ENG1 Medical Certificate — Complete Guide for Seafarers

The ENG1 medical certificate is the standard seafarer health assessment required by the United Kingdom's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). If you plan to work on a UK-flagged vessel — from commercial ships to superyachts — you need a valid ENG1 before stepping aboard.

What is the ENG1?

The ENG1 is a medical fitness certificate issued under the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2010. It confirms that a seafarer meets the minimum health standards required for service at sea.

The certificate is issued by an MCA-approved Panel Doctor after a structured medical examination. It is valid for two years (one year for seafarers aged 65 and over).

The ENG1 is distinct from other maritime medical certificates. Canada issues a Medical Fitness Certificate under Transport Canada, Australia issues an AS 1885 certificate under AMSA, and the United States uses a USCG medical certificate. Each flag state has its own requirements, but the ENG1 is the most widely recognised for UK-flagged operations.

Source: Merchant Shipping (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2010; MCA Panel Doctor guidance

Who needs an ENG1?

You require an ENG1 if you serve on:

• UK-flagged commercial vessels — cargo ships, tankers, bulk carriers, passenger vessels
• UK-flagged superyachts — operating under MCA codes LY3 or PLY
• Vessels trading to UK ports — foreign-flagged vessels calling at UK ports may require crew to hold an ENG1
• Charter yachts — crew on charter operations under commercial codes

You do not need an ENG1 if you serve on a private pleasure vessel that does not operate commercially. However, many yacht management companies require crew to hold an ENG1 regardless, as it simplifies port state control inspections.

What the exam covers

The ENG1 examination is a comprehensive medical assessment. It includes:

• Vision test — distance acuity, colour vision (Ishihara plates), and field of vision
• Hearing test — whispered voice test or audiometry
• Blood pressure and cardiovascular assessment
• Respiratory function — peak flow measurement
• Urinalysis — screening for diabetes (glucose) and kidney disease (protein)
• Physical examination — musculoskeletal, neurological, and abdominal
• Mental health assessment — cognitive function and psychological fitness

The examination typically takes 30–45 minutes. Bring your passport or photo ID, any current glasses or contact lenses, and a list of medications you take.

Cost and where to book

The ENG1 costs between £100 and £150, depending on the Panel Doctor's location and practice. There is no fixed national fee — each doctor sets their own price.

To find an approved Panel Doctor, visit the MCA's register of approved medical examiners. You can search by location and book directly by phone or online.

Source: MCA guidance on seafarer medical examinations

ENG1 vs foreign equivalents

Each flag state issues its own seafarer medical certificate. The ENG1 is the UK equivalent. Here is how it compares:

• United Kingdom — ENG1: Valid 2 years, issued by MCA Panel Doctor, cost £100–£150
• Canada — Medical Fitness Certificate: Valid 2 years, issued by Transport Canada approved physician, cost CAD 100–200
• Australia — AS 1885: Valid 2 years, issued by AMSA approved examiner, cost AUD 150–300
• United States — USCG Medical Certificate: Valid 2 years, issued by USCG-approved physician, cost $100–200

If you already hold a medical certificate from another flag state, you may still need an ENG1 for UK-flagged operations. The MCA does not automatically accept foreign medical certificates.

How to renew

Begin the renewal process 4–6 weeks before your ENG1 expires. The process is identical to the initial examination — book with an MCA Panel Doctor and complete the full medical assessment.

If your ENG1 expires while you are serving on a vessel, you must cease duties and cannot return to sea until a valid certificate is issued. There is no grace period.

For seafarers aged 65 and over, the ENG1 is valid for only one year and must be renewed annually.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work on a superyacht without an ENG1?

If the yacht operates under an MCA commercial code (LY3 or PLY), all crew must hold a valid ENG1. Private pleasure vessels are exempt, but many management companies require it regardless.

How long does the ENG1 medical take?

The examination typically takes 30–45 minutes. Results are usually available within 24–48 hours. Some Panel Doctors can issue the certificate on the same day.

What happens if I fail the ENG1?

If the Panel Doctor determines you do not meet the medical standards, the certificate will not be issued. You can appeal the decision or seek treatment for any correctable conditions and reapply.

Can I get an ENG1 abroad?

Yes. MCA-approved Panel Doctors are available in many countries worldwide, particularly in major maritime centres. Check the MCA register for overseas examiners.

Do I need an ENG1 for non-UK vessels?

Generally no — non-UK vessels accept their own flag state's medical certificate. However, some international operators and insurance companies prefer crew to hold an ENG1 as a benchmark of medical fitness.

Related safety training

The ENG1 is a face-to-face medical examination — it cannot be completed online. However, the safety competencies measured under STCW include Elementary First Aid at Sea and Medical First Aid (MFA), which cover the first-aid theory that complements your ENG1 practical assessment. If you are working towards an STCW endorsement alongside your ENG1, these online courses from Marine Pro Academy are MCA-accepted and can be completed at sea.

• Elementary First Aid at Sea — STCW A-VI/1-3, the basic first-aid module that pairs with your ENG1 medical sign-off. Start the EFA course (MPA).
• Medical First Aid (MFA) — STCW A-VI/4-1, the next-level medical training for designated first-aiders on board. Start the MFA course (MPA).

Note: these are STCW training courses, not a substitute for the ENG1 medical examination itself. The ENG1 must still be completed in person with an MCA-approved Panel Doctor.

See also: STCW Basic Safety Training | UK maritime employment guide | Compare flag states