Seafarer Medical Requirements in United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) sets seafarer medical standards. The UK seafarer medical certificate is known as the ENG 1 and is issued by MCA-approved doctors.
This record has not yet been fully checked against the official source. Requirements change — always confirm with the maritime authority before your examination.
Applicable standards
The MCA publishes the standards and guidance its approved doctors apply, including the Approved Doctors' Manual for seafarer medical examinations, and Merchant Shipping Notices (MSNs) on medical certification. MSN 1815 (as amended) lists countries whose seafarer medical certificates the UK accepts as equivalent to the ENG 1.
Examination information
The ENG 1 examination is carried out by an MCA-approved doctor in the UK or overseas. It covers medical history, a physical examination and tests including eyesight and hearing.
Approved / authorized medical examiners
The MCA publishes lists of approved doctors based in the UK (by nation) and overseas.
Medical certificate
The ENG 1 is the UK seafarer medical fitness certificate. It may be issued with restrictions or limitations on duties or areas of operation. International minimums (MLC, 2006 Standard A1.2 and STCW Regulation I/9) cap medical certificates at two years (one year for seafarers under 18) and colour-vision certification at six years. National rules may be stricter.
Vision
Eyesight and colour-vision standards are set out in MCA guidance for approved doctors, consistent with STCW Section A-I/9.
Hearing
Hearing standards are set out in MCA guidance for approved doctors.
Renewal
Book a new ENG 1 examination with an approved doctor before your certificate expires. MCA guidance explains review and appeal routes if a certificate is refused or restricted.
Required documentation
Typically: photo identification, previous ENG 1 or equivalent certificate, and details of medication and medical history. Glasses or contact lenses if worn.
Sources
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency — Approved Doctor's Manual: Seafarer Medical Examinations (opens in a new tab) (July 1, 2020)
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency — MCA approved doctors for overseas (opens in a new tab)
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency — MSN 1815 (M+F) — Countries whose seafarer medical certificates are accepted as equivalent to the ENG 1 (opens in a new tab)
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SeafarerFit summarizes publicly available information for convenience. It is not affiliated with, approved by or acting for this authority, and this page is not an official statement of the rules. Country-Specific Regulatory Disclaimer