MCA-approved ENG1 seafarer medical examinations in Portsmouth, carried out by a team of three doctors at The Sanderson, Havant Road.
Call to book: 023 92310151 →Drayton Medical Services provides ENG1 seafarer medical examinations from Suite 280, The Sanderson on Havant Road in Portsmouth. The practice is staffed by three doctors — Dr R Gill, Dr A Drake and Dr M Swindells — who conduct examinations in line with the MCA's ML5 guidance for seafarer fitness assessments.
The ENG1 certificate is a statutory requirement for commercial seafarers working on vessels subject to MCA regulations. The examination assesses general physical fitness, eyesight, colour vision, hearing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Certificates are typically valid for two years, though shorter validity periods may apply depending on individual health findings or age.
Portsmouth is one of the UK's principal maritime hubs — home to the Royal Navy's main base and a major commercial ferry port — making it a convenient examination location for crew based along the south coast of England or travelling via the port.
The ENG1 seafarer medical certificate is required for commercial seafarers under MCA regulations. It confirms fitness to serve at sea and is typically valid for 2 years. The examination covers vision, hearing, blood pressure and general physical fitness. Shorter validity periods may apply where a doctor identifies a condition requiring review. Contact the practice directly to arrange an appointment.
Call to book: 023 92310151 →Typical cost: £100–£180. Confirm current fees directly with the examiner.
Well-known budget-to-mid-range chain hotel in the city centre, just a 2-minute walk from Portsmouth & Southsea railway station and close to Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower.
View options →Modern 3-star budget hotel on Winston Churchill Avenue with a 24-hour snack menu, on-site parking, and a stylish restaurant; 500 metres from Portsmouth & Southsea station.
View options →Contemporary IHG hotel situated at Gunwharf Quays retail and leisure complex, directly beside Portsmouth Harbour station and the Spinnaker Tower, with free breakfast included.
View options →Southampton Airport (SOU) is approximately 20–25 miles from Portsmouth city centre. Taxi or private transfer takes roughly 30–35 minutes (typically £30–£50). By train, change at Eastleigh or Southampton Central; journey approximately 1 hour. National Express coaches also link Southampton Airport to Portsmouth.
Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour stations are both in the city centre; Portsmouth Harbour is adjacent to the ferry port and Gunwharf Quays. Direct trains from London Waterloo (South Western Railway) take approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Southern services run from London Victoria and Brighton. Trains also serve Southampton, Eastleigh and Cardiff.
Portsmouth International Port (Continental ferry terminal) and Portsmouth Harbour (Isle of Wight services). Routes run to Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre and St Malo in France; Bilbao and Santander in Spain; the Channel Islands; and the Isle of Wight via Fishbourne every ~30 minutes. Operators include Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries, DFDS Seaways and Wightlink.
Brittany Ferries →Portsmouth is well served by the M27 (east–west) and A3(M) from London. Follow the M27 to junction 12, then the A2030 into the city. Portsmouth is approximately 75 miles south of London. Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard area have pay-and-display and multi-storey car parks; parking can fill quickly during peak periods.
Open in Maps →Southampton Airport (SOU) is the nearest international airport, approximately 30–35 minutes by taxi. Portsmouth has excellent rail connections (direct to London in under 1 hour 40 minutes) and is one of the UK's major ferry ports with routes to France, Spain and the Isle of Wight. Wightlink and Brittany Ferries are the primary ferry operators. Shuttle buses run between Portsmouth & Southsea station and the ferry port (May–September); taxis are available year-round for around £5.