The RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance Course provides absolutely essential knowledge for the sailor at sea holding the safety of his family or crew and vessel as high priority. This 1-day course covers all the basics of engine maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair. The course does not assume any prior knowledge and consists of basic written exercises, a computer slide show and video presentation. Our highly experienced Diesel Engine Course assessors will impart their valuable knowledge and relate their own experiences using a modern marine diesel engine at our on-site facilities at LargsCentre in Scotland and at PrestonCentre in England.. On successful completion of this course you will be awarded with an internationally recognised qualification of your RYA Certificate.
Most people can be afraid of touching their Diesel Engine simply because they don't understand it. On a ScotSail course you will get valuable 'hands on' experience with a modern marine diesel engine and a chance to explore all the parts, including learning how to perform vital maintenance such as oil and filter changes and much more and, with the rising costs of marine servicing you could save yourself hundreds or thousands of pounds over the life of your engine.
Why a Diesel Engine Course?
Servicing can cost as much as £300 inc parts and labour for a typical marine diesel;
Be safe and know your own equipment, and know how to fix it QUICKLY if it does go wrong;
Expand your skills and prove to your crewmates that you have the knowledge and are a competent sailor.
Course Content
Principles of the Diesel Engine
The 4-Stroke Cycle
The Fuel System
The Cooling System
The Air System
Engine & Electrical Systems
Fault Diagnosis & Repair
Servicing & Winterisation
Course Aims
To provide sufficient knowledge to the seaman so that he or she understands fully the principles and functions of a modern marine diesel engine and identify its associated constituent systems in order that he or she might be able to conduct basic fault finding, diagnosis and repair to systems or parts which do not require the assistance of a professional engineer or the facilities of a marine workshop.
Course Structure
This course does not assume any pre-requisite knowledge however, it is recommended that persons who have booked this course or who are intending to book a place in the future read the RYA Diesel Engine Handbook G25. To purchase this book direct from the RYA, Click Here. This course covers interesting topics which even seasoned sailors will find enlightening and is delivered in a highly structured and effective manner. The RYA Instructor will make use of different media including visual-audio aids, computerised slide-shows and though hands-on experience with diesel-engine parts.
Your Day
0900 - 1030 - Introduction & Exercises with Computer Presentations;
1030-1045 - Morning Break. (Refreshments are available within at the cente);
1045-1200 - Course Delivery, Practice and Example Videos;
1200-1300 - Afternoon Break (Refreshments are available at the centre);
1300-1700 - Concluding Course Delivery and Scenario Exercise with Working Engine.
The above delivery schedule is a guide only as each class will be tailored to suit the requirements of the individual participants.
Course Dates & Prices
Searching Availability...
See below for 2025/26 Course Dates for LargsCentre.
*Please be aware that on average, these courses can become fully booked 4 - 6 weeks prior to the published start-date. If you need
this course you should contact ScotSail as early as possible to reserve a space. This also applies to recipients of valid Gift Vouchers. Last-minute and stand-by spaces could be available.
