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CourseNaval, Offshore & Sports Nautical Applications open

Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics Course

Online 300-hour course in basic outboard engine mechanics. 6 modules covering Directive 2013/53/UE on recreational craft and personal watercraft, Royal Decree 98/2016 on safety requirements for recreational craft and Mercury CDS G3. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain how two-stroke and four-stroke outboard engines work.

02

Inspect fuel, ignition and charging systems.

03

Maintain cooling and lubrication circuits.

04

Apply an hour-based preventive maintenance plan.

05

Diagnose and repair common faults.

06

Use the manufacturer's electronic diagnostic tools.

07

Prepare a documented maintenance plan for an outboard engine.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Marine mechanic seeking to specialise in Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics.
  • Official engine service technician seeking to specialise in Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics.
  • Marina dockhand seeking to specialise in Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics.
  • Recreational craft skipper seeking to specialise in Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics.
  • Maintenance technician for rental fleets seeking to specialise in Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics.
  • Marine workshop supervisor seeking to specialise in Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to enter marine workshops.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Directive 2013/53/UE on recreational craft and personal watercraft
  • Royal Decree 98/2016 on safety requirements for recreational craft
  • ISO 8665 Small craft. Marine propulsion engines. Measurement and declaration of power
  • ISO 8178 Reciprocating internal combustion engines. Measurement of exhaust emissions
  • 40 CFR Part 1045 Control of emissions from new spark-ignition marine engines (EPA)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Two-stroke and four-stroke engines
  2. 1.2Powerhead components
  3. 1.3Lower unit, leg and transmission
  4. 1.4Intake and exhaust system
  5. 1.5Lubrication and oil mixing
  6. 1.6Direct and indirect injection
  7. 1.7Working cycle and valve timing diagram
  8. 1.8Power, torque and performance curves
  9. 1.9Propeller types and selection
  10. 1.10Practical: identifying components in an exploded diagram
  1. 2.1Tanks, filters and primer pump
  2. 2.2Carburettors and their adjustment
  3. 2.3Electronic fuel injection and sensors
  4. 2.4Ethanol problems in petrol
  5. 2.5Coils, spark plugs and CDI
  6. 2.6Electronic control unit
  7. 2.7Charging system and batteries
  8. 2.8Electronic engine diagnostics
  9. 2.9Electric and manual starting
  10. 2.10Laboratory: checking ignition with a multimeter
  1. 3.1Seawater cooling circuit
  2. 3.2Water pump and impeller
  3. 3.3Thermostat and cooling indicator
  4. 3.4Overheating problems
  5. 3.5Four-stroke engine oil
  6. 3.6Lower unit oil and its replacement
  7. 3.7Greasing of pivot points
  8. 3.8Galvanic corrosion and sacrificial anodes
  9. 3.9Freshwater flushing
  10. 3.10Workshop: replacing the water pump impeller
  1. 4.1Hour-based maintenance plan
  2. 4.2Complete annual service
  3. 4.3Engine winterisation
  4. 4.4Recommissioning after winter
  5. 4.5Basic mechanic's tools
  6. 4.6Service manual and exploded diagrams
  7. 4.7Torque settings and original spare parts
  8. 4.8Maintenance records
  9. 4.9Warranty and official servicing
  10. 4.10Practical: 100-hour service inspection
  1. 5.1Diagnostic methodology
  2. 5.2The engine will not start
  3. 5.3Loss of power and idle faults
  4. 5.4Vibration and propeller damage
  5. 5.5Water in the fuel
  6. 5.6Common electrical faults
  7. 5.7Emergency repairs on the water
  8. 5.8Accidental engine immersion
  9. 5.9Workshop safety and fire risk
  10. 5.10Case study: diagnosing an engine that stalls
  1. 6.1Study engine
  2. 6.2Initial condition analysis
  3. 6.3Diagnostic plan
  4. 6.4Maintenance procedure
  5. 6.5Spare parts list and costs
  6. 6.6Operational tests
  7. 6.7Applicable emissions regulations
  8. 6.8Maintenance record sheet
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Mercury CDS G3, Yamaha Diagnostic System, Suzuki Diagnostic System, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for replacing the water pump impeller, electronic diagnosis of a fuel-injected engine and the 100-hour maintenance inspection. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-focused thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with ciber-OT, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Study engine

Explain how two-stroke and four-stroke outboard engines work.

Initial condition analysis

Inspect fuel, ignition and charging systems.

Diagnostic plan

Maintain cooling and lubrication circuits.

Maintenance procedure

Apply an hour-based preventive maintenance plan.

Spare parts list and costs

Diagnose and repair common faults.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Marine mechanicOfficial engine service technicianMarina dockhandRecreational craft skipperMaintenance technician for rental fleetsMarine workshop supervisor
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualifications required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with Mercury CDS G3, Yamaha Diagnostic System and Suzuki Diagnostic System. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates a free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM's own diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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