The mandatory seafarer medical, renewed every two years. Approved doctors in the main crew hubs.
ENG1 is the MCA seafarer medical certificate every professional yacht crew member needs before they can work, renewed every two years. Unlike a training course, this isn't about facilities or curriculum, it's a straightforward medical exam, so what actually matters is finding an MCA-approved doctor near you, or near where you're job-hunting, who you can get an appointment with quickly. Here are approved doctors and clinics in the main crew hubs, starting with the two I've used myself.
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Where I get my own ENG1 done. Dr C Penny, MCA approved, in Plymouth. Excellent facility, straightforward online booking.
Also where I've had my ENG1 done. MCA approved practice in Portsmouth (Dr Gill, Dr Drake and Dr Swindells), excellent too. Phone to book.
MCA approved ENG1 medicals in central London with Dr Michael Gonevski, online booking available.
From £115
MCA approved ENG1 medicals right in the Palma crew hub, with Dr Johanna Clark, online booking.
MCA approved ENG1 medicals in the Fort Lauderdale crew hub, with Dr E Grenet, online booking.
MCA approved ENG1 medicals near the French Riviera crew hub, with Dr Simon Gordon, online booking.
MCA approved ENG1 medicals in Liverpool, with Dr J Houghton and Dr O Lutte. Phone to book.
MCA approved ENG1 medicals in Newcastle, with Dr R Swanepoel. Phone to book.
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I've had my ENG1 done at Aquamarine Medicals in Plymouth, with Dr Penny, an excellent facility with straightforward online booking. I've also used Drayton Medical Services in Portsmouth, which was excellent too.
An ENG1 isn't like a training course, there's no facilities to judge or syllabus to compare, it's a medical exam with an MCA-approved doctor. What actually matters is convenience: can you get an appointment when you need one, and is the doctor genuinely on the MCA's approved list.
For an ENG1 specifically, here's what I'd actually check:
It's a two-year renewal you'll do again and again through your career, so find a doctor you trust and stick with them if you can.
ENG1 is the MCA seafarer medical certificate required under the Maritime Labour Convention for all professional crew on commercial vessels. A standard GP medical does not substitute for it.
Two years from the date of examination for most crew. The examining doctor can issue a shorter one-year certificate, or a restricted certificate limiting the vessel type or waters you can serve on, depending on your individual medical assessment.
Yes. Only doctors on the MCA's approved list can issue a valid ENG1, a standard GP appointment doesn't count.
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