Seafarers Medicals
Seafarers Medicals - ENG 1
What is an ENG1 Medical?
An ENG1 medical is a mandatory fitness assessment required to work in the maritime industry. Its purpose is to protect your safety and the safety of others onboard by confirming that you are physically and mentally fit for life at sea.
Without a valid ENG1 certificate, you are not legally permitted to work on vessels, whether offshore or closer to home.
What Does the Medical Involve?
Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire.
On arrival, you will be required to provide a urine sample (this is not a drugs test). One of our professional and friendly nurses will carry out a series of checks including height, weight, blood pressure, hearing, and vision tests.
You will then see the doctor for a physical examination. In some cases, additional tests may be required, such as a step test, ECG, or spirometry (breathing test). Occasionally, further specialist tests or additional information from your GP or consultant may also be needed.
What to Bring With You
Please ensure you bring the following to your ENG1 medical:
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Photo ID – passport, driving licence, discharge book, or National Citizen ID card
(The MCA no longer accepts any other forms of ID for ENG1 medicals) -
Your previous ENG1 certificate, if applicable
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Glasses, if you usually wear contact lenses (please wear glasses on the day)
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Details of any medication, medical conditions, or hospital admissions since your last medical
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Comfortable clothing suitable for a step test, if required
Additional guidance:
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Avoid exposure to loud noise for 16 hours before your appointment
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A dental certificate may be required; it is recommended that you see your dentist at least once a year
Seafarers Medicals
Seafarers Medicals - ML5
To work at sea, you must hold either an ENG1 or an ML5 medical certificate.
ML5 medicals are generally suitable for work on smaller vessels, carrying fewer passengers, and operating closer to shore. If you are unsure which medical is right for you, we are happy to advise and can carry out either assessment.
For those aged 65 and over, an ML5 certificate can only be issued for a maximum of one year, so an ENG1 medical may be the more suitable option.
Please note: if a “Yes” answer is recorded on your ML5 questionnaire, the application must be referred to an ML5 Assessor for further consideration, which may extend the process.
Further information about ML5 medicals is available on the UK Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/seafarer-medical-certificates
What Does the ML5 Medical Involve?
You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and provide a urine sample (this is not a drugs test).
One of our friendly and professional nurses will carry out checks including height, weight, blood pressure, and vision.
You will then see the doctor for a medical examination.
What to Bring With You
Please bring the following to your appointment:
-
Photo ID – passport, driving licence, discharge book, or National Citizen ID card
-
Glasses, if you usually wear contact lenses (please wear glasses on the day)
OUR SERVICES
At ESMS, we are committed to delivering a high standard of care through efficient, professional and patient-focused medical assessments. We understand the importance of timely certification in safety-critical industries and aim to make the process clear, supportive and stress-free. From booking through to completion, our service is designed to be straightforward, respectful and responsive to individual needs.
EXPERIENCE
Our medical services are led by experienced and fully accredited examiners with specialist expertise across aviation, maritime, offshore and professional driver medicals. With extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and clinical standards, we provide thorough assessments supported by clear guidance and, where necessary, access to specialist medical opinion.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We take our professional responsibilities seriously and operate with transparency, integrity and strict adherence to regulatory and clinical standards. ESMS is committed to maintaining patient confidentiality, data protection compliance and clear communication at every stage. Our accountability ensures trust, consistency and confidence in the medical services we provide.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Success Stories: Hear What Our Clients Say
“The process was straightforward and professional from start to finish. Everything was clearly explained and the appointment ran on time. I appreciated the calm, supportive approach, which made the medical far less stressful than expected.”
Private Pilot
Liverpool, Merseyside
“Excellent service with clear instructions before the appointment and a very efficient assessment on the day. The team were friendly, professional and thorough. I would highly recommend ESMS for anyone needing an OGUK medical.”
Offshore Worker
Rotterdam, Holland
“Booking was easy and the whole experience was smooth and well organised. The medical was conducted professionally and I felt fully supported throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to use ESMS again.”
Commercial Driver
West Kirby, Wirral