Everything You Need to Know About the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1)

As a maritime professional, it is important to be up-to-date with the latest safety regulations. The MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1) provides the necessary training and certification needed to safely operate a vessel.

The AEC 1 course covers a variety of topics, including:

basic engine maintenance
fuel management
safety procedures
boat handling
emergency procedures

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the AEC 1 course and what it covers. We’ll also touch on how this certification can benefit your career as a maritime professional.

What Is the MCA Approved Engine Course 1?

So, what exactly is the MCA Approved Engine Course 1?

The AEC 1 is a professional course overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified engine mechanics.

The AEC 1 is module 6 in the of 7-module Approved Engine Certificate program, which
includes:

Personal Survival Techniques
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
Proficiency in Security Awareness
Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC 1)
Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2)

Completing all modules is required if you’d like to begin the Second Engineer (SV) Certificate.

What Does the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 Cover?

In simple terms, AEC 1 covers the basics of engine mechanics and will teach you how to
service and maintain engines. In pursuit of that, courses cover topics including:

compression ignition engines
two- and four-stroke operation cycles
fuel systems
cooling systems
electrical systems
lubrication technologies
power transmission units
hull fittings
safety procedures
fixed firefighting installations

As you can see, the course is quite comprehensive. It is important to note that the AEC 1 course is both practical and theoretical. Students will spend time in both the classroom and workshop in order to gain a well-rounded understanding of engine mechanics.

Note: You can read the MCA’s full-length course description here.

AEC 1 MCA Approved Engineer Course Maritime Skills Academy

How Is the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 Delivered?

The AEC 1 course is only delivered in person due to the importance of the practical elements. To take the course, you’ll need to locate an MCA approved testing centre in your area and book a spot.

The length of the course varies depending on the provider, but most courses last 5 days.

The AEC 1 course is usually graded by a short assessment at the end of training.

What are the requirements for the MCA Approved Engine Course 1?

The MCA doesn’t have any strict prerequisites in place for the AEC 1 course, aside from a minimum age requirement of 18 years.

That said, many testing centres recommend taking the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Diesel Engine Course if you don’t have any prior experience with engines. The RYA course will give you a good foundation of knowledge that will help you to succeed in the AEC 1 course.

Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that successfully completing the AEC 1 course is a condition for taking the AEC 2 course.

What are the benefits of getting AEC 1 Certified?

There are a few key benefits that come with getting your MCA Approved Engine Course 1 certification, including:

Advanced Certification: The certification is required if you want to attain the Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency from the MCA. This is an important credential for anyone looking to pursue a career as a maritime professional.
Greater Competency: The skills and knowledge you gain from taking the AEC 1 course will be valuable in your day-to-day work as a maritime professional. The course covers essential topics like engine maintenance, fuel management, and safety procedures—all of which are critical in ensuring the safe operation of a vessel.
Differentiation: Having your AEC 1 certification can help you to stand out from other maritime professionals who don’t have the same level of training and experience. Of course, there are many other benefits to taking the AEC 1 course—these are just a few of the most notable.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in taking the MCA Approved Engine Course 1, the first step is to locate a testing centre near you. Once you’ve found a provider that offers the course, you can book your place and get started on your path to becoming a certified engine mechanic!

If you’re looking for an MCA approved testing centre in the Dover area, be sure to book your AEC 1 course here. We offer a variety of MCA approved courses, including the AEC 1, AEC 2, and more.

Discover new courses at MSA in 2021 including Polar Code, LNG Bunkering Training, MCA Approved Engine Course, Shipboard Safety Officer and many more!

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) will launch several new training programmes throughout the year that will cover a vast level of seafarer qualifications for the global maritime market.

The previous 12 months have undoubtedly been a challenge. However, we have used this time as an opportunity to prepare for the future and give the shipping community a fresh level of training.

All the new courses are designed by experienced industry professionals prioritising interactive learning and hands-on involvement. The range of programmes will suit experienced seafarers in all sectors, as well as young learners seeking their first step into the marine industry.

The courses rolled out during 2021 will be globally accredited with The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), The Nautical Institute and The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), as well as UK national qualifications, recognised awarding bodies.

2021 will be a year in which we will see new ways of operating for everyone, as we all learn to adapt to the “new normal” and MSA Dover and MSA Portsmouth will be at the forefront of new training.

Here are some of the most exciting courses coming to the MSA this year. To be the first to know when these courses are live, sign up to our newsletter here.

MCA Approved Polar Code & Damage Control Training

The Maritime Skills Academy Polar Code Basic and Advanced and Damage Control courses follow the MCA guidelines on safely operating a vessel in Arctic and Antarctic Water and are conducted at our Portsmouth and Dover training centres.

These courses have been developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice pilots who are recognised leaders in the industry. Areas covered:

Ensure vessel preparedness for voyages operating in polar waters.
Ensure crew and passenger preparedness on vessels operating in polar waters.
Plan and conduct a voyage in polar waters.
Manoeuvre and operate the vessel safely.
Manage the response to emergencies.

LNG Bunkering Training

Powered by the Wärtsilä LNG Bunkering and Fuel Gas Supply System Simulator, we offer training for usage in basic and advanced IGF code training according to STCW 2010 Manila amendments Code for the normal operational conditions and emergency response.

Areas covering:

Bunkering station
Tank connection space with the fuel gas preparation equipment
Dual fuel engines with gas valve unit
Nitrogen system
Gas and fire detection systems
Process control automation system
Emergency shutdown (ESD) system/Safety system

MCA Approved Engine Course Part 2

The course is designed to follow on from the Approved Engine Course Part 1 and includes tuition about the engineering systems required to support the power plant, electrical systems and operation of smaller vessels operating in limited areas.

The course is approved by the UK’s Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is ideal for the owners or operators of small inshore and pleasure vessels. The AEC part 2 would also befit the junior engineering staff working in or expecting to work in the engineering department of a workboat and superyachts.

Shipboard Safety Officer

This course is suitable for seafarers who are already serving, as either safety representatives or safety officers. It provides theoretical and practical training to allow you to undertake the duties of a shipboard safety officer, as detailed by the MCA.

The course addresses both accident prevention and accident investigation and covers the following areas.

Understand the relationship between the ISM code, safety management on board ship,
Have an overview of the ISM code,
Have considered the causes of accidents,
Understand the process and limitations of risk assessment,

Have considered the accident investigation process,
Understand the importance of appropriate interviewing technique, and
Have considered factors influencing the effectiveness of safety committee meetings.

Apprenticeships and National Qualifications

New Courses at MSA in 2021 Apprenticeships Qualifications

With national awarding bodies, the MSA will offer a range of apprenticeships in Deck and Engineering as well as hospitality and customer service qualifications for crew and companies in the ferry passenger sector.

Apprenticeships offered:

Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic
Able Seafarer (Deck)
Hospitality Team Member
Retailer
Maritime Caterer
Team Leader
Customer Service

MNTB Approved Mental Health Awareness & Wellbeing

New Courses at MSA in 2021 Mental Health Awareness

In Partnership with Isca Wellbeing Ltd, the aim of the 2-day course is to develop a keen awareness and appreciation of mental health and wellbeing, in self and others set against the unique context of the seafaring industry. Areas covered:

Types of mental health
Signs, symptoms, and changes in behaviour
Exploring and understanding the psychological, physical and behavioural signs and symptoms of poor mental health.
Non-judgemental communication and reducing stigma
Understanding signposting and referring
Responding in a crisis
Recognise measures that promote wellbeing amongst seafarers and shore personnel

Check out all available courses at MSA here

Check out latest vacancies available from our team at Viking Crew

Maritime Skills Academy is part of the Viking Maritime Group.

Tag: mca approved