# Course Description

**The MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)** provides fundamental theoretical knowledge and practical training required under the DfT Codes of Practice for small commercial motor and sailing vessels.

Delivered over five days (30 hours), the course covers dismantling marine engines and auxiliaries to understand components, working principles, and maintenance techniques. It equips delegates with the skills and confidence to perform basic maintenance, address safety and fire hazards, and diagnose and repair machinery defects.

# **Course Content:**

Compression ignition engines

Fuel systems

Air systems

Cooling systems

Lubrication systems

Electrical systems

Power transmission

Hull fittings

General engineering

# **Prerequisites:**

Minimum age: 18 Photographic ID (passport, driving licence, or discharge book)

# **Certification:**

Successful candidates will receive the MCA AEC1 certificate upon passing a short exam.

# 

# **What should I bring with me?**

✅ Photo ID – Passport, Driving Licence, or Discharge Book

✅ Notebook & Pen – For taking notes during theory sessions

✅ Overalls or Suitable Workwear – Clothing which may get dirty during practicals

✅ Safety Boots or Sturdy Footwear – Steel-toe boots recommended

✅ Packed Lunch & Refreshments – (various catering outlets available within a short walk of the training centre).

AEC1

MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)

Jamie Hare

Brilliant course. Great folk who teaches. Definitely recommend. 

Cris Lewis

Fantastic training provider. Derek is attentive, dillegent and very knowledgeable. Any concerns or questions were addressed quickly and with full satisfaction. Cannot praise both Hannah or Derek enough. Only if more training providers operate as SGM does.

Fantastic tuition.
Fantastic premises.
Fantastic resources.
Fantastic value.
Fantastic experience.

Callum Dunlop

Well run course.  Not too heavy with the death by PowerPoint.  Thoroughly enjoyable.

Neil Moodie Trading

An enjoyable course and Derek and Hannah were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. 

david aspinall

Well run course, very knowledgeable instructor. Good mixture of theory and practical  sessions ,  would recommend to anyone who needs courses.

Course DescriptionThe MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1) 

**RYA Marine Radio/SRC**

**Overview:**

The RYA Marine Radio/Short Range Certificate SRC also referred to as VHF course and exam is for anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. 

A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio either fixed or hand held.

This RYA training course also works well in complementing other training offered by Seagrass Marine.

**Who is this course for?**

 The RYA Marine Radio course is ideal for anyone interested in boating for commercial or leisure purposes. 

 **Experience required: **None. 

  **Minimum Age: ** None for training, however you must be 16 to take the examination

  **Duration: **1 Day

  **Format: **Classroom

 **Instructor Ratio**: 1 Instructor for a maximum of 12 participants

Please note there is an additional RYA Examination fee of £70 payable  directly to RYA


RYA Marine Radio SRC

Alan Greig

Brilliant course. I learnt so much thanks to Derek's teaching style. Very laid back, really enjoyable and worth every penny. Highly recommend Seagrass for RYA courses 

Simon Kemp

Derek and Hannah were super helpful and informative, nothing was too much trouble. Excellent facilities too. Highly recommended 👍🏻

Richard Cronin

Excellent tuition and hospitality, structured and in depth learning gave me the confidence to do the exam after just one day.

A one day course, designed for anyone who may need to use a portable or fixed marine radio.

**RYA ADVANCED POWERBOAT COURSE**

**Overview:**
The RYA Advanced Powerboat Course: Aims to teach boat handling, seamanship, pilotage and navigation up to the standards required to drive a planing powerboat safely by day and night in tidal coastal waters, with which the candidate may be familiar, in more demanding conditions. Given the nature of these passages Advanced Powerboat courses should be delivered on powerboats of a minimum of 6 metres and an engine size sufficient to enable coastal passages at planing speed.  

Seagrass Marine run this course in Oban on our vessel Seagrass Pogsea, a fully coded 6 metre Humber Destroyer Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB), however we can also offer own boat tuition if you have a suitable and insured boat – please contact us to discuss your requirements. 

**Who is this course for?**
· The more experienced leisure and professional powerboater
· Those wishing to skipper small powerboats further afield and/or at night
· People wanting to operate small powerboats in a commercial environment 
  (following successful completion of advanced exam and commercial endorsement)
· Anyone wanting to undertake the Advanced Powerboat Exam

**Experience required: **
Candidates should be competent to the standard of Intermediate Powerboat Certificate with a thorough knowledge of navigation and chartwork to the level of Costal Skipper/Yachtmaster Shorebased Certificate

It is recommended that candidates have the following qualifications and experience BEFORE taking this course:

· A valid First Aid certificate
· RYA Marine Radio SRC Operators Certificate
· Costal Skipper/Yachtmaster Shorebased Certificate (or equivalent experience)
 
If you are unsure, please get in touch with us directly 01631 561424
 
**Minimum Age: **17 Years
**Duration: **2 day including 1 night time navigation exercise
**Format:** Outdoor practical with some classroom-based activity
**Instructor Ratio: **1 Instructor for a maximum of 3 participants

**Important Information:**

You will receive a course completion certificate on successful completion of this course.

If you wish to complete the RYA Advanced Exam following the training please let us know at the time of booking so that we help you make arrangements for an examiner and

RYA Advanced Powerboat

Alex Anderson

Excellent course, well presented end executed.  Highly recommend.

Donald MacColl

Advanced power boat good course well delivered.

A two day course aimed at powerboaters who need advanced level skills for commercial coding requirements

**RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory**

**Overview:**

The RYA Coastal Skipper/ RYA Yachtmaster Theory course is ideal for candidates for the Coastal Skipper practical course & Yachmaster Offshore exam. The course provides some revision of the Day Skipper shorebased course plus more advanced skills in offshore & coastal navigation by day & night, pilotage & meteorology. The course also works well in complementing other on-the-water training offered by Seagrass Marine at our centre in Oban.

**Who is this course for?**
 
The Day Skipper online theory course is ideal for anyone interested in boating for commercial or leisure purposes, including those without any navigation experience but also for those who have been boating for years but have not had any formal training. This RYA training course can also help towards gaining other commercial marine qualifications.
 
**Experience required:** Knowledge to the level of Day Skipper Shorebased.
  
**Minimum Age:**  None
  
**Duration: **6 Days (including examination)
  
**Format: **Classroom
 
**Instructor Ratio: **1 Instructor for a maximum of 12 participants

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory OR Day Skipper Theory - 5 Days

Chris Dugdale

I had a great week studying with seagrass on the Yacht master theory course. I learned so much thanks to our instructor Andy who has a wealth of boating knowledge. Study in the classroom  really is the best method for me, I wouldn't have found the time at home to study online.
this course is a real confidence booster for anyone who wants to go boating.
Thanks so much!
Chris.


Five day theory course designed to develop marine navigation skills or prepare for Yachtmaster Practical or Advanced Powerboat Courses

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory - 5 Days

**RYA First Aid**

**Overview:**

A one-day training course covering first aid from a boating perspective, including the recovery position in a confined space, CPR, including the drowning protocol, cold shock and hypothermia from immersion and/or exposure, seasickness and dehydration, medical assistance or advice by VHF, helicopter rescue.,  It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages. 

This course is MCA approved and satisfies the requirements for Coastal Skipper Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat certificates of competence and some commercial work afloat.

**Who is this course for?**
 
The RYA First Aid course is ideal for anyone interested in boating for commercial or leisure purposes on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages. 
 
**Experience required: **None. 
  
**Minimum Age: ** None 
  
**Duration:** 1 Day
  
**Format:** Classroom
   
**Instructor Ratio: **1 Instructor for a maximum of 12 participants

First aid kit and CPR dummy

RYA First Aid

Stephen Hopper

An MCA Approved one day first aid course for the maritime environment

Question 1

Address

Question 2

Date of Birth 

Question 3

Gender

Question 4

At Seagrass Marine, we take your safety very seriously, but in the very unlikely event of an incident we do need to have emergency contact details. This can be anyone you choose, but should be someone who is NOT participating on the same course. Emergency Contact Name

Question 5

Post Code

Question 6

Relevant Experience & Qualification 

Question 7

For safety reasons, to allow us to effectively risk assess our courses, and provide the best possible experience for all  participants, it is important that Seagrass Marine know about any medical condition or participation restriction you  have which might affect your safety or involvement on a course?  In most cases, declaring a health condition or participation restriction will NOT exclude you from participating in any of our courses.  Do you have a medical condition or participation restrictions which might affect your safety or involvement on a course? - provide relevant details

Question 8

Seagrass Marine, where possible, will consider participants special requirements or adjustments and/or dietary requirements on courses.  Do you consider yourself to have any special requirements, adjustments or dietary needs? - please provide relevant details

**Course Description**

The MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2) provides delegates with theoretical knowledge and practical skills as outlined in the MCA AEC2 syllabus. 

It is designed to meet the Certificate of Competency (CoC) requirements for the Small Vessel pathway, covering vessels such as yachts, tugs, workboats, and government patrol vessels under 3000 GT and 9000 kW, operating globally. 

This course is a stepping stone for those entering the industry as junior or assistant engineers and progressing towards the Small Vessel Second Engineer Officer qualification.

When paired with AEC1, this course can contribute to the MCA Marine Engine Operators License (MEOL), required for Chief Engineers on UK-flagged vessels under 750 kW operating within 150 miles of shore.

**Course Content:**

- Components and fault-finding in compression-type refrigerant systems
- Legislative and management requirements for engineering operations
- Maintenance systems onboard
- Safe work practices in an engineering environment
- Lifting and slinging operations
- Electrical distribution systems onboard
- Hydraulic systems maintenance
- Fresh water and sewage systems
- Practical and theoretical maintenance skills

**Prerequisites:**

- Minimum age: 18
- Completion of AEC1 or a recognised equivalent accepted by the MCA
- Photographic ID (passport, driving licence, or discharge book)

**Certification:** Upon passing the exam, participants will receive the MCA AEC2 certificate.

**Special Requirements:** Delegates should bring overalls, suitable footwear, and optionally a laptop for accessing course materials provided on a memory stick.

**Revalidation:**
Not required.

aec2

**Course Description**

The MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2) provides delegates with theoretical knowledge and practical skills as outlined in the MCA AEC...

MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2) 

Have you/the person you are booking for completed AEC Part 1?

Room Hire - Stevenson Street Day Rate

Hire of the Stevenson Street Meeting/Teaching room.

Suitable for around 8 persons.

Includes wifi, audio visual and tea and coffee making facilities

room hire

Room Hire - Stevenson Street Day Rate

Hire of the Stevenson Street Meeting/Teaching room.

Suitable for around 8 persons.

Includes wifi, audio visual and t...

Room Hire - Stevenson Street Day Rate

**RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence Preparation Course**\
This intensive one-day course is designed for experienced powerboat operators preparing for the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence exam. It provides a structured review of all core components of the CoC, including advanced boat handling, pilotage (day and night), passage planning, navigation, meteorology, and emergency situations. Practical sessions focus on refining techniques and decision-making under realistic conditions, ensuring candidates are fully prepared and confident for their assessment.

Seagrass Marine - Advanced Powerboat CoC Preparation Course

**RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence Preparation Course**\
This intensive one-day course is designed for experienced powerboat operators prepar...

Advanced Powerboat CoC Preparation Course

**RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence Examination**\
The Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence (CoC) is a practical and oral examination assessing the skills, knowledge, and experience required to operate a powerboat safely by day and night in coastal waters. Candidates are tested on advanced boat handling, passage planning, navigation, meteorology, and emergency procedures, as well as their ability to command a vessel and crew. Successful candidates demonstrate sound judgement, seamanship, and competence to operate professionally or for leisure in challenging conditions.

**RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence Examination

Advanced Powerboat CoC Examination

Online RYA Marine Radio/SRC course
(Exam can be provided on successful completion of course)

Overview:

The RYA Marine Radio SRC - Short Range Certificate also referred to as VHF course and exam is for anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. 
A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio either fixed or hand held.
The course also works well in complementing other training offered by Seagrass Marine.

Who is this course for?
 
The RYA Marine Radio course is ideal for anyone interested in boating for commercial or leisure purposes. 
 
Experience required: None. 
  
Minimum Age:  None for training, however you must be 16 to take the examination
  
Duration: 6-8 hours online
  
Format: Online
  

https://res.cloudinary.com/obby/image/upload/v1704725238/Learning%20Kit%20Guides/exjsac2bkvonj11jfyd1.pdf

Online Course - Marine Radio SRC /VHF

An online course for anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio.

Question 0

Please provide the participants full name and preferred email address

RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities

Overview:

The RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities is a compulsory online course for new and revalidating RYA Commercial Endorsement holders. You can take this course anytime prior to your Commercial Endorsement application or renewal. Your PPR certificate will be valid either for your first Commercial Endorsement application or your next renewal.
The course also works well in complementing other training offered by Seagrass Marine.

Who is this course for?
 
People who need to be 'commercially endorsed' for example:
Delivery skippers/crew
RYA Yacht & Advanced Powerboat instructors
RIB skippers
Charter skippers, yacht crew, superyacht crew
Work-boat skippers
Harbour masters & Pilots
Fishermen
 
Experience required: None. 
  
Minimum Age:  None
  
Duration: Study online at your own pace 
  
Format: Online

https://res.cloudinary.com/obby/image/upload/v1704729946/Learning%20Kit%20Guides/wgpaplqkqbgc04iyouv8.pdf

Online Course - Professional Practices & Responsibilities

The RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities is a compulsory online course for new and revalidating RYA Commercial Endorsement holders. 

Full Name of Participant & preferred email address

RYA CEVNI Course & Test

Overview:

CEVNI stands for Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure, which loosely means the Rules, or collision regulations, for the European Inland Waterways.

The RYA CEVNI online course, is a test of the rules and regulations of the inland waterways of Europe. You will need this if you require the inland category validated on your International Certificate of Competence.

The course can be complemented  by other training offered by Seagrass Marine.

Who is this course for?

The CEVNI test is required to be taken by anyone intending to go boating on the European Inland Waterways. It can be added to an existing ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or taken and applied for at the same time as an ICC.

Experience required: None. 
  
Minimum Age:  While there is no minimum age for the CEVNI test, you cannot apply for an ICC below the age of 16
  
Duration: Study online at your own pace 
  
Format: Online

https://res.cloudinary.com/obby/image/upload/v1704730724/Learning%20Kit%20Guides/x94illzegboxhdge8nw2.pdf

Online Course - CEVNI

CEVNI course covers the Rules and collision regulations, for the European Inland Waterways

An online course aimed at Dinghy and Windsurfing Instructors and Seniors, and anyone else involved in working with children and/org vulnerable adults at an RYA club or training centre. Newly qualfiying Dinghy/Windsurfing Instructors and Senior Instructors are required to complete this course prior to their instructor course.

Required experience
None

Minimum duration
This course is equivalent to classroom training of approximately three hours. However, the benefit of learning online is that you can work through it at your own speed. It may take you more or less time than that.

Minimum age
16

Content
An introduction to safeguarding and child protection.

Certificate issuing criteria
Understand good safeguarding practice, how to recognise potential signs of abuse, how to deal with it and who to refer any concerns to.

Format
Online


https://res.cloudinary.com/obby/image/upload/v1707928720/Learning%20Kit%20Guides/tubruorolspabuk5veyt.pdf

RYA Safe & Fun - Safeguarding

An online  course aimed at boating Instructors and anyone involved in working with children and/or vulnerable adults at an RYA training centre or club.

Online - RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship

Overview:

The RYA Interactive Essential Navigation & Seamanship course is a great introduction to navigation and safety awareness for new or inexperienced skippers and crew or those wanting to refresh their skills. In fact, it's for anyone interested in sailing, motor boating, sea angling, diving, or those working towards boat master and works well in complementing on-the-water training offered by Seagrass Marine.
It's a highly informative course with lots of opportunities for you to put your new knowledge into practice.
   
Who is this course for?
 
Anyone interested in sailing, motor boating, sea angling, diving, or those working towards boat master. Who want a basic understanding of Navigation and safety awareness
 
Experience required: None
  
Minimum Age:  None
  
Duration: 8-10 hours online
  
Format: Online Course
  
 

https://res.cloudinary.com/obby/image/upload/v1704723787/Learning%20Kit%20Guides/wysxh5nc9abqjw7ljjxk.pdf

Online - RYA Navigation & Seamanship

A basic introduction to navigation and safety for anyone new to boating or requiring an update: 

David Aspinall

Very helpful, had a small login problems and it was sorted with a phone call.

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Sarah-Jayne Cooper-White

Excellent course, extremely knowledgeable instructor. Enjoyable and supportive 

John Benjamin  Docherty

Really handy and helpful! Approachable for any questions especially when you are out on the boat!

Cameron Roxburgh

Extremely  professional. 
From sailing  in the rib to  studies in the building , Derek  proved  his professionalism  and gave me more  confidence  .
Big thanks  Derek 

Paul Wilson

Excellent course, very well delivered by the instructor.  Very easy logistics, moving from the classroom to the rib was straightforward and the classroom itself was ideal for what we needed.  My only suggestion for improvement would have been to spend longer on safety limits / recommendations for people who have only just recently gained this qualification, things like what wind speeds should make you pause for thought, what actions can cause a rib to capsize.  We did cover this but I think it would have been useful to have spent more time looking at this area.  Overall, though, really excellent, thank you.

Seagrass Marine Ltd - Cancellation Policy

At Seagrass Marine Ltd, we understand that plans can change. This policy outlines how cancellations, transfers, and no-shows are handled for our courses and services.

**1. Cancelling or Changing Your Booking**

If you need to cancel or change your booking, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. An initial phone call is acceptable, but this must be followed up by an email to bookings@seagrassmarine.com.

Classroom-Based Training (e.g., First Aid, Theory Courses)

- More than 14 days' notice: Full refund or option to reschedule at no additional cost.
- 7 to 14 days' notice: 50% refund or option to reschedule with a £20 administration fee.
- Less  than 7 days' notice: No refund will be provided, but we will make every effort to offer an alternative date if we can fill your space.

**On-Water Training (e.g., Powerboat Courses, Practical Sessions)**

- More than 14 days' notice:  Full refund or option to reschedule at no additional cost.
- 7 to 14 days' notice: 50% refund or option to reschedule with a £30 administration fee.
- Less than 7 days' notice: No refund will be provided unless we can fill your place on the course.

**Group Bookings (including Private Group Bookings)**

- A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total fee is required at the time of booking.
- If the group cancels within 2 weeks of the course start date, the full balance will be charged.

**2. No-Show Policy**

- Failure to attend your booked course without notifying us will be treated as a No-Show and will result in no refund or opportunity to reschedule.
- If you are delayed or unable to attend on the day, please contact us as soon as possible, and we will do our best to assist you.

**3. Cancellation by Seagrass Marine**

While we do our best to run all scheduled courses, we may need to cancel or reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances such as:

- Severe weather conditions impacting safe on-water activities.
- Instructor illness or unavailability.
- Mechanical issues affecting training vessels.
- Insufficient course enrolment.

In such cases, we will:

- Offer a full refund or
- Reschedule your booking at no additional cost.
- For safety reasons, on-water training may be paused or postponed during a session if conditions become unsafe. We will aim to reschedule as soon as possible.

**4. Participant Fitness and Safety**

- All participants are expected to be physically capable of taking part in the course. If you have concerns about your fitness, please contact us before booking.
- If a participant is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise deemed unfit to participate, Seagrass Marine reserves the right to remove them from the course without a refund.
- Participants must follow all safety instructions from instructors at all times.

**5. Exceptional Circumstances**
We understand that unexpected situations can arise, such as illness or family emergencies. If you believe this applies to you, please contact us as soon as possible, and we will consider flexibility on a case-by-case basis.

**6. Insurance**

We strongly recommend you arrange travel insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations, particularly for on-water courses.

**7. How to Cancel or Request Changes**

To cancel or modify your booking, please contact us at:

Email: bookings@seagrassmarine.comPhone: 01631 561 424

Alternatively, you can visit us in person at:

Seagrass Marine LtdUnit 12 Tweedmill Soroba RoadObanPA34 4HQ

Please provide your full name, course date, and booking reference in your message.

Seagrass Marine

Seagrass Marine are a family run company providing consultancy, training and Marine Services on Scotland's Stunning West Coast, throughout the UK and beyond.

We offer professional, high quality, value for money solutions for commercial and individual clients from our premises in the heart of Oban, throughout the UK and beyond.

Training & Consultancy on Scotland’s Stunning West Coast

About us

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Seagrass Marine are a family run company providing
consultancy, training and Marine Services on Scotland's Stunning West Coast, throughout the UK and beyond.

We offer professional, high quality, value for money solutions for commercial and individual clients from our premises in the heart of Oban, throughout the UK and beyond.

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL ON SCOTLAND'S STUNNING WEST COAST

Seagrass Marine - Seagrass Marine provide consultancy, training solutions and Marine Services in Oban, Scotland and throughout the UK

Discover the exciting array of upcoming courses and events offered by Seagrass Marine. 

Discover the exciting array of upcoming courses and events offered by Seagrass Marine.

If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and will go above and beyond to provide the support you need. 

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL ON SCOTLAND'S STUNNING WEST COAST

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