The ENG1 medical is the seafarer medical fitness certificate that almost every professional mariner in the UK system needs before starting work afloat. This guide explains what an ENG1 medical is, who needs one, how to book with an MCA approved doctor, how long it lasts and what happens if you are found unfit or given restrictions.
Key points
- An ENG1 is the UK seafarer medical fitness certificate; only an MCA approved doctor can issue it.
- It is normally valid for up to two years (one year if you are under 18), and a doctor can issue a shorter one.
- Seafarers on merchant ships and yachts need one; small vessels working domestically may accept the cheaper ML5 instead.
- If you fail or are restricted, the restriction goes on the certificate and can limit the work or certificates open to you.
What is the ENG1 medical?
The ENG1 is a certificate of medical fitness issued under the Maritime Labour Convention rules as applied in the UK. The examination checks that you are fit for sea service: vision and colour vision, hearing, heart and blood pressure, mobility, mental health, and conditions that could make you a danger to yourself or others on board or leave you without ready medical help at sea. It is not a general health check and the doctor is not your GP; they are assessing fitness for the job.
The MCA publishes the standards doctors work to, and an approved doctor follows them rather than their own judgement. That is why two different doctors should reach the same result for the same condition.
Who needs an ENG1?
GOV.UK says you need an ENG1 if you are a seafarer, in charge of a ship, or serving on a merchant ship or yacht. Some people on fishing vessels need one too, for example where the vessel is over 24m or goes to sea for long periods or a long way offshore. In practice:
- Merchant Navy cadets and officers: you need a valid ENG1 to start a cadetship and to hold a UK STCW certificate of competency.
- Yacht crew: deckhands, engineers, stewards and officers on commercial yachts need one, and most crew agencies will not place you without it.
- STCW training: many colleges ask to see it before you start sea-going courses or the STCW Basic Safety course.
ENG1 or ML5?
The ML5 is a lighter certificate for domestic small-vessel work. GOV.UK lists it for masters and crew of small commercial vessels certificated for Area Category 2 to 6, and for crew of some domestic passenger ships. The MCA says the ML5 does not meet the Maritime Labour Convention, so it may not be accepted at inspections abroad, and the MCA guidance recommends using it only for domestic voyages. If you might work internationally, want a UK STCW certificate or may move onto larger vessels, get the ENG1. Skippers working in category 1 or 0 waters also need an ENG1 rather than an ML5 for their RYA commercial endorsement.
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Where to get an ENG1 and how to book
Only a doctor on the MCA's list of Approved Doctors can issue an ENG1. The MCA publishes the list, updated regularly, and there is a separate list for approved doctors overseas. Your GP cannot do it unless they are also on the list. UK-based approved doctors must be fully registered with the GMC and hold a licence to practise. Some companies have doctors approved only to examine their own employees, so check that the doctor you book is approved for the public.
- Find an approved doctor near you from the MCA list and book an appointment.
- Complete the medical history form the doctor asks for, honestly and fully. Hiding a condition can invalidate the certificate and cause bigger problems later.
- Bring photo ID, glasses or contact lenses, and a list of any medication and relevant medical letters.
- Attend the examination, which covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, urine test, and a physical and history review.
- If you pass, the doctor issues the certificate on the day or shortly after.
What does it cost?
The maximum fee an approved doctor can charge for an ENG1 examination is set by the MCA; GOV.UK currently gives £115. Check the current figure before you book, as it is reviewed from time to time. Some doctors charge extra for further tests or for reports needed if a condition has to be assessed.
How long is an ENG1 valid?
The maximum validity is two years for adults and one year if you are under 18. The certificate shows the date of examination and the expiry date. A doctor may issue a shorter certificate if your health needs monitoring, for example to match your next hospital review for a progressive condition. If a certificate expires while you are at sea, MCA rules allow you to carry on until the next port where you can be examined, or for up to three months, whichever is sooner. Do not rely on this: book your renewal well ahead, because a lapsed medical can stop a crew change, an exam or a certificate application.
What if you are unfit or restricted?
The doctor can reach one of three outcomes: fit without restriction, fit with restrictions or a shorter validity, or temporarily or permanently unfit. A restriction might, for example, limit you to certain trading areas, require a particular treatment or prevent some duties. Restrictions are written on the certificate. They matter beyond the job itself: the RYA says a restricted ENG1 or ML5 results in a restricted commercial endorsement, and that an ENG1 restriction prevents STCW qualifications for vessels over 24m.
If you are found permanently unfit, temporarily unfit for more than three months, or fit only with restrictions, the doctor issues an ENG3 notice of failure or restriction. You can ask for an independent review by a medical referee appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport: use the form on the ENG3 and send it to the MCA Medical Administration Team within one month of the ENG3 being issued. MSN 1887 says a decision normally takes about two months, that the MCA meets the cost of the review and any specialist reports, and that you pay only your own travel. Ask the doctor to explain in writing which standard applies, because many problems, such as high blood pressure that is not yet controlled or a recent illness, are temporary and a later examination passes.
Tips for a smooth ENG1
- Book before you pay for expensive courses, so you know you can use them.
- Get an eye test beforehand; colour vision is checked and deck candidates are held to a standard.
- Bring documents for any condition or medication, such as a GP letter or specialist report.
- Keep a scan of the certificate. Crew agencies and port state control will ask for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can my GP issue an ENG1?
Only if they are an MCA Approved Doctor. The MCA publishes the list, so check the doctor's name before you book.
How long does an ENG1 last?
Up to two years for adults and one year under 18. A doctor can issue a shorter period if your health needs monitoring.
How much does an ENG1 cost?
There is a maximum fee set for the examination, which GOV.UK currently gives as £115. Check the current figure and any extra charges when you book.
Is an ML5 the same as an ENG1?
No. The ML5 is for certain small vessels working domestically, and the MCA says it does not meet the Maritime Labour Convention. Get an ENG1 if you might work abroad or want STCW certificates.
Do I need an ENG1 to start a cadetship?
Yes. Careers at Sea lists passing the ENG1 as an entry requirement for officer cadet schemes.
Can I use a foreign medical certificate?
The MCA accepts seafarer medical certificates issued under the authority of countries it recognises as equivalent to the ENG1. The list is in MSN 1815, and the certificate must show the key details in English. Check the list and your employer's policy.
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