return is as much participation as you can give. Feel
free to ask questions, now is the time to ask! Knowledge sharing makes it more enjoyable and
everyone has experiences however good or bad that can benefit others.
We hope you enjoy the course!

Structure of training over the week.
Daily start at 0900, finish at 1700 with a one hour break for lunch.
DAY 1
Safety briefing
Introductions, peoples backgrounds.
Explanation of the MCA course, the benefits and objectives. Where it can be taken.
Summary of engines and drives. The hazards and concerns of mechanical machinery.
Basic Terminology, internal combustion/external combustion explained.
Internal and external parts and components.
The engine cycles: Two stroke and Four Stroke options.
Spark and compression ignition systems.
Configurations of marine engines.
Engine terminology: SFOC, TDC, BDC, swept volume and compression ratio etc.
Systems started
➡ Air: Natural aspiration and turbocharger, supercharger systems. Exhaust
systems, wet and dry.
➡ catalytic converters ,silencers, water injection elbows and syphon breaks
Practical work investigate filter contamination, turbo blade fouling.
DAY 2
Review previous days work.
Systems contd.
➡ Fuel: Origins of fuel, types of distillate fuel, common fuel pump, individual fuel
pump, the common rail options. Faults. Practical, clean filter.
➡ Lubricating oil: Different types of applications, the care and maintenance, roles
of oil and control of friction. Faults. Practical; change oil and filter.
➡ Cooling: Air cooling, water cooling. Raw water, Fresh water. Heat exchanging
and intricacy of high powered engine cooling. Treatment of chemicals and
preventative maintenance. Practical; winterise a boat following makers
instructions.
Preventative maintenance on the systems. Best practices, tips n tricks!
Thermal and mechanical losses.
Drive Belts
Understanding engine performance. Review makers manual for a given engine.
DAY 3
Review previous days work.
Engine performance monitoring, fuel – power curves
The fundamentals of electrics
Batteries and breakers.
Starter motors and switches.
The alternator and regulator.
Earthing and bonding requirements.
Distribution systems.
Electrolysis and cathodic protection.
Practical sessions with electrics.
DAY 4
Review previous days work.
Steering gear
Control options; morse, hydraulic, electric, rods, chain &wire
Discussion on faults.
Shafts, couplings drives, bearings, seals.
Propellers; slip, ventilation, cavitation.
Alignment concerns.
Stern tubes and stuffing boxes
Power take offs, clutches, universal joints.
Bearings discussed; friction.
A vessels pumping arrangement.
Environmental appreciation : MARPOL, record keeping and our roles and
responsibilities. Legislative requirements.
Day 5
Review previous days work.
Fire fighting and fire prevention. The theory of fire and methods used to control it.
Bottled gas risks and safety.
Enclosed Spaces and dangers.
Course Assessment
Feedback and further questions.
Course end.