Approved Engine Course Part 2 (AEC2)
Advance your engineering skills and responsibilities onboard. Required for career progression.
5 Days
24 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
5 Days
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
Lifetime
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
AEC1 is the industry-standard qualification for small vessel engineers. It’s often a minimum requirement for working as a junior or sole engineer on vessels under 3000GT or 9000 kW engine power. Issued by the MCA, this certificate immediately increases your eligibility for engineering roles across yachts, workboats, fishing vessels, and survey craft.
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 Fundamentals
Understand the 4-stroke and 2-stroke combustion cycles. Learn how marine diesel engines operate, including the function of engine components and systems.
Auxiliary Systems & Routine Maintenance
Study gearboxes, shafting and propulsion systems. Basic electrics including batteries and power generation. Undertake basic fault finding, inspections and maintenance tasks.
Safe Engineering Practices & the Correct use of Tools
Understand Safety, Risk Assessment, Permit to Work procedures for engineering tasks. The correct and safe use of tools and equipment.
Environmental Awareness & Emergency Response
Understand pollution prevention techniques, waste handling. Understand and procedures for dealing with fire, breakdowns and mechanical failure.
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
Who is AEC1 really designed for?
AEC1 is ideal for career changers with no formal marine engineering background, as well as engineers from shore-based industries (manufacturing, electrical, automotive, oil & gas, mining, maintenance) who want to transition into the maritime or superyacht sector.
Do I need prior engineering qualifications to take AEC1?
No. AEC1 is specifically designed for candidates with no formal marine engineering qualifications. It provides the foundational theory and hands-on experience required to enter marine engineering professionally.
Is AEC1 useful if I’m a captain, deckhand, or yacht owner?
Yes. AEC1 is highly valuable for captains, deck crew, and yacht owners who want a deeper understanding of onboard engineering systems. It improves fault diagnosis, communication with engineers, and overall vessel safety.
What does AEC1 actually qualify me to do?
AEC1 is the first formal step toward becoming an MCA-certified Small Vessel Engineer. It also meets MCA Code of Practice requirements for operating and maintaining machinery on small commercial vessels and yachts.
What is the MCA and why does it matter?
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the UK’s maritime regulatory authority and is globally recognised as a gold standard for maritime safety and certification. MCA-approved engineering courses are widely accepted across the superyacht and commercial vessel sectors.
What does the MCA consider a “Small Vessel”?
Under MCA definitions, a Small Vessel is under 9,000 kW engine power and under 3,000 GT — which includes the vast majority of the world’s superyachts, as well as workboats, tugs, fishing vessels, patrol vessels, and research ships.
Is there an exam in AEC1?
Yes. AEC1 includes written assessments and practical evaluations to ensure you understand core marine engineering principles and can safely apply them onboard.
How important is English for AEC1?
English is essential — both written and spoken. You must follow technical instruction, understand safety documentation, and complete written assessments in English.
What comes after AEC1?
Successful completion of AEC1 allows progression to AEC2, and together they form the foundation for MCA Small Vessel Engineer Officer qualifications.