At UKSA we run a number of courses for those looking for a career in superyachts or yachting. As well as obtaining all the necessary practical and theoretical qualifications, in order to be able to work at sea, it is mandatory that you obtain a seafarer medical certificate confirming that you are fit and well enough to carry out your duties.
The certificate is a requirement of the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and therefore it would be against the law for you to work without one. Furthermore, Professional Yachtmasters will not be able to have their qualification commercially endorsed without a seafarer medical certificate.
There are two types of certificate approved by the MCA: an ENG1 Medical Certificate (referred to as ENG1) and an ML5 Medical Certificate (referred to as ML5).
ENG1 and ML5 Medical Certificates Explained
Do I need an ENG1 or an ML5?
If you are looking to make a career at sea (in other words, become a ‘seafarer’) then you will need an ENG1. The only exception to this is if you are going to work on board a small commercial vessel certificated for Area Category 2 to 6 (so one which doesn’t go more than 60 miles from a safe haven), in which case you would only require an ML5 Certificate.
According to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), “a seafarer is any person, including a master, who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship and whose normal place of work is on a ship.”
What is the difference between an ML5 and an ENG1?
The ENG1 is the medical certificate required for anyone pursuing a professional career at sea, including those working on commercial yachts and superyachts. It is the more rigorous of the two assessments and must be completed by an MCA-approved doctor.
The ML5 is a lighter medical assessment designed for those working on small commercial vessels operating no more than 60 miles from a safe haven (Area Categories 2–6). It can usually be completed by your local GP rather than an MCA-approved doctor.
In summary:
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ENG1 – Required for seafarers and anyone wanting their professional qualifications commercially endorsed.
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ML5 – Suitable only for certain limited-area small-vessel operations.
If you plan to build a long-term career in superyachting or the wider maritime industry, you will almost certainly need an ENG1.
Applying for an ENG1 Medical
How do I apply for an ENG1 or ML5?
An ENG1 must be issued by an MCA-approved doctor. A list of the UK-based doctors can be found here, and a list of overseas doctors here.
Where can I get an ENG1 medical certificate?
ENG1 medicals can only be issued by MCA-approved doctors. You cannot obtain an ENG1 from a regular GP unless they appear on this approved list.
You can book your appointment with any MCA-approved doctor in the UK or overseas. The MCA provides two official lists:
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UK-based approved doctors
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Overseas approved doctors
You can choose any location that works for you, but appointments can fill quickly, especially during peak training periods, so it’s best to book early.
How much does the ENG1 medical certificate cost?
The current ENG1 certificate cost is £115 (13th November 2025).
If you are applying for an ML5 then you will need to download this form and take it to your local GP to complete.
What happens in an ENG1 medical and what do I need to take?
You will need to take some photo ID, your local GP’s name, surgery address and contact details, any medication you’re taking, your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them (though not colour correction lenses) and your previous medical certificate if you have one.
The appointment should take around 30-40 minutes and the medical is non-invasive. The doctor will ask for a urine sample so that your kidney function and blood sugar levels can be tested, they will measure your height and weight, take your blood pressure, listen to your lungs as well as check your ears nose and throat. You will have your eyesight tested and be checked for colour blindness and they will also test your reflexes and give you a physical examination. If you have any previous medical history then the doctor will discuss this with you too.
If you are worried that you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to obtain an ENG1 then please see Annex A in MSN 1886 which contains a list of those conditions which will require further examination.
Does an ENG1 medical test for drugs?
No, the standard ENG1 medical does not include a drug test. The assessment focuses on confirming that you are medically fit to work at sea, which includes checks on eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, respiratory health and general physical capability. A urine sample is taken, but this is to assess kidney function and blood sugar levels, not to screen for drugs.
However, the examining doctor may investigate further if they have a clinical reason to believe that drug or alcohol misuse may affect your fitness to work safely at sea.
How do I get my ENG1 certificate?
Once your doctor has finished your examination they will issue you with one of the following 3 certificates:
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- fit without restrictions (unrestricted)
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- fit with restrictions (limiting your work to certain jobs or locations)
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- temporarily or permanently unfit
If you pass, the doctor will usually issue you with your ENG1 certificate that same day. If you are found to be unfit or your ENG1 is restricted then the doctor will issue you with a ‘Notice of Failure/Restriction (ENG3)’ form. The ENG3 will tell you what to do if you want to have an independent medical review.
ENG1 Medical FAQs
What if I fail my ENG1 medical?
If you do not pass your ENG1 medical (ie temporarily or permanently unfit), these results will stand for 5 years. You can have another ENG1 medical during the next 5 years if you can medically prove that the condition that caused you to fail has been reversed.
If you would like an independent medical review, you will need to contact the MCA Seafarer Health and Safety Branch within one month of the ENG3 being issued. A list of medical referees who can carry out an independent medical review can be found here.
Can I get an ENG1 if I am colour blind?
During your ENG1 medical you will be tested for colour blindness using the Ishihara test. If you fail the Ishihara test then don’t panic! There is a colour vision test you can choose to take called “Colour Assessment and Diagnosis” (CAD) which measures the severity and type of colour vision loss, and reliably detects congenital deficiency.
For more information regarding CAD see this MSN 1886 amendment which includes a list of CAD test centres and the information you would need to take to the CAD test.
If you pass the CAD test and have no other medical conditions which could affect your ability to carry out your duties at sea, then this is great news as you will be issued an unrestricted ENG1.
If you fail the CAD test you will be issued an ENG1 with the restriction ‘Not Fit for lookout duties at night. Not eligible for MCA CoC or rating certification’ and the certificate will be ticked ‘not fit for lookout duties’.
You will receive a letter from the CAD test centre to confirm your test result which you will be required to take to all future medicals.
Deck officers or trainee officers who have failed both the Ishihara test and the CAD test will be classed as permanently unfit for sea service.
How long is an ENG1 medical valid for?
An ENG1 can be valid for up to 2 years (1 year if you are aged between 16 and 18) and an ML5 can be valid for up to 5 years, however either certificate would become invalid if you developed a condition or a disability (mental or physical) which affects your ability to work.
When should I apply for my ENG1?
At UKSA we recommend you obtain your ENG1 prior to starting your course so that you are ready to begin work as soon as your course has finished. This will also highlight at the outset any issues which might affect your ability to work at sea, such as colour blindness.
Can an under-18 have an ENG1 medical?
Yes. Anyone aged 16 or over can undergo an ENG1 medical.
If you are aged 16–18, your ENG1 certificate will only be valid for 1 year instead of the standard 2 years. The medical assessment itself is the same as for adults, and you will still need to meet the same fitness standards required to work safely at sea.
