Key takeaways
- ✓The ENG1 is the full seafarer medical, issued only by an MCA-approved doctor and valid for up to 2 years.
- ✓The ML5 is a lighter medical for small commercial vessels working up to 60 miles from a safe haven.
- ✓Beyond 60 miles from a safe haven (categories 1 and 0), an ENG1 is required.
- ✓For an RYA commercial endorsement the ML5 must be the latest form version — check before you book.
Side by side
| ENG1 | ML5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | An MCA-approved doctor (in the UK and overseas) | Any doctor registered with the UK General Medical Council, usually your own GP |
| Valid for | Up to 2 years (1 year under 18) | Up to 5 years under 65; 1 year from 65 |
| Covers | Seafarers on seagoing ships, and work on small commercial vessels more than 60 miles from a safe haven | Work on small commercial vessels up to 60 miles from a safe haven, and some local passenger vessels |
| Accepted for | All of the ML5 uses as well | Coastal commercial work only |
Who pays for an ENG1?
According to the UK Ship Register, the current fee for an ENG1 is £115, and if you are employed in the UK your employer pays it. Extra tests can cost more and must be agreed with whoever is paying before they are done.
Using an ML5 for a commercial endorsement
The RYA only accepts the latest version of the ML5 form for a commercial endorsement — currently MSF 4112 Rev 01/26 — and the MCA will not accept ML5 medicals that are more than one year old for this purpose. The older Rev 02/23 form can be used for an endorsement until 31 December 2026.
If your doctor ticks any “yes” box on the ML5 report, the medical is referred to the MCA for review before an endorsement can be issued.
When a medical stops being valid
A seafarer medical can stop being valid before its expiry date if you develop a condition that affects your fitness to work at sea. You must then get a new certificate when you have recovered, and in the UK you must tell the MCA about changes to your medical fitness during the validity of an ENG1.
Upload your medical certificate to your Maritime Delivery profile — clients see that it is current, and verified crew get reminders before it expires.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ML5 the same as an ENG1?+
No. The ML5 is a lighter medical for small commercial vessels working up to 60 miles from a safe haven and can be done by your own GP. The ENG1 is the full seafarer medical, issued by an MCA-approved doctor, and is needed for work further offshore and on seagoing ships.
How long is an ENG1 valid?+
Up to 2 years for seafarers aged 18 and over, and up to 1 year for those under 18. The doctor can issue a shorter certificate if your health requires it.
Can I use an ML5 for a commercial endorsement?+
Yes, for work up to 60 miles from a safe haven, but the RYA only accepts the latest version of the form and the MCA will not accept an ML5 that is more than one year old for an endorsement. Skippers working more than 60 miles from a safe haven need an ENG1.
How much does an ENG1 cost?+
The UK Ship Register gives the current fee as £115. If you are employed in the UK, your employer pays it.
Sources
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