Fiona Murray, Head of the Deckhand and Bosun Department at YPI CREW, recently sat down with Dr Simon Gordon, a certified ENG1 doctor, to demystify the Seafarer’s Medical Certificate — commonly known as the ENG1 on British-flagged vessels — and to help yacht crew understand what to expect during their medical examination.

As frontrunners in yacht crew placements worldwide, YPI CREW is dedicated to helping candidates be fully prepared for every aspect of life and work at sea — including their ENG1 medical.

🎥 You can watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.

What Is a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate, and How Does the ENG1 Fit In?

Dr Gordon explains that the Seafarer’s Medical Certificate ensures crew members are healthy and fit to work at sea, protecting both themselves and those around them.

“When you’re out at sea, you don’t have immediate access to medical care, so fitness is critical,” he says.

The ENG1 is the UK’s official version of this international standard. It includes a review of your medical history, a vision and hearing test, a physical examination, and an assessment of your fitness for specific duties at sea.

Every maritime nation has its own version of the Seafarer’s Medical Certificate, but the ENG1 is the UK standard, recognised internationally and widely used across the yachting industry.

As a global yacht crew agency representing candidates from all around the world, YPI CREW is very accustomed to seeing many different versions of the Seafarer’s Medical Certificate. Don’t let anyone tell you that you must have an ENG1 specifically — what you need is a valid Seafarer’s Medical Certificate, issued by an approved maritime authority in your country.

Vision, Glasses, and Colour Blindness

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you can still obtain an ENG1 certificate as long as your corrected vision meets the required standard. However, deck crew need excellent eyesight for lookout and watchkeeping duties.

As for colour blindness, Dr Gordon explains: “You can work on deck if you’re colour blind, but you’re not allowed to do night watch.”

You can check your own colour vision using the EnChroma Colour Blindness Test before your medical.

Hearing Tests — What to Expect

The hearing test can be performed using a formal audiogram or a WHO-standard test. “You’ll listen to numbers read out against background noise, which gets progressively more difficult,” says Dr Gordon.

“It’s normal not to get every one right, so don’t panic.”

You can try the WHO HearWHO hearing test online to get a sense of what to expect.

BMI and Physical Fitness

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is another key factor. Crew with a BMI over 35 may be required to complete an exercise test to prove they can safely perform physical duties in an emergency.

For those between 30 and 35, it’s at the medical examiner’s discretion, based on mobility and overall health.

“The issue is whether someone is mobile enough and can act in an emergency,” says Dr Gordon.

Restricted ENG1 Medicals

Sometimes, a doctor will issue a restricted ENG1 if there are ongoing medical issues or specific risks to monitor.

“For example,” Dr Gordon explains, “if someone has newly diagnosed diabetes, I might limit the certificate to six months to make sure it’s properly managed before granting the full two-year certificate.”

Restrictions can also depend on the type of vessel or voyage — a coastal fisherman’s conditions differ from those of a superyacht crew member crossing the Atlantic.

Medication and Ongoing Conditions

Certain prescription medications may affect an ENG1 outcome, especially those that can cause drowsiness or need special storage conditions.

“It’s a case-by-case assessment,” says Dr Gordon. “Be open about what you’re taking so your doctor can make an informed decision.”

How to Prepare for Your ENG1 Medical

Dr Gordon’s top advice for crew members feeling nervous about their medical:

• Be honest about your medical history and bring all relevant documents.

• Have your eyesight checked, especially if you plan to work on deck.

• Test your colour vision in advance using the EnChroma tool.

• Visit your dentist — dental problems are a common reason for failing an ENG1.

• Get familiar with hearing tests by using the WHO HearWHO app.

“Most yacht crew are young and healthy,” says Dr Gordon. “The ENG1 medical isn’t something to fear — it’s there to keep you safe.”