MCA Approved Engineering Courses in Palma, Mallorca

Gain hands-on engine room confidence and official MCA engineering qualifications with Palma Sea School. Taught by veteran marine engineers at our central Paseo Marítimo training centre in Palma de Mallorca, our practical courses equip crew, skippers, and aspiring yacht engineers with essential maintenance and troubleshooting skills.

Official MCA & RYA Approved Courses
🛠️ Hands-On Component Training
📍 Central Palma Location (Paseo Marítimo)

Build your marine engineering qualifications step-by-step; from basic engine maintenance to official MCA certification!

MCA Approved Engine Course 1 AEC1 1.200 €

MCA Approved Engine Certificate 1 (AEC1)

Go from zero experience to engine-room competent in just 5 days

The MCA AEC1 is the essential entry-level qualification for the superyacht industry. Whether you are a Deckhand looking to increase your employability with a “Deck/Engineer” role, a Skipper wanting to troubleshoot your own vessel, or a complete beginner aiming for a life at sea, this course is your starting line.

At Palma Sea School, we strip away the intimidation of marine mechanics. Taught by industry-veteran engineers, our course focuses on demystifying the diesel engine. You won’t just sit in a classroom; you will get hands-on with real components, learning how to identify faults, fix common issues, and keep a vessel running smoothly.

Why Choose Palma Sea School for AEC1?

  • No Experience? No Problem: Designed for absolute beginners with simple, understandable logic.
  • Learn on Real Equipment: Get hands-on tool and component experience in our central Palma workshop.
  • Central Location: Direct on Paseo Marítimo, walking distance from main marinas and crew housing.

What You Will Learn

  • The Diesel Engine Core: Compression ignition, 4-stroke cycle, engine construction & combustion ratios.
  • Vital Fluid Systems: Fuel system bleeding, filter changes, cooling & lubrication maintenance.
  • Drive & Electrical: Gearboxes, shafts, propellers, alternators, batteries & starting circuits.
  • Safety & Legislation: MARPOL pollution regulations, COSWP, and LPG hazard handling.
Duration: 5 Days (Monday – Friday, 35 Hours)
Prerequisites: None. Minimum age 18.
Location: Palma Sea School, Paseo Marítimo, Palma.
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MCA Approved Engine Course 2 AEC2 1.200 €

MCA Approved Engine Certificate 2 (AEC2)

Complete your engineering foundation and unlock the full MCA AEC qualification

The MCA AEC2 is designed to take the knowledge you gained in AEC1 and apply it to the complex “hotel” and auxiliary systems found on modern superyachts. While AEC1 focuses on the engine itself, AEC2 dives deep into the critical systems that keep guests happy and the vessel operational – from refrigeration and air conditioning to hydraulics and electrical distribution.

At Palma Sea School, we believe the best way to learn these systems is to get your hands on them. Delivered by expert marine engineers with decades of sea time, this 5-day course bridges the gap between basic maintenance and real-world engineering management.

Why Upgrade to AEC2?

  • Unlock “Sole Engineer” Roles: Meets requirements for Sole Engineer on UK-flagged vessels up to 24m (<1,500kW).
  • Real-World Troubleshooting: Learn real-life tips and tricks for hydraulics, AC systems, and electrics.
  • Hands-On & Interactive: Limited class sizes ensure maximum practical time with equipment.

What You Will Learn

  • Refrigeration & Climate Control: Principles of operation, gas laws, system components, and safe refrigerant handling.
  • Hydraulics & Deck Systems: Understanding circuit diagrams, pumps, actuators, control valves, and maintenance.
  • Electrical & Hotel Services: Practical AC/DC distribution, circuit protection, fresh water systems & sewage (MSD).
  • Management & Operational Safety: COSWP, MARPOL compliance, Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS), and risk assessments.
Duration: 5 Days (Monday – Friday, 35 Hours)
Prerequisites: Must hold an AEC1 certificatei Minimum age 18.
Location: Palma Sea School, Paseo Marítimo, Palma.
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RYA Diesel Engine Course 250 €

RYA Diesel Engine Course

The RYA Diesel Engine Course is a 1-day beginners’ course, designed to help you prevent & solve marine diesel engine failure. Mechanical failure is the main cause of rescue call-outs, and a basic knowledge of maintenance & engine care will help ensure that you are not part of this statistic.

Course Content

  • Principles of diesel engine operation & key engine systems
  • Fault finding and rectification of common mechanical problems
  • Bleeding the fuel system and changing the water pump impeller
  • Routine maintenance & winter lay-up procedures
Duration: 1 Day
Pre-course Experience: None
Assumed Knowledge: None
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ℹ️ MCA AEC 1 Prerequisite & Exemption Guidance

Must have completed MCA approved AEC 1 course or equivalent* or possess a suitable exemption as per MCA MIN 524.

*Where one can clearly demonstrate that previous qualifications and experience held cover the contents of the AEC 1 syllabus. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case review when an application for exemption is received.