Entry & progression
Module: guidance on the ENG1 seafarer medical certificate — the MCA medical fitness certificate that a seafarer must hold to work at sea on UK ships. It is a guidance module, not a course; the medical itself is carried out by an MCA-approved doctor. Note: requirements and standards change; always confirm the current position with the MCA and an approved doctor.
What the ENG1 is and why it matters
The ENG1 is the MCA's seafarer medical fitness certificate, required to work at sea on UK-registered ships and for the commercial endorsement of yacht certificates. It is issued by an MCA-approved doctor after an examination against defined medical and eyesight standards, because a seafarer works far from medical help, must be able to perform their duties including in an emergency, and must not be a danger to themselves or others through a medical condition. The standards cover general health, vision and hearing, and the fitness to do safety-critical tasks such as firefighting, survival and lookout.
- The ENG1 is the MCA seafarer medical fitness certificate, required to work at sea on UK ships.
- It is issued by an MCA-approved doctor after an examination against defined standards.
- It exists because seafarers work far from help, must perform duties including in emergencies, and must not endanger others.
- The standards cover general health, eyesight and hearing, and fitness for safety-critical tasks.
NOTE — Fitness for the sea, not just general health The ENG1 assesses fitness for the specific demands of seafaring — the isolation, the physical duties, and the safety-critical tasks — not just everyday health. A condition manageable ashore may still affect a seafarer's fitness at sea.
WARNING — No ENG1, no work at sea A valid ENG1 (or accepted equivalent) is a legal requirement to work at sea on UK ships and for the commercial endorsement. Without a valid medical certificate a seafarer cannot sail, so it is kept current.