Diesel Repair – Industrial and Marine

Overview

In this program, you learn to maintain and repair diesel engines and their components. These are in-demand skills that  support multiple industries and employers. Agricultural and heavy-duty equipment repair trades, as well as automotive service and industrial mechanic trades all require highly skilled individuals to work on diesel engines. Diesel mechanics also work onshore in our marine sector, supporting marine transportation, fisheries and aquaculture enterprises.

You learn to overhaul diesel engines as well as acquire knowledge of systems (such as cooling, lubrication and electrical). You also learn how to use tools and equipment; fabricate items to specific tolerances; read and interpret schematics, drawings and manuals; and apply mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic principles to various systems.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• You learn from experienced instructors.
• You benefit from small class sizes, which provide lots of opportunities for one-on-one interaction and support.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.
• NSCC is a preferred training provider for trades in Nova Scotia. Graduates of this program who register as apprentices with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) may be eligible to receive credit for hours and theory towards future certification in several trades.

Other info

• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

Availability

Seats are available for domestic applicants only. International applicants will be waitlisted.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Diesel Repair – Industrial and Marine

Career options

• Graduates find employment in many occupations related to the industrial manufacturing and marine sectors, such as marine mechanic, diesel technician (industrial and marine), diesel-powered equipment repair, service advisor/writer, parts supplier, equipment repair and hydraulic mechanic.
• Some graduates pursue work in designated trades, such as Marine Service Technician, Automotive Service Technician, Truck and Transport Mechanics, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Agricultural Equipment Technician and Industrial Mechanic.

Future study options

• Graduates working in a designated trade may register as apprentices with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency upon finding employment.
• Some may find themselves working in a compulsory trade, where registration as an apprenticeship is necessary. For other trades, registration in an apprenticeship program is optional but a beneficial pathway.
• Red Seal Endorsement - Individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to write the inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal is a valued certification that allows tradespeople to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

DRIM 1002 - Fuel Injection - Mechanical and Electronic
Students in this course will learn to troubleshoot, service, and repair fuel system and components for diesel engines. Specifically fuel injectors, transfer pumps and safe handling of fuel will be discussed.

DRIM 1003 - Lubricating Systems
This course offers students the opportunity to service, inspect and troubleshoot components of a lubrication system like oil strainers, pumps, coolers and filters.

DRIM 1004 - Cooling Systems
Students will learn to perform preventative maintenance and troubleshoot cooling systems and components in this course. Servicing of cooling system components such as pumps, temperature monitors, and hoses for coolant systems will be practiced.

DRIM 1005 - Electrical Systems
This course introduces the functions of industrial and marine diesel electrical systems. Students will inspect, adjust, service, and troubleshoot various components of electrical systems such as ignition and charging systems as well as batteries.

DRIM 1007 - Drives - Power Transmission
Students in this course will learn to troubleshoot, inspect, services and align marine diesel drive system components such as clutches, couplings, belts, and chains.

DRIM 1011 - Safety, Tools and Equipment
This course introduces basic workplace safety and the safe use of shops, and of the tools and equipment, relating to the industrial and marine industries. Students will demonstrate shop safety practices, use of protective equipment, use and maintenance of tools and fastening devices. Course material addresses requirements of the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHSA) related to the heavy equipment industry.

DRIM 1012 - Diesel Fundamentals I
This course offers students the opportunity to overhaul several different makes of diesel engines using service manuals, proper tools, and proper procedures. Safe procedures when working in and around engines will be a high priority in this course.

DRIM 1040 - Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Students will explore both hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components in this course, including pressure and temperature gauges. Students will learn about air and fluid pressure and also heat transfer in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

DRIM 1100 - Work Experience
This course involves spending time at a job site under industry supervision. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

DRIM 1112 - Diesel Fundamentals II
Students will be given the opportunity to learn diesel engine functionality, and the technology required for its continuing operation. External engine components are introduced as well as the safety procedures necessary when working around any engine.

DRIM 2001 - Engine Overhaul
This course will allow students to gain practice in troubleshooting problems and carrying out maintenance for diesel engines of various makes. Students will be expected to locate and interpret information, apply diagnostic tools and procedures and carry out and document repairs.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.