Dr Sheila O’Neill has been appointed as an Approved Medical Practitioner by the MCA to carry out seafarer (ENG1) medicals.The cost is £115 and the medical will usually take about 30-45 minutes but could take longer.
The following items will be needed at the appointment (and the MCA have said the medical cannot be carried out without them):
- Seaman Service Book (Discharge) Book, Passport or Driving License.
- The last ENG 1 or equivalent overseas certificate (Unless it is a first appointment)
- Spectacles or contact lenses, F1, plus spares.
- Any medication, recent letters, discharge notes etc. Which relates to medical treatment since the last medical examination
Those who wear contact lenses should not wear them on the day of the examination, they will need to remove them while they are tested against the unneeded vision standard.
Before the appointment, it is helpful to avoid exposure to load noise for 16 hours if a hearing test is being carried out.
- Physical examination.
- Height, weight and body mass index.
- Eye test to include near, distance and television.
- Pulse and blood pressure assessment.
- Urine testing.
- Audiometry.
ML5
If you work on board a ship or yacht, you will need to have a valid ML5 medical certificate to demonstrate that you are fit to work at sea.
This certificate sets out minimum requirements for working conditions, including medical fitness, for seafarers.
The ML5 certificate is a medical report completed by a doctor. We also recommend having the vision part of the assessment carried out by an Optometrist.
The process includes a thorough physical examination of the seafarer and a review of their medical history, as well as tests that may include:
-
- Height and Weight
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Colour vision
- Hearing
- Blood pressure
Having an ML5 medical certificate is crucial for seafarers, as it demonstrates that they meet the minimum medical requirements for working on board a ship or yacht.
Without this certificate, seafarers may not be permitted to work at sea and could risk losing their job or being denied employment opportunities.
The certificate is valid for up to two years, depending on the age and medical condition of the seafarer, and must be renewed periodically.
