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.
Basic Outboard Engine Mechanics Course — studying from Ireland
Ireland's maritime sector spans shipping services, offshore energy, marine research and sports boating, with ports such as Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes supporting trade and logistics. The offshore wind and marine renewables sector is growing, creating demand for engineers in structures, marine systems and subsea technology. Marine research institutions such as the Marine Institute contribute to ocean science and offshore technology. Oversight is provided by the Irish Maritime Administration within the Department of Transport and by classification and safety bodies.
Fees for Ireland: €797 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Which bodies in Ireland regulate or recognise marine and offshore engineering professionals?
In Ireland, marine matters fall under the Irish Maritime Development Office and the Irish Maritime Administration, while the Marine Survey Office handles vessel safety. Professional engineering membership is usually sought through Engineers Ireland. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by these bodies, so they do not grant certificates of competency or professional status.
How do employers in Ireland's marine and offshore sectors view private online qualifications?
Employers in Ireland's offshore energy, shipping and nautical industries generally prioritise certified competencies and sea-going or project experience. A private online qualification may complement your background but is judged at each employer's discretion. There is no guarantee it will be accepted for any particular role.
Can I study this online from Ireland and do I need a visa or to relocate?
You can study from home in Ireland, as the programme is fully online and taught in English, so no student visa is needed to study from home. Programme lengths are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Each student is assigned a technical tutor.
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.
What you will be able to do
Explain how two-stroke and four-stroke outboard engines work.
Inspect fuel, ignition and charging systems.
Maintain cooling and lubrication circuits.
Apply an hour-based preventive maintenance plan.
Diagnose and repair common faults.
Use the manufacturer's electronic diagnostic tools.
Prepare a documented maintenance plan for an outboard engine.
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.
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)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Two-stroke and four-stroke engines1.2Powerhead components1.3Lower unit, leg and transmission1.4Intake and exhaust system1.5Lubrication and oil mixing1.6Direct and indirect injection1.7Working cycle and valve timing diagram1.8Power, torque and performance curves1.9Propeller types and selection1.10Practical: identifying components in an exploded diagram
2.1Tanks, filters and primer pump2.2Carburettors and their adjustment2.3Electronic fuel injection and sensors2.4Ethanol problems in petrol2.5Coils, spark plugs and CDI2.6Electronic control unit2.7Charging system and batteries2.8Electronic engine diagnostics2.9Electric and manual starting2.10Laboratory: checking ignition with a multimeter
3.1Seawater cooling circuit3.2Water pump and impeller3.3Thermostat and cooling indicator3.4Overheating problems3.5Four-stroke engine oil3.6Lower unit oil and its replacement3.7Greasing of pivot points3.8Galvanic corrosion and sacrificial anodes3.9Freshwater flushing3.10Workshop: replacing the water pump impeller
4.1Hour-based maintenance plan4.2Complete annual service4.3Engine winterisation4.4Recommissioning after winter4.5Basic mechanic's tools4.6Service manual and exploded diagrams4.7Torque settings and original spare parts4.8Maintenance records4.9Warranty and official servicing4.10Practical: 100-hour service inspection
5.1Diagnostic methodology5.2The engine will not start5.3Loss of power and idle faults5.4Vibration and propeller damage5.5Water in the fuel5.6Common electrical faults5.7Emergency repairs on the water5.8Accidental engine immersion5.9Workshop safety and fire risk5.10Case study: diagnosing an engine that stalls
6.1Study engine6.2Initial condition analysis6.3Diagnostic plan6.4Maintenance procedure6.5Spare parts list and costs6.6Operational tests6.7Applicable emissions regulations6.8Maintenance record sheet6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
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.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain how two-stroke and four-stroke outboard engines work.
Inspect fuel, ignition and charging systems.
Maintain cooling and lubrication circuits.
Apply an hour-based preventive maintenance plan.
Diagnose and repair common faults.
Where this takes you
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.
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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