Approved Engine Course Part 1 (AEC1)
Basic marine engineering for yacht crew. Learn to assist engineers and handle simple maintenance tasks.
5 Days
17 AUG 2026
Certification
MCA
Who issues your official qualification
Recognition
Worldwide
Where your certificate is accepted. Check with your flag state for specific approvals.
Suitable For
Industry-transition engineers
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
No experience required
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
10 Days
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
Lifetime
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
Meet industry standards
Fulfils MCA requirements for engineering on small vessels.
Improve your hireability
As part of an engineering department or as sole-engineer on commercial and leisure craft.
Broaden your role
Adds value for deckhands stepping into dual deck/engineer roles.
Gain a career edge
Many captains and agencies prefer crew with this combined qualification.
Career
growth
& Salary Impact
Junior engineers earn $4,000–$5,000/month, with higher offers for candidates from technical or industrial roles. Career growth is fast: experienced engineers can reach $6,600–$8,800+, making this one of the most rewarding long-term roles on board.
Current Role
With this certification
Junior Engineer
+$2,000
Mechanic
Junior Engineer
+$2,600
Maintenance Fitter
Junior Engineer
+$3,000
Industrial Engineer
What You’ll
Learn
Diesel Engine Operation & Components
Gain a solid understanding of how marine diesel engines work, including the differences between 2-stroke and 4-stroke cycles and the role of key systems.
Auxiliary Systems & Vessel Equipment
Study propulsion systems, hydraulics, watermakers, generators and sewage treatment. Learn how these systems support engine performance and vessel operation.
Fault Finding & Maintenance Techniques
Practise real-world fault diagnosis on mechanical and electrical systems. Learn preventative maintenance, system inspections and how to troubleshoot issues using live data.
Safe Engineering Practices & Environmental Care
Learn industry-standard safety procedures, proper tool use, and how to manage pollution and emergency breakdowns on board.
Technical Reporting & Documentation
Interpret technical diagrams, write defect reports, and apply operational procedures to meet commercial yacht and MCA requirements.
0
100
What’s Included
Comprehensive course materials
Daily hot lunch
Coffee station and snacks
Free rescheduling up to 7 days before course start
PREREQUSITES
Minimum age
18 years old
Language Requirement
A good level of spoken and written English is required, as all training and assessments are conducted in English
Meet Your
Instructors
Frequently
Asked Questions
What happens if I fail AEC1?
If you do not pass AEC1 on the first attempt, resits are available. There is a 2-day break between AEC1 and AEC2, during which resits can be taken at an additional fee of 4,000 THB per resit. You must successfully pass AEC1 (including any required resits) before you are allowed to start AEC2.
If AEC1 is not successfully completed after resits, you cannot progress to AEC2, and AEC2 fees are non-refundable, as your place and instructional resources have already been allocated.
Who is this bundle best suited for?
This bundle is best suited for:
-
Career changers with practical or technical backgrounds
-
Shore-based engineers (mechanical, electrical, automotive, industrial, oil & gas) moving into yachts or small vessels
-
Deck crew or captains transitioning into engineering roles
-
Candidates aiming for MCA Small Vessel Engineer Officer progression
⚠️ While AEC1 is an entry point into marine engineering, the bundle is not intended for people with no technical or mechanical aptitude at all. A basic level of engineering common sense and practical understanding is important.
Why choose the bundle instead of booking AEC1 and AEC2 separately?
Booking AEC1 + AEC2 as a bundle is more cost-effective than purchasing the courses individually. It also provides a clear progression plan, coordinated scheduling, and avoids gaps or delays between qualifications.
What qualifications does the AEC1 + AEC2 bundle lead towards?
Successful completion of both courses forms part of the required training for MCA Small Vessel Engineer Officer qualifications and may contribute toward an MCA Marine Engine Operator Licence (MEOL), depending on your pathway and sea service.
Do I need any prior marine engineering experience?
No. AEC1 is designed for candidates with no formal marine engineering background, and AEC2 builds directly on that foundation. This makes the bundle particularly suitable for new entrants and career switchers.
Is this bundle MCA-approved and internationally recognised?
Yes. Both courses are approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and comply with STCW / MCA Codes of Practice. MCA engineering qualifications are widely recognised across the superyacht and small commercial vessel sectors worldwide.
I’m already a qualified engineer — is this bundle still relevant?
Yes. Many shore-based engineers use the AEC1 + AEC2 bundle to convert existing technical skills into a maritime context. In some cases, prior qualifications may allow exemptions later in the Small Vessel Engineer pathway, which Galileo can advise on.
Are there exams and practical assessments?
Yes. Both AEC1 and AEC2 include written assessments and hands-on practical evaluations to confirm competence in operating, maintaining, and managing onboard engineering systems safely.
How important is English for the AEC bundle?
English is essential — written and spoken. You must understand technical instruction, safety documentation, and complete written assessments in English. Clear communication is critical in an engineering environment onboard.
What career outcomes can I expect after completing the bundle?
Graduates of the AEC1 + AEC2 bundle commonly progress into junior or assistant engineer roles on yachts and small commercial vessels, with a clear pathway toward MCA Small Vessel Chief Engineer as sea service and further certification are completed.