WHERE IS THE RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE RUN?
- Chieftain Training, Woolston, Southampton
- Chieftain Training, Helensburgh, Scotland
- Bespoke course at your location (on demand)
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE AIMS:
The RNLI tell us that the most common reason for call-outs is machinery failure. Many of these call outs would be avoided if more yachtsmen (sail and power alike) had a better understanding of how the engine works and how to;
- carry out regular checks,
- carry out routine maintenance and
- perform basic, “get you home” maintenance
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE DURATION:
The RYA Diesel Course has 6 hours of contact/workshop time and typically runs from 0915 to 1615.
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE PRE REQUISITES:
None. No previous mechanical ability or knowledge of engines is required. You will be surprised at just how straightforward most of the checks, fault finding and adjustments are.

RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE CONTENT:
This course teaches you how your diesel engine works, how to keep it healthy by using basic checks and maintenance procedures, and how you might get it started again in the event of a breakdown.
Whether you sail a yacht with an auxiliary diesel engine, are a motor cruising enthusiast or operate a workboat, this course can save you money, and one day could save your life.
Course topics include:
- The principles of diesel engine operation
- The systems and parts of the engine
- Fault finding
- Rectification of common problems
- Bleeding the fuel system
- Changing the impeller
- Routine maintenance
- Winter lay up procedures
Students have full access to a range of static marine diesel engines and a large selection of tools in the training room.
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE PROGRAMME:
The course is a mixture of theory and practical sessions. During the practical sessions you will work on our training engines.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OUR RYA DIESEL COURSE:
- Day of shorebased training
- Use of our training engines and tools
- RYA Diesel Course Notes
- RYA Diesel Certificate
- Tea & Coffee
- Free parking
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN OUR RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE:
- Lunch
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE RATIOS:
The RYA requires their centres to have 1 training engine, which can be shared by up-to 6 students and to have one Instructor per 12 students. We smash this requirement on both fronts as we have an extensive range of engines (see below) and our maximum class size is 8, meaning you get more “hands on engine time,” and are not stood around, just watching. We are unaware of any other RYA centre in the world that is as well equipped for this course. While the maximum class size is 8, the class size is typically 3-6 students and we will run the course with as few as 2 students.
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE EQUIPMENT (SOUTHAMPTON):
We have equipped our training room with some of the most common marine diesel engines you are likely to come across;
Brand | Horse Power | Size | Model | Typical Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Volvo Penta | 18 HP | 2 cylinder | MD 2002 | 24-29 foot sailing yachts |
Yanmar | 36 HP | 3 cylinder | 3JH2 | 30-40 foot sailing yachts |
Volvo Penta | 135 HP | 6 cylinder | TMD- A | Displacement work boats & motor yachts |
Perkins | 135 HP | 6 cylinder | Perkins 635 | Larger workboats & large yachts |
Perkins (pair) | 175 HP each | 6 cylinder | Perkins 6354 | Larger workboats & large yachts |
Volvo Penta | 200 HP | 6 cylinder | TAMD-B | Larger workboats & planing motor yachts |
Caterpillar | 420 HP | 6 cylinder | Cat 3126 | Larger workboats & planing motor yachts |
Our training engines are supported by an extensive workshop tool kit.
Don’t worry if your engine is not listed above, the skills you learn with us are transferable to any vaguely modern marine diesel engine.
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE EQUIPMENT (HELENSBURGH):
Brand | Horse Power | Size | Model | Typical Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Perkins | 18 HP | 2 cylinder | PK | 24-29 foot sailing yachts |
Yanmar | 29 HP | 3 cylinder | 3YM30 | 30-40 foot sailing yachts |
Norfolk Nanny | 19 HP | 2 cylinder | Canal Boats |
Our training engines are supported by an extensive workshop tool kit.
Don’t worry if your engine is not listed above, the skills you learn with us are transferable to any vaguely modern marine diesel engine.
HOW LONG IS THE RYA DIESEL ENGINE CERTIFICATE VALID FOR:
The RYA Diesel certificate is valid for life, it does not require revalidation.
RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE BOOKING:
If the dates below do not suit you we can set up a bespoke 1:1, 2:1 or group course at a time that suits you, either using our training engines or on your own boat.
WHY CHOOSE CHIEFTAIN TRAINING FOR YOUR RYA DIESEL ENGINE COURSE?
We will run the RYA Diesel course 1:1 or 2:1 on board your boat or as part of a group at our centre. Our training room is well equipped with a variety of training engines and all of the necessary tools.