MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2)

The MCA have recently introduced a new course, MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2) as part of the small vessel engineer training programme.  This new scheme is designed so that engineering qualifications will be transferrable between different industry sectors  (yachts, workboats, tugs, fishing vessels etc) and will no longer have offshore limits.

AEC 2 which follows on from the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1) is run over 5 days and is instructed by an experienced Super Yacht Marine Engineer who is thoroughly professional, conscientious and uncompromising in his approach to engineering and safety responsibilities. He has a track record of achievement both in the commercial super yacht business and as a Marine Engineer Officer within the Royal Navy, having completed 29 years within the service.

The course includes practical sessions as well as all the theory requirements and will cover:

• Refridgeration systems
• Maintenance systems on board including carrying out endoscope inspections, lubricating oil analysis etc
• Safe systems of work within the engineering environment
• Electrical systems on board
• Safe operations of lifting and slinging operations
• Basic hydraulic systems maintenance
• Freshwater and sewage systems
• Legislative and management requirements within engineering operations including MARPOL and the Code of Safe Working Practices

To complete the course you must be at least 18 years of age and have the MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC) Certificate

All equipment to complete the course will be provided. You just need to bring a pair of overalls and suitable footwear.

Tea and coffee is provided and you can get lunch from the Deck Cafe in the marina or the village which is a short walk away. Alternatively you can bring a packed lunch to eat in the classroom.

1. The components and arrangement of a compression type refrigerant plant and basic fault finding

1.1. The refrigeration cycle
       a) Compressor
       b) Condenser
       c) Evaporator
       d) Expansion valve
1.2 The condition of the refrigerant at different points around the circuit
1.3 Common system faults and the corrective actions required
1.4 How to check the level of the refrigerant and fill / empty the system contents including disposal regulations

2. Legislative and management requirements within engineering operations

2.1 Pollution legislation within the following MARPOL convention Annex IV, with respect to the handling of Pollution from Ships and the operational procedures to enable compliance.
      2.1.1 Annex I - Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil
      2.1.2 Annex IV- Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from
      2.1.3 Annex V - Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from
      2.1.4 Annex VI- Prevention of Air Pollution
2.2 How to understand and use The Code of Safe Working Practices for Seafarers in relation to an identified engineering maintenance task
2.3 Documentation required within the legislative requirements to record engineering operations and how to correctly enter the relevant data
      2.3.1 Engine Room logbook
      2.3.2 Oil Record Book and Garbage record book
      2.3.3 Records of consumptions fuel, lubrication and chemicals.

3. Maintenance systems on-board

3.1 Maintenance management systems including planned and condition monitoring
3.2 Record keeping to provide data to monitor trends
3.3 Techniques that can be used within a condition monitoring system, such as:
      3.3.1 Comparison between measured and datum readings;
      3.3.2 Lubricating oil analysis;
      3.3.3 Vibration analysis;
      3.3.4 Endoscope inspections;
      3.3.5 Thermographic surveys;
      3.3.6 Insulation readings;

4. Safe systems of work within an engineering environment.

4.1 Risk assessments for machinery related tasks.
4.2 Material Safety Data Sheets and the use of the information contained.
4.3 Permits to Work for both electrical and mechanical maintenance tasks
4.4 Safe systems of work with respect to enclosed spaces and how to identify where they exist on-board
4.5 Risks involved for entry into enclosed spaces and how these can be minimised
4.6 Operation of the following detection equipment required for entry into enclosed spaces,
      4.6.1 Oxygen detectors
      4.6.2 Combustible gases (optional)
      4.6.3 Toxic substances (optional)

5. Safe operations when undertaking lifting and/or slinging operations:

5.1 Techniques of Safe manual lifting
5.2 The inspection requirement of lifting equipment, the subsequent record keeping and tagging arrangements
5.3 The safe use of trolleys; skates, overhead cranes, slings and pull lifts

6. Electrical distribution systems on-board

6.1 Electrical supplies on-board, including generators, batteries and shore supply and how they can be isolated from the distribution system
6.2 The distribution system, including protection devices for the system
6.3 The appropriate use of PPE and avoidance of electric shock.
6.4 Fault finding following supply interruption, the possible causes and the checks to be undertaken before the supply can be re-established
6.5 The need for effective insulation, and its testing, for electrical equipment.
6.6 The requirement for all Portable Application to have Portable Application Testing (PAT)
6.7 Portable Application Testing and the subsequent record keeping and appliance tagging.
6.8 The use of an insulation (megger) tester and Avometer (Amp, Volt and Ohm meter)
6.9 Synchronisation of AC generators

7. Maintenance of basic hydraulic systems

7.1 The components within a basic hydraulic system, such as pump, motor, control system and filtration
7.2 Symbols used within hydraulic system drawings
7.3 Basic maintenance requirements of filters and fluids
7.4 Faults finding within a basic hydraulic system
7.5 Basic maintenance of a hydraulic system

8. How to undertake basic maintenance including

8.1 The control measures identified within a risk assessment created for maintenance work.
8.2 The correct work clothing and personal protection equipment that would be used within a machinery environment
8.3 Isolation procedures that would be undertaken before working on
      8.3.1 a fuel supply system,
      8.3.2 a pressurised water system
      8.3.3 an electrical motor
8.4 The torque up of a bolt and nut assembly to a pre-determined torque setting
8.5 Inspection of a bolted connection for defects to the threads and the fastening device
8.6 Correct fitting of a split pin, nyloc or lock nut (with either a lock washer, locking clip or locking plate) assembly.
8.7 The removal and replacement of an air or oil filter

9. Fresh Water systems onboard.

9.1 Fresh water stowage and treatment, and compliance with regulation.
9.2 Fresh water testing

10. Sewage system onboard

10.1 Sewage treatment plant operation onboard
10.2 Hazards of H2S, Ammonia and Methane

MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2) – FAQ’s

These are a few of the questions we get asked by people booking on the MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2). If you have any further queries or are unsure whether this is the course for you please call us on 01243 432485 and we will be only too happy to chat to you.

What time does the MCA Approved Engine Course start and finish?

Typically we start at 8.45am and finish at 5.30pm.

What is included in the course fee?

The price includes all course materials and exam and certificate fees.

Are there any pre-requisites to joining the MCA Approved Engine Course 2?

You need to be at least 18 years of age and hold the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1) which is the same as the old AEC

Where is the course held?

It will be held at one of our classrooms in Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Thorney Road, Emsworth, Hants PO10 8BP

How many people will there be on the course?

We have a maximum of 8 people on a course which ensures that you get maximum attention from the instructor.

Are there any exams on the MCA Approved engine Course?

You will be continually assessed throughout the course by the instructor with a written assessment to be completed on Day 5 which will be marked by an independent assessor.

The continual assessment will be via a series of practical exercises that you will be expected to complete and written homework exercises based on the days subjects which will be marked by the instructor the following day.  You will be debriefed and any areas of weakness highlighted so that they you can revise the relevant areas.

What is the purpose of the AEC 2 course?

The AEC 2 is designed to give basic training to engineer officers who want to pursue a career on "small vessels".  The objective of the course is to give you both a theoretical knowledge and hands on experience.

Will the course give me a qualification which could help me become a Marine Engineer?

The course is part of the new training programme towards the 2nd Engineer Officer qualification on small vessels (less than 900kw, less than 3000gt)

Who would be teaching the course?

The five day course is instructed by an experienced Super Yacht Marine Engineer (MJ Marine Training) who is professional, conscientious and uncompromising in his approach to engineering and safety responsibilities. He has a track record of achievement both in the commercial Super Yacht business and as a Marine Engineer Officer within the Royal Navy, having completed 29 years within the Service.

What would I need to bring?

All equipment to complete the course will be provided. You just need to bring a set of overalls and suitable footwear and proof of ID.

What will you provide in the way of victuals?

Tea and coffee is provided and you can get lunch from the Deck Cafe in the marina or the village which is a short walk away. Alternatively you can bring a packed lunch to eat in the classroom.

Is accommodation included in the price?

No, you will need to provide your own accommodation, though we can give you a list of local B&B’s and hotels if you require it,

How do I book?

Just click on the book now button