RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance

Service Description

Engine failure is one of the most common causes of RNLI lifeboat callouts for sailing vessels and motor cruisers. Hosted at our Thameside clubhouse in Central London, this practical one-day course demystifies the marine diesel engine, equipping boat owners, skippers, and active crew with a working understanding of onboard mechanical systems. Working with real engine demonstration components, you will learn how fuel, cooling, and electrical systems operate together to keep your vessel moving. The course emphasises hands-on preventative maintenance and diagnostic fault-finding, covering fuel line air bleeding, fuel and oil filter changes, raw-water impeller replacement, drive belt tensioning, and fuel contamination management. Taking control of your engine bay reduces servicing costs, prevents unnecessary strandings, and supports self-sufficiency afloat. Full Syllabus: • Engine Operations & Architecture: Fundamental four-stroke diesel principles, key engine components, and routine servicing schedules. • Fuel Systems & Contamination: Bleeding air from fuel lines, primary and secondary filter replacement, water separator inspection, and fuel bug prevention. • Cooling & Electrical Systems: Raw-water impeller checks, heat exchanger maintenance, drive belt adjustment, and basic 12V engine circuit care. • Fault Diagnosis & Winterisation: Emergency fault-finding at sea, essential onboard spares kit management, and end-of-season winterisation protocols. Course Inclusions & Equipment: The course price includes official RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance training materials and practical access to classroom engine components throughout the session. Non-member registration also includes a complimentary 1-month temporary club membership, granting full access to clubhouse bar and dining facilities to help you integrate into the Little Ship Club community. Schedule & Location: • Dates: Saturdays (09:30–16:30). • Location: Little Ship Club Clubhouse, Bell Wharf Lane, London. Pricing & Membership Terms: • Member Price: £100 • Non-Member Price: £155