If you are planning on making a career of being at sea, then chances are you’ll need to find out about the ENG1 medical. This medical assessment is designed to ascertain whether seafarers are fit to be employed or engaged in activities at sea. You won’t be able to board a ship in a work capacity unless you have undergone the correct medical assessment, as it’s important that you are fit and healthy to do your job and don’t have any health issues that might put other crew or passengers at risk. 

An ENG1 medical is necessary for anyone who falls into one or more of these categories: 

• In charge of a ship 
• Seafarer – anyone who works on board a ship including master, crew, hairdressers, entertainers, shopkeepers and contractors 
• Serving on a merchant ship or yacht 

You may also need an ENG1 certificate if you work on a fishing vessel that is to be inspected at a foreign port. 

In order to be valid, an ENG1 medical certificate must be issued by a doctor who is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).  

You can find an MCA approved doctor by using the gov.uk website or you can search for an ENG1 medical provider in your area and check that they are approved.  

What does an ENG1 medical consist of? 

As per all industry specific medicals, there are a number of general checks that will need to be conducted by a doctor to ensure you’re fit to be a seafarer. These will include: 

• Height and weight 
• Reflexes 
• Eyesight and colour blindness test 
• Ear and throat examination 
• Urine test to check kidney function and blood sugar levels 
• Hearing test 
• Blood pressure check 
• Heart and lungs 
• Teeth and gums 

You will also be asked questions about your medical history and whether you are taking any medication.  The examination is non-invasive and should take around 40 minutes, though you should allow longer for your appointment. 

Getting your ENG1 medical certificate 

At the end of your medical, the doctor will issue you with one of three certificates: 

• Fit without restrictions  
• Fit with restrictions (which limits your work to certain jobs or locations) 
• Temporarily or permanently unfit 

If you pass your medical exam the certificate will be valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your ENG1 medical then the results will stand for 5 years, however you can take another medical within that period if you can prove that whatever caused you to fail the test has been reversed.  

Your ENG1 medical certificate can be suspended or cancelled at any time if there is a major change in your health and fitness or you don’t disclose your full medical history or current conditions to the doctor at the time of the medical.   

To find out more about what the examination involves or to book an ENG1 medical in London you can visit the Heathrow Medical website.