APPROVED ENGINE COURSE

MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)

The MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC) is the internationally recognised entry point into the world of yacht and small vessel engineering. Designed for aspiring and working crew, the AEC pathway provides the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot marine diesel engines and onboard engineering systems.

Whether you are looking to begin a career as a yacht engineer, strengthen your technical understanding onboard, or progress toward higher MCA engineering qualifications, the AEC courses form the foundation of the Small Vessel Engineer route set out by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

At PYT our AEC training combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on instruction delivered by experienced maritime professionals in a real-world training environment.

AEC 1 – Approved Engine Course 1

The AEC 1 is the first level of the MCA engineering pathway and is designed to give students a solid introduction to marine engineering principles and onboard machinery systems.

This course focuses on the operation and maintenance of small vessel diesel engines and introduces students to the core systems found onboard modern yachts and commercial vessels.

What You Will Learn:

• Principles of 2-stroke and 4-stroke diesel engines
• Fuel, lubrication, and cooling systems
• Basic marine electrical systems
• Power transmission systems
• Pollution prevention and environmental awareness
• LPG safety onboard
• Safe working practices within the engine room
• Routine maintenance and fault finding

The AEC 1 is ideal for:

• Aspiring yacht engineers
• Deck crew wanting engineering knowledge
• Deck/Engineer crew roles
• Crew progressing toward MCA engineering qualifications

Course Information

• MCA Approved
• 5-Day Course
• Theory and practical training
• Entry-level engineering qualification

Completion of the AEC 1 allows candidates to begin accumulating qualifying sea service toward further Small Vessel engineering certification pathways.

AEC 2 – Approved Engine Course 2

The AEC 2 is the next step in the MCA Small Vessel engineering progression route and builds directly upon the knowledge gained during the AEC 1.

This course expands both the theoretical and practical engineering skills required for crew intending to pursue a professional engineering career onboard yachts and commercial small vessels.

What You Will Learn

• Advanced engine operation and maintenance
• Expanded fault-finding and troubleshooting techniques
• Practical engineering workshop skills
• Advanced auxiliary systems knowledge
• Electrical and mechanical diagnostics
• Operational procedures and engineering best practices
• Increased hands-on practical experience

The AEC 2 is aimed at:

• Junior Engineers
• Assistant Engineers
• Crew pursuing higher MCA engineering tickets
• Professional yacht engineers looking to advance their careers

Course Information

• MCA Approved
• 5-Day Course
• Practical and theory-based learning
• Requires successful completion of AEC 1

The AEC 2 is an important progression course for candidates looking to move toward the MCA Small Vessel Chief Engineer certification pathway.

Engineering Career Progression

The AEC pathway is the starting point for the MCA Small Vessel engineering route. After completing AEC 1 and AEC 2, crew can continue building sea service and progress toward qualifications such as:

Marine Engine Operator Licence (MEOL)

Small Vessel Second Engineer

Small Vessel Chief Engineer certifications

These qualifications open the door to engineering positions on yachts and commercial vessels worldwide.