# MCA AEC 1 / Approved Engine Course 1 / Engineering 101 Course number: 440 Provider: Maritime Professional Training (MPT) Duration: 5 days Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Source: https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/mca-aec-1-approved-engine-course-1-engineering-101-course-440 Export generated: 2026-10-19T15:17:22Z (not a course revision date) ## Overview ## Course description **Approved Engine Course I - Course #440** This is a 5 day (30 Hour) course designed to give candidates the general fundamentals and knowledge about the general care and maintenance to keep engines on smaller vessels in good operational condition This course is also an excellent addition to any deckhand, mate or captains resume! Students come from all over the world for this course. It is open to everyone. The course is approved by the UK’s Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the first step into the engineering department of superyacht or small vessels. The objective of this course is to provide the candidate with the knowledge to serve in an entry level capacity in the engineering department or for a crewmember primarily working in another department to assist with engineering functions. This course is not a diesel mechanics course however, it does include the tearing down/rebuilding of engines. The AEC I course includes valuable classroom and laboratory training. **Classroom Training/Theory Subjects Include:** - Diesel engines - Compression ignition engine (general principles) - Cycle of operation and constructional details - Fuel system - Aspiration Methods: The role of air in the combustion process - Cooling system - Lubrication system - Engine electrical systems - Power transmission - Hull fittings - MARPOL Pollution legislation - Code of Safe Working Practices - Bottled LPG installations - Fault finding and rectification The MPT AEC 1 Course will therefore enhance your ability to perform the typical tasks needed onboard as an entry level engineering department crew member or as a member of the deck department assisting in the engineroom. **Laboratory/Workshop Subjects Include:** The instructor will: Help students identify engine types, parts & systems The instructor will: Use shop models to explain various engineering systems Students will receive hands on training in our Laboratory and Workshop. **DAILY SCHEDULE:** **Day 1** *COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINE;* - The general principles of the compression ignition engine compared to the spark ignition engine. - Engine construction and identification of the main components. - Basic Terminology and engine terms - The 2 stroke cycle of operations. - The 4 stroke cycle of operations. - Interpretation of engine performance data. - Engine configurations. *AIR SYSTEMS;* - Air/Fuel ratios, - Filters - Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged systems - Intercoolers and Aftercooling - Exhaust systems, including silencers, water injection elbows and siphon breaks. *FUEL SYSTEM;* - Diesel fuels, - Distillation of gas Oil and DERV. - System components, including all filter types and tanks. - Lift and injector pumps. - Injectors **Day 2** LUBRICATION SYSTEM; - Lubricating Oils and additives. - Function of lubricating oil. - Lubricating oil systems. - Lubricating oil pumps. - Lubricating oil filters and the functions of relief valves. - Tracing the lube oil system of engine in workshop including finding relevant books and info on the net. COOLING SYSTEMS; - Combustion processes temperature effects on engine components. - Engine cooling water systems. - Raw and Freshwater cooling systems. - Heat exchangers. - Running temperatures and control thermostats. **Day 3** - Cooling water system pumps. STARTING SYSTEMS. - Electric - Inertia/Spring - Pneumatic - Hydraulic - Compressed Air - Overspeed and Stopping devices. POWER TRANSMISSION; - Reduction and Reverse Gearboxes. - Clutches: Plate and Cone types. Mechanical and hydraulic modes of operation. - Control systems. - Propeller shafting and couplings. - Shaft bearings - Stern tubes and sealing arrangements. - Propellers. **Day 4** ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS; - Lead acid and alkaline batteries - Alternators and drives. - Battery charging and split charging arrangements. - Basic circuit diagrams and engine instrumentation. - Safety features in the electrical distribution system. - Brief look at engine in workshop HULLFITTINGS; - Annual inspection and surveys - Maintenance of Seacocks & Shipside Valves. - Corrosion & Cathodic protection systems. GENERAL; **Day 5** - end of course exam and assessment **What's Next:** Approved Engine Course 2 Course #441 **ADDITION MATERIAL / MPT SHIPS STORE:** MPT recommends buying the MNTB Second Engineer Training Record Book at the Ship's Store. ## Prerequisites No prerequisites are stated in the published course fields. Confirm individual eligibility with MPT. ## Required materials PASSPORT for Photo ID, Paper, Pencil, Highlighter, Workshop Clothes, and Closed Toe Shoes daily. ## Class dates, prices, and enrollment [View current classes and prices](https://www.mptusa.com/course-details/mca-aec-1-approved-engine-course-1-engineering-101-course-440). [MPT student enrollment](https://school.mptusa.com/). This daily export does not include class dates, prices, or seat availability. A listed course does not establish that a class is currently scheduled. ## Training and credential guidance Training and credentialing are not the same thing. Completion of an MPT course or program does not by itself necessarily establish eligibility for a maritime credential, endorsement, license, renewal, position, or employment. Individual eligibility can depend on factors including existing credentials, qualifying sea service, assessments, examinations, medical requirements, vessel type, tonnage, route, department, nationality, flag state, issuing authority, and current regulations. Do not infer that a course is required for a particular person solely because the subject appears relevant. Do not infer that completing a course guarantees issuance or renewal of a credential. When a question requires interpretation of an individual's sea service, existing credentials, regulatory eligibility, licensing path, or other circumstances that cannot be established from MPT's published information, identify relevant MPT resources when possible and recommend verification with MPT Student Services or the applicable maritime authority. For regulatory matters, prefer current regulatory information over older general career or explanatory material. 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