The ENG1 Medical Certificate: Everything You Need to Know Before Applying

Before you apply for an apprenticeship, a cadet programme, a CTV crew role, or any job at sea — you need an ENG1. It is not a formality. It is a full medical examination conducted by an MCA-approved doctor that determines whether you are physically and mentally fit for work at sea. Getting it sorted before you apply for anything is the single most important first step in a maritime career.

What Is the ENG1?

The ENG1 is the Seafarers' Medical Certificate, issued under the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Regulations 2002 and aligned with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). It certifies that a seafarer meets the medical fitness standards required to work on a seagoing vessel. Without a valid, unrestricted ENG1, you cannot begin most UK maritime apprenticeships, cadet programmes, or employment on any vessel operating in UK-regulated trades.

What the Medical Covers

An ENG1 examination assesses a wide range of health factors:

• Vision: Distance vision with and without correction, colour vision, and near vision. Requirements vary by rank — Masters and OOWs have stricter minimum standards than ratings. Colour blindness can restrict which roles you qualify for.
• Hearing: Audiometry test in most cases. Some hearing loss is acceptable with correction; severe loss can result in a restricted certificate.
• Cardiovascular: Blood pressure, ECG for older applicants, and cardiovascular history review. Uncontrolled hypertension is a common reason for temporary deferral.
• Respiratory: Basic lung function. History of asthma, COPD, or sleep apnoea will be assessed.
• Musculoskeletal: Ability to carry out physical duties — climbing ladders, emergency procedures, manual handling.
• Diabetes: Insulin-dependent diabetes historically restricted sea service; the MCA has updated guidance, but this remains a careful assessment area.
• Mental health: Assessed as part of the overall fitness review. Managed mental health conditions do not automatically result in failure — the MCA takes a nuanced approach.
• Medication: All current medications are reviewed for compatibility with seafarer duties.

Where to Get an ENG1

The examination must be conducted by an MCA-approved Medical Inspector of Seafarers (AMIS). These are doctors who have been specifically trained and approved by the MCA to conduct seafarer medical examinations. A general GP cannot issue an ENG1.

The MCA maintains a searchable list of approved doctors on its website: gov.uk/guidance/seafarer-medical-fitness. There are approved doctors in all major UK cities and most coastal towns. Some operate walk-in appointments; most require booking in advance.

Cost

The ENG1 examination costs approximately £150–£300 depending on the doctor and location. This is set by the individual practice — there is no fixed MCA fee. London and major city appointments typically cost more. The certificate itself is issued by the doctor at the time of examination.

How Long Does It Last?

What Happens if You Fail or Get Conditions

A failed or conditional ENG1 is not necessarily the end of a maritime career. The MCA has an appeals process, and many conditions that initially result in a restricted certificate can be managed with treatment or additional assessment. Common deferral reasons — uncontrolled blood pressure, borderline vision, untreated sleep apnoea — are often resolvable before reapplication.

If you receive a restricted certificate (for example, a near-coastal restriction due to colour vision), some maritime roles remain fully open to you. Offshore wind crew roles, harbour operations, and boatmaster work may all be accessible depending on the specific restriction. Ask the examining doctor to explain exactly what your certificate permits.

There is also a separate seafarer medical standard — ML5 — used for fishing vessels operating within certain limits. If ENG1 standards cannot be met, ML5 may be achievable depending on the role.