Thinking of a career at sea? Book your MCA Medical with us
If you are thinking about starting a career at sea, in addition to the necessary qualifications, you will also need to have an MCA medical certificate. This ensures that you are fit and healthy to carry out your duties at sea. It is also a requirement of the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), meaning it is illegal to work at sea without a valid certificate.
Who needs an MCA ENG1 medical examination?
ENG1 medical certificates are required by all seafarers with the exception of those who will only be working on board small commercial vessels under 24 metres in length and that won’t be at sea for more than 72 hours or operate more than 200 miles from the UK coastline. In these cases you would only require an ML5 certificate.
Most seafarers, however, will need an ENG1 medical certificate issued by an MCA approved doctor, which includes those here at Heathrow Medical.
What does an MCA medical involve?
The ENG1 medical is a non-invasive medical examination that takes around 40 minutes to complete. You will be given a general physical examination as well as being asked to supply a urine sample so that your kidney function and blood sugar levels can be tested. Your height and weight will be measured and the doctor will check your lungs, reflexes and blood pressure.
Your hearing and eyesight will be tested and you’ll be checked for colour blindness. The medical will also be an opportunity to discuss your past medical history and any current medical conditions that may affect your ability at sea.
What do you need to bring with you?
Together with any documents relating to your medical history, you will also need to bring some photo identification such as your passport, the details of your GP, any medication you currently take and glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. If this is not your first MCA medical, then you’ll also need to bring your current ENG1 medical certificate with you.
Obtaining your medical certificate
Once your medical examination is complete and you have been declared fit to be a seafarer you will be issued with your ENG1 certificate on the same day. If however, you have been declared fit with restrictions or temporarily/permanently unfit, you will be told of the steps you need to take if you want an independent medical review.
How long is an MCA ENG1 medical certificate valid for?
ENG1 medical certificates are generally valid for 2 years (1 year if you are aged between 16 and 18), however they will cease to be valid if you develop a condition that prevents you from doing your job properly.
Book now for your MCA medical
If you’re about to embark on a career at sea or you need a renewal MCA medical certificate you have come to the right place. At Heathrow Medical we specialise in maritime medical examinations including the ENG1 medical and offer convenient appointments from our medical centre based adjacent to Heathrow Airport. For more information or to book your seafarer medical please call us on 020 8528 2633 or click here for further details.