# 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).

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.

Peter Booth

Creat week, great workshop and classroom. 

Barry Adamson

Firstly, what a lovly team you are. Made me feel at home from the first day. The course was very well strucured and very well presented. I will definitely be recommending Seagrass Marine to my colleagues for future courses. The star team member was of course Elsbeth..  Thank you Barry. 

Course DescriptionThe MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1) 

**COURSE DESCRIPTION**

MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC2) in Oban, Scotland providing advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in line with the MCA AEC2 syllabus. Designed for workboat and commercial crew progressing towards engineering roles on small commercial vessels.

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.

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**COURSE CONTENT**

MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC2) in Oban, Scotland providing advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in line with the MCA AEC2 syllabus. Designed for workboat and commercial crew progressing towards engineering roles on small commercial vessels.

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**PREREQUISITES**

- Minimum age: 18
- AEC1 or recognised equivalent accepted by the MCA

Photographic ID (passport, driving licence or discharge book)

---

**CERTIFICATION**

Successful candidates will be awarded the MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC2) certificate.

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**SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS**

This is a practical, workshop-based course. 

Delegates should expect to be working directly on engines and equipment throughout. Suitable workwear and safety footwear (work boots) are required. 

Overalls can be provided if needed.

MCA Approved Engine Course AEC1 in Oban. Practical diesel engine training for workboat and commercial crew. Build real skills and confidence.

MCA Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2) 

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

**Level 2 - Powerboat Handling**

**Overview:**

The RYA Powerboat Level 2: provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver. The course is the basis for the international certificate of competence.

It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.

The course focuses on low speed, close quarters manoeuvres as well as man overboard recovery procedures, it also introduces driving at planing speed and collision regulations.
These RYA courses can be covered in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement vessels. Any certificate issued will be endorsed with the type of boat in which training, and assessment took place.

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?**
 
Those progressing from Powerboat level 1
People with limited/no experience of marine training who wish to gain some basic powerboating skills 

**Experience required: **None
  
**Minimum Age:** 12   Years*      (*certificates endorsed for under 16s)
  
**Duration:**  2 day
  
**Format:** Outdoor practical with some classroom-based activity
 
**Instructor Ratio**: 1 Instructor for a maximum of 3 participants

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Graham Gibson

This is the second course I've done with seagrqss marine  and again Dereck and Hanna were brilliant . Very knowledgeable on the subject and explains everything in a no nonsense no bullshit way .. Well done both of you . Thanks again 

Rhona Hastings

Such a convenient place to learn, right in the heart of Oban & a short walk to the marina. Derek & Hannah were very warm & welcoming & would certainly be happy to attend for my future training needs. 

Niall Campbell

Had a great couple of days learning new skills and updating old ones.  Instructor was very knowledgable with both practical tasks and learning on the water also her natural way of getting information across in the classroom kept this small amount of time enjoyable.   Great course, have recommended to family and friends already.

Jerome King 

I really enjoyed the course. Both Derek and Hannah were very welcoming and informative. I would highly recommend seagrass marine to anyone looking to get out on the water 

Douglas Rankin


What a fantastic course! 

I bought a powerboat a couple of years ago, launching it once. In hindsight, complete madness and the consequence if something went wrong could have been catastrophic. 
My family advised they would not go in the boat unless I was properly trained.

Roll on time -  my son and I signed up to do the PB2 course with Seagrass Marine in Oban. We both were transparent with Derek (instructor) that we had no previous experience and thus started with a blank mind. We had no previous knowledge of powerboats or understood how to navigate the sea safely.  

Derek, is a very knowledgeable seafarer with many years experience in the industry. Very helpful when providing real world examples. Derek provided the right balance of theoretical class work with on the sea practical teaching / instruction in the Firth of Lorn/ Oban Harbour/ Bay.  Derek ensured we combined both to be safe and how to competently skipper the boat, not limited too: understanding the boat, personal buoyancy, launching, rope work, creating passage plans, to navigate using charts, markers, boat handling at speed and in marinas, man overboard drills, using VHF comms to summon assistance, tidal, weather patterns et al. What a great course. 

Derek was open, patient experienced and I would highly recommend his training. We knew nothing when we arrived and left feeling confident that we could safely skipper our small boats. Thank you..

Ps. Hannah made some super sandwiches at lunch. Tea on tap with biccies too.  



Simon Marvin

It was a great course. There was plenty of hands-on experience on the water in different weather conditions, and it was wonderful to see Oban Harbour from such a different viewpoint. There was a nice balance of theory and practical work, and there were plenty of examples of good practices and what to avoid doing. I would definitely do another course with Seagrass and have recommended it to friends.

Ralph Christie

Having bought a small fishing boat and had very little boating experience, this course was ideal. It gives you classroom knowledge and practical skills that you can develop going forward. Derek and Hannah are fantastic. They are not only knowagable, but relaxed, fun and hospitable. This is my second course with Seagrass Marine and highly recommend them.

Clark Campbell

Iain Beggs

A great course and very well delivered. Powerboat Level II was a fantastic course to learn fundamentals of handling a boat, with Seagrass having the perfect resources and experience to teach it.

David Wight

Great powerboat Level 2 course. I learnt so much and it gave me confidence to be on the sea alone. I thoroughly recommend Seagrass’s course.

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.

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 

John Benjamin  Docherty

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

Sarah-Jayne Cooper-White

Excellent course, extremely knowledgeable instructor. Enjoyable and supportive 

Rob Hall

Great weekend! Feeling a lot more confident with boat handling.

A two day powerboat handling course, perfect for adult beginners and improvers

**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

RYA First Aid

Stephen Hopper

Alchemy -  Liam Byers

Scottish Yacht Charters

Excellent course in comfortable surroundings. Straightforward teaching done without the drama. 

Antony Daly

Well-run practical course, engaging and knowledgeable presenter - and local to us!  Brilliant.  Very much appreciated.

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

**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 £76 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.

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

**SCQF Level 6 (Scotland) Emergency First Aid at Work : 1 day course
**
All learners will develop the skills and knowledge to be an Emergency First Aider  that can provide treatment to their casualties in a prompt, safe and effective manner.

Where an organisation’s risk assessment of First Aid needs identifies that there is a requirement for Emergency First Aid at Work practitioners, then this national Award in Emergency First Aid at Work satisfies the requirements of the regulatory body for First Aid – the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

More details can be found here [https://seagrassmarine.com/first-aid](url) 

Emergency First Aid at Work (1 day)

Heather Morrison

Hannah was a brilliant instructor, very knowledgeable and very engaging with the materials covered, always happy to answer questions and explain things further if needed. When my certificate needs updated I will definitely be coming back, and will highly recommend to friends!

Cecile Mannion

Although I was a bit traumatised by this course as I learnt stuff that was slightly scary, it was very well taught and I feel confidant I could now save someones life.  The woman who taught us was very mathodical easy to understand and I actually remember what she taught me.  She made the course very interesting and she gave me a new respect for all those who have been training as First Aiders.  This was a very good entry level First Aid course that I would definately recommend.  And they even catered lunch and were kind enough to cater to different diretary requirments.  

A regulated one day first aid course for the workplace

**Level 3 First Aid at Work : 3 day course**

This comprehensive three-day course covers a wide range of first aid emergencies, enabling all participants to deal with emergency situations with confidence in a prompt, safe and effective way. In addition, this course will include any protocol changes that may have arisen since their last training course.

This course will give the participants a qualification to the highest level of First Aid, meeting the statutory requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

A regulated three day first aid course for the workplace

First Aid at Work - 3 Day

**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

This 2-day First Aid at Work course is designed for those who currently hold a First Aid at Work qualification which is due to expire. It  meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Health and Safety (First Aid)
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982.

**A range of subjects are covered including:-**
• Legalities, responsibilities and reporting 
• Control of bleeding 
• Poisoning 
• Asthma
• Dealing with an unresponsive casualty
• Shock (including Anaphylaxis) 
• Bandaging • Diabetes
• Fractures and spinal injuries 
• Heart attacks • Choking • Stroke
• Resuscitation and AED awareness 
• Head injuries 
• Eye injuries 
• Burns
• Assessment of the situation 
• Sprains and strains 
• Chest injuries 
• Epilepsy

PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RULES FOR ATTENDANCE:
• A First Aider can renew their FAW qualification by attending a 2-day requalification course without question, if it’s within 1 month past the expiry date
• If the First Aider has lapsed by more than 1 month, but no longer than 3 months, then the First Aider can requalify by attending a 2-day course providing ‘Special considerations’ have been applied

**SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE:**
• A signed letter from the employer to the provider of the training stating the reasons why in their opinion, the First Aider is suitably experienced to attend a 2-day course and does not require a full 3-day FAW course OR ...
• A decision is made by the provider of the training after discussions with the employer, or the First Aider, and deciding that their previous experience is sufficient to attend a 2-day
course
• If the First Aider has lapsed beyond 3 months then they must attend a full 3-day FAW course

This 2-day First Aid at Work course is designed for those who currently hold a First Aid at Work qualification which is due to expire

First Aid at Work - Refresher (2 day)

Do you hold an existing First Aid at Work certificate, which is in date or has expired within the last month?

This 2 day regulated course has been developed for those who are working with children and infants. 

It will be of particular interest to teachers, child minders, crèche assistants, playgroup personnel and anyone else who has a responsibility for their welfare
whilst in your care. 

The purpose of the qualification is for the learner to attain the knowledge and practical competence required to deal with a range of paediatric first aid situations.

A range of subjects is covered including:-
• Role of the Paediatric First Aider
• Primary survey
• Resuscitation (CPR including the safe use of an AED) 
• Wounds, bleeding and shock
• Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis
• Head, neck and back injuries
• Seizure
• Choking
• Minor injuries
• Recovery position 
• Fractures
• Foreign bodies
• Diabetic emergencies 
• Asthma
• Meningitis
• Febrile convulsions
• Extreme cold and heat 
• Electrical incidents

This two-day qualification fulfils the requirements for first aid training detailed in the Department for Education’s statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Paediatric first aid

This 2 day regulated course has been developed for those who are working with children and infants. 

Paediatric First Aid ( 2 day)

At Seagrass Marine, we understand the importance of maintaining the highest standards of food safety at sea. Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Minimum Requirements Regulations, all ships’ cooks and anyone handling food in the galley must be properly qualified in food hygiene or food safety in catering—Level 2 is the minimum accepted standard.

Our Highfield-accredited Level 2 Food Safety at Sea course is designed specifically for the maritime environment. It meets both MCA and MLC requirements, seamlessly incorporating the Small Vessel Codes, Maritime Labour Convention, and Code of Safe Working Practices. With Seagrass Marine, you’re not just ticking boxes—you’re setting the standard.

Seagrass Marine - Highfield Level 2 Food Safety at Sea

At Seagrass Marine, we understand the importance of maintaining the highest standards of food safety at sea. Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Minim...

Highfield Level 2 Food Safety at Sea

**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.

Training Courses in Oban, Scotland