Basic Marine Propulsion System Service Checks For Small Vessels Training

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and describe the main components of a small vessel marine propulsion system.
• Apply safety procedures and risk assessments before conducting service checks.
• Perform basic inspections on propulsion system components including engine, shaft, propeller, and cooling system.
• Demonstrate correct use of hand tools and diagnostic equipment during service checks.
• Record service findings and recommend corrective actions based on manufacturer specifications.
• Evaluate system performance to determine if further maintenance or repair is required.

Target Audience

This course is designed for marine technicians, vessel operators, and maintenance personnel who require foundational skills in servicing small vessel propulsion systems. It is also suitable for individuals entering the maritime industry or seeking to formalize their practical experience.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Hands-on practical sessions are essential for learners to apply theoretical knowledge to real engines. Learners will perform service checks on actual marine propulsion systems, developing competence in inspection, fluid testing, filter replacement, and basic diagnostics under supervision.

Practical Activities

• Practical 1: Safety and Pre-Start Checks — Learners perform a full safety inspection and pre-start checklist on a small diesel or outboard engine, including PPE use, compartment ventilation, and lockout procedures. (2h)
• Practical 2: Fluid Sampling and Filter Replacement — Learners drain and sample engine oil, replace oil and fuel filters, and bleed the fuel system. They also inspect coolant and gearbox oil. (3h)
• Practical 3: Electrical and Cooling System Checks — Learners test battery voltage, alternator output, and starter draw using a multimeter. They also inspect cooling water flow and replace an impeller. (3h)
• Practical 4: Complete Service Routine and Sea Trial — Learners perform a full service routine from start to finish, then accompany the instructor on a brief sea trial to monitor engine performance. (2h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.