Yacht Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Overview of Onboard Engineering Systems

Maps the major mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems found on a yacht. Sets the integration context for all subsequent technical chapters.

Lesson 2 • Yacht Classifications and Hull Forms

Covers monohull, catamaran, and trimaran designs alongside displacement, semi-displacement, and planing hulls. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Naval Architecture Fundamentals

Introduces hydrostatics, buoyancy, and stability principles essential to yacht design. Connects geometric hull parameters to real-world performance outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Structural Inspection and Repair

Teaches methods for detecting delamination, cracking, and corrosion in yacht structures. Prepares students to specify and execute structural repairs.

Lesson 2 • Structural Load Analysis

Identifies static, dynamic, and impact loads acting on a yacht hull and deck. Connects load types to structural member sizing and placement decisions.

Lesson 3 • Aluminium and Steel Construction

Examines metal hull construction methods, welding standards, and corrosion protection strategies. Relevant to bluewater cruisers and commercial yachts.

Lesson 4 • Fibreglass and Composite Construction

Covers glass-reinforced plastic, carbon fibre, and sandwich core laminates used in modern yacht building. Explains layup schedules and structural efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Diesel Engine Principles

Explains the four-stroke diesel cycle, fuel injection, and combustion in marine engines. Establishes thermodynamic foundations for all propulsion troubleshooting.

Lesson 2 • Alternative Propulsion Technologies

Introduces hybrid diesel-electric, pure electric, and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems. Positions students to evaluate emerging low-emission options.

Lesson 3 • Propeller Theory and Selection

Applies blade geometry, pitch, and cavitation theory to propeller sizing. Enables students to match propellers to engine power curves and hull speed.

Lesson 4 • Propulsion System Maintenance and Faults

Provides systematic fault-finding procedures for engines, gearboxes, and shafting. Reinforces preventive maintenance schedules to maximise reliability.

Lesson 1 • Renewable Energy Integration

Covers solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and hydrogenerator installations for energy self-sufficiency. Connects renewable sources to charge controllers and battery banks.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Fault Finding and Safety

Applies multimeter, clamp meter, and insulation testing to locate wiring faults. Emphasises fire prevention, bilge blower interlocks, and safe isolation procedures.

Lesson 3 • DC Electrical Fundamentals

Reviews Ohm's law, circuit types, and 12/24 V DC system architecture common on yachts. Provides the analytical base for all onboard electrical work.

Lesson 4 • AC Electrical Systems and Shore Power

Explains inverters, generators, and shore power connections for 120/240 V AC systems. Addresses galvanic isolation and safety earthing requirements.

Lesson 1 • Freshwater Systems Design

Covers pressurised freshwater circuits, tank sizing, and pump selection for cruising yachts. Addresses water quality, filtration, and contamination prevention.

Lesson 2 • Waste and Sewage Systems

Covers holding tanks, macerators, and overboard discharge compliance for marine sanitation. Ensures students design systems meeting environmental protection standards.

Lesson 3 • Fuel Systems and Bunkering

Covers diesel and gasoline fuel tank design, vent systems, and fuel polishing. Addresses safe bunkering procedures and spill prevention requirements.

Lesson 4 • Seawater Cooling and Raw Water Systems

Explains raw water intake, strainers, sea cocks, and engine cooling circuits. Connects seawater system design to corrosion control and maintenance access.

Lesson 1 • Deck Hardware and Fittings

Covers winches, cleats, blocks, tracks, and anchor systems with load calculations. Connects hardware selection to structural reinforcement requirements covered earlier.

Lesson 2 • Mast, Boom, and Spar Engineering

Analyses compressive and bending loads in aluminium and carbon spars. Prepares students to specify spar sections and inspect for fatigue and corrosion.

Lesson 3 • Standing Rigging for Sailing Yachts

Explains shroud and stay materials, wire vs. rod vs. fibre rigging, and tension tuning. Addresses fatigue failure modes and inspection intervals.

Lesson 4 • Running Rigging and Sail Controls

Covers halyards, sheets, furling systems, and traveller controls for efficient sail handling. Connects rope selection and lead geometry to crew safety and performance.

Lesson 1 • Fire Detection and Suppression

Covers smoke, heat, and flame detectors alongside fixed and portable suppression systems. Addresses engine room, galley, and accommodation fire risks specifically.

Lesson 2 • Gas Systems and Explosion Prevention

Covers LPG and CNG installation standards, locker design, and vapour detection systems. Addresses ignition source control and safe purging procedures.

Lesson 3 • Risk Assessment and Safety Management

Applies formal risk assessment methods to yacht engineering tasks and passage planning. Produces safety management documentation aligned with industry standards.

Lesson 4 • Flooding and Damage Control

Develops systematic responses to hull breaches, sea cock failure, and progressive flooding. Builds on bilge system knowledge to create layered damage control plans.

Lesson 1 • Handover Documentation and Owner Training

Produces as-built drawings, system manuals, and maintenance schedules for vessel handover. Delivers structured owner and crew training on all critical systems.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Launch Inspection and Testing

Executes structured pre-launch checklists covering structural, mechanical, and electrical readiness. Ensures all systems meet design specifications before the vessel enters the water.

Lesson 3 • Systems Integration Planning

Develops a master integration plan coordinating mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems. Identifies interface conflicts and sequencing dependencies before installation begins.

Lesson 4 • Defect Management and Rectification

Establishes a defect tracking system to capture, prioritise, and close commissioning punch list items. Connects quality control processes to final acceptance criteria.