Course Overview
This course covers Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their applications on ships. Students will develop control programs for marine applications on a PC using industrial software, connect process control sensors to PLC, transfer, test, and troubleshoot their programs on PLC. Tune a PID controller to maintain water level in a tank. Networking PLCs and protocols, alarm monitoring and interfacing, calibrating, troubleshooting and connecting process control sensors, and signal conversion analog to digital and digital to analog conversion. Testing and connecting silicone-controlled rectifiers (SCRs), MOSFETS, IGBTs, and their application in power electronics.
Prerequisite(s)
- Transport Canada, STCW Fourth-Class Motor Marine Engineering Certificate of Competency
Credits
8.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$1,555.30
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Build marine control programs on a PC and download and test the program on an industrial PLC.
- Tune a tank level PID controller to maintain level with varying load demands.
- Calibrate process sensors used on ships.
- Connect process control sensors to PLC and test the sensors.
- Describe different types of input and output modules required to interface field devices to a PLC.
- Convert digital signals to analog and convert analog signals to digital.
- Test a silicone-controlled rectifier (SCR) and build a simple control circuit using an SCR to control a motor.
- Connect a MOSFET to control the speed of a DC motor or the position of a linear actuator.
- Identify and test electronic devices: SCR, MOSFET, and IGBT.
- Connect and configure a PLC to a network in an electrical lab and calibrate it
Effective as of Winter 2026
Related Programs
Advanced Automation and Controls (MEOC 6120) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Transportation
- Marine Engineering
Advanced Diploma Full-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of MEOC 6120 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70490
Dates
Aug 11 - Sep 08 Loading
- CRN 70490
- $1555.30 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11 - Sep 08 | Mon - Fri | 08:30 - 15:45 | Marine BMC |
Duration
4 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- If this course is taken outside of the Advanced Diploma program, students will have to arrange to write exam at Transport Canada individually. Please email med@bcit.ca with your prerequisite/knowledge requirements to seek approval to register. Note: There will be no class held on Sep 7.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.