The examination, validity and outcomes
- The examination covers a health questionnaire and history, vision and hearing tests, and a physical examination.
- The certificate is normally valid for up to two years (less for those under 18, and sometimes shorter for a condition).
- The result may be fit, fit with restrictions (e.g. wearing glasses, or a limited area), or unfit.
- There is an appeal process if a seafarer disagrees with an unfit or restricted decision.
The ENG1 examination is a straightforward medical: a questionnaire and history, tests of vision (including colour vision where required) and hearing, and a physical examination. The certificate is normally valid for up to two years, so it is renewed before it expires to avoid being unable to sail. The outcome is usually 'fit', but it may be 'fit with restrictions' — for example requiring corrective lenses, or limiting the seafarer to a certain area or role — or, rarely, 'unfit', in which case there is a right of appeal. Preparing means bringing any glasses and relevant medical information, and dealing honestly with the questionnaire, because the medical protects the seafarer as much as the ship.
TIP — Renew before it expires The ENG1 is normally valid for up to two years. Track its expiry and book the renewal in good time, because sailing with a lapsed medical is not permitted and can leave a seafarer stuck ashore.
NOTE — Restrictions and appeals An ENG1 may be issued fit with restrictions — such as wearing glasses or a limited operating area — rather than a simple fit or unfit. If a seafarer disagrees with an unfit or restricted decision, there is a formal appeal process.