Every seafarer needs a valid medical certificate before joining a ship. It confirms you are fit for the physical demands of life on board and won't become a health risk far from hospitals. The best-known standard is the UK ENG1, but every flag state has an STCW-compliant equivalent. Here is what the exam checks and how to pass it first time.
What the medical checks
- Vision and colour perception — critical for deck officers; a colour-vision defect can close a deck career.
- Hearing.
- Blood pressure, heart and cardiovascular health.
- Urine test — screens for diabetes and kidney problems.
- BMI and general physical fitness — you must be able to move and act in an emergency.
- Medical history — chronic conditions, medication and past surgeries.
- Mental health declaration.
Common reasons seafarers fail
- Uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes — the most frequent. Managed with treatment and paperwork, many still pass.
- Colour-vision defects — limit deck roles; engine and some other roles may still be open.
- Untreated dental problems — a bad tooth at sea is a real risk, and some exams check dental fitness.
- BMI too high — severe obesity can fail you on mobility and emergency grounds.
- Undeclared conditions — hiding something that later surfaces can void the certificate and end a contract.
How to prepare
- Book with a doctor approved for your flag state — an ENG1 must be issued by an MCA-approved doctor; other flags have their own approved lists.
- Sleep well and avoid salt and caffeine before a blood-pressure check.
- Bring your glasses or contacts and any prescriptions.
- Treat known issues — dental, blood pressure — before the exam.
- Be honest: declaring a managed condition is far safer than hiding it.
Validity and renewal
Most seafarer medical certificates are valid for up to 2 years (1 year for under-18s). Renew before it expires — an expired medical means you cannot sign on. Keep a scan in your SeaJobs.pro profile so it is ready the moment a crewing agency asks, and when your papers are in order, browse current vacancies.