The Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2) is a five-day MCA course that builds on AEC 1 and forms the second stage of the Small Vessel engineering pathway. It develops the skills required to support the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of machinery aboard modern motor yachts and other small commercial vessels. The course is a key requirement for progression toward the 2nd Engineer Officer qualification under the newly defined Small Vessel (SV) route, which applies to yachts, tugs, fishing vessels, seismic survey vessels and other craft under 3000 GT and below 9,000 kW.
AEC 2 strengthens practical engineering competence, fault-finding ability, and planned maintenance skills, while also reinforcing the safety, record-keeping, and operational responsibilities expected of a junior or assistant engineer.
Course details
Location: Antibes
Duration: 5 days
Course fee: 1100 euros
Prerequisites: Min 18 years old; Approved Engine Course 1 Certificate; good command of both spoken and written English.
About The Course
The Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC 2) develops the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required under the MCA Small Vessel engineering pathway. Building on AEC 1, the course prepares students for the responsibilities of a junior engineer on vessels under 3000 GT and below 9,000 kW, operating worldwide. Training combines technical instruction with hands-on exercises that reflect real onboard engineering tasks.
What You Will Learn
Students gain core competence across small-vessel engineering systems, including:
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Refrigeration: the refrigeration cycle, component functions, refrigerant handling and common faults.
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Legislation & management: MARPOL pollution prevention, the Code of Safe Working Practices, confined-space procedures, risk assessments and accurate engineering documentation.
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Maintenance systems: planned and condition-based maintenance, trend monitoring, lubrication and vibration analysis, thermography and insulation testing.
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Safe systems of work: permit-to-work procedures, use of gas detection equipment, MSDS interpretation and safe working practices.
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Electrical systems: generators, batteries and shore supply; protective devices; electrical isolation; insulation and PAT testing; fault-finding and generator synchronization.
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Hydraulics & basic engineering tasks: hydraulic components and maintenance, fault identification, torquing, fastener inspection and filter replacement.
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Fresh water & sewage systems: water generation and testing, regulatory compliance, sewage treatment and associated hazards.
Assessment & Certification
Students are assessed through a combination of practical demonstrations, oral questioning, direct observation, and where appropriate, simulated or role-play scenarios. At the end of the course, learners complete a final assessment, which is marked by an independent, appropriately qualified assessor in accordance with MCA requirements.
Upon successful completion of the course, trainees will be issued an MCA-approved training certificate. Full attendance is required in order to qualify for certification.
