yacht crew doctors

Yacht Medics Set Sail: Medical Crew Placement

MedAire, an International SOS company, launches new service to supplement medical expertise on board luxury yachts.

MedAire will now place medical professionals on vessels for clients around the world. Doctors, nurses, paramedics and specialists are available for short-term or long-term placements based on a yacht’s specific needs. 

“With the continued growth in very remote cruising and activities such as more advanced diving, many large yachts are requesting to have a medically trained person on board,” said Steven Bates, General Manager, Luxury Yachts. “By the nature of some itineraries, the option to dock and see a physician may not be possible.”

“Yacht medics are particularly popular amongst our charter clients,” continued Bates. “The needs of the guests on board vary with each week and captains require a reliable source of quality medical crew so they may adequately support their guests and itineraries.”

MedAire works closely with the owner and/or captain to source, screen and recommend the ideal medically trained candidate for the vessel. 

“Providing yacht medics is a natural extension of the travel safety services we provide our clients,” continued Bates. “Given our expertise in the field and global network, we are uniquely positioned to assist our clients with a seamless onboard medical solution.”

The yacht medic placement service complements MedAire’s comprehensive medical solution, including medical kits, first aid and first responder training, remote medical advice and global assistance.

“While most superyachts have a telemedicine provider, the added support of a yacht medic on board delivers confidence to crew that a trained professional is available to be the eyes, ears, and primary contact with the telemedicine service,” continued Bates.  

The yacht medics referred by MedAire may also assist in managing the yacht’s medical supplies and other onboard responsibilities associated with the smooth running of a modern superyacht.

Learn more about MedAire yacht medic placement at:

Monaco Boat Show, 25 – 28 September, stand QJ01.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, 31 October – 4 November, Yachting Tent 704-705. 

To view current placement opportunities, or to submit your CV for consideration, visit  www.medaire.com/yachtmedics  and follow us on Facebook at  www.Facebook.com/YachtMedics .  

________________________________________________________ 

About the author

Don’t be a pain in the ‘deck’ – 10 ways to annoy your superyacht Head of Department

Superyacht usage revealed.

• Superyacht Recruitment Services
• Superyacht Captain Recruitment
• Partnerships
• Meet the Team
• Work for Us
• Current Vacancies
• Crew Resources
• Candidate Login
• Candidate Registration
• Client Login / Register
• Candidate Login / Register

• Career Advice
• Salary Guide
• Digital Dockwalk

What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate and Why Do I Need it?

Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.

Ask any crewmember and they’ll tell you straight: yachting is hard work. It’s not just the early mornings and late-night watches, but the job requires a high level of physicality, particularly so for those working on deck. The ENG1 certificate ensures that every member of the crew, interior and exterior, meets the minimum standard of health to work at sea. Here is why having an ENG1 Medical certificate is so important (and necessary)...

What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate?

Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), “no person may work as a seafarer unless that person has been issued with a medical fitness certificate” and the ENG1 is the most widely accepted medical certificate a person can hold. The ENG1 certifies whether or not you are suitably fit to fulfill your duties on a seafaring vessel, determined by a comprehensive top-to-toe medical assessment set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). All seafarers are asked to complete this medical fitness test to minimize the risk of medical emergencies at sea.

Do I Need an ENG1 Medical Certificate?

Yes. Anyone looking to work on a luxury yacht will need to possess a valid crew medical certificate. The MCA  says, “if you are employed on a ship, and it’s your normal place of work, then regulations require you to have a medical examination.” The ENG1 isn’t the only medical certificate accepted in the yachting industry but it is the most widely recognized. You can view an up-to-date list of equivalent medical certifications on the MCA website .

As well as adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention, yacht insurance companies will also require vessels to meet a certain standard of safety which, in most cases, will mean that all crew must be fully STCW certified and hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate or the equivalent.

It is also important to note that while the ENG1 is not necessarily a prerequisite for the STCW Basic Training course, it is beneficial to find out as early as possible if there is any medical reason that would prevent you from working on a yacht or restrict you from performing certain tasks on board. 

• What is the STCW Basic Training Certificate and Do I Need It? 

What to Expect From an ENG1 Medical Assessment

The ENG1 Medical assessment will offer a comprehensive review of your health. It is painless and non-invasive and will be conducted by an MCA-approved medical professional. While the assessment is nothing to worry about it does have the potential to uncover an underlying health condition that could prevent you from working on a yacht. A standard examination can take anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes and will include the following:

• Measurement of height and weight
• A standard eye test and color blindness test
• A hearing test
• Ear and throat evaluations
• Inspection of teeth and gums
• Questions on your medical history, including drinking and smoking habits
• A urine sample to test kidney function and blood sugar levels
• Reflex and hernia testing
• Listening to your heart and lungs, testing blood pressure and heart rate

What Happens if I Fail the ENG1 Examination?

At the end of the ENG1 Medical Assessment you will be issued with a certificate that will certify you as one of the following:

• fit without restrictions (unrestricted)
• fit with restrictions (limiting your work to certain jobs or locations)
• temporarily or permanently unfit

If you pass the ENG1 and you are confirmed fit without restrictions, you’ll be handed your certificate that same day. If you are found to be temporarily unfit, your examining doctor might require additional information about your medical history and delay their decision. 

If you are found to be permanently unfit, you will receive an ENG3 Notice of Failure/Restriction, which will last a minimum of five years. You may undertake another ENG1 medical assessment within the five-year period if you can prove that the condition that caused you to fail has been reversed. If you fail the Ishihara test, which tests for color blindness, there is a further Color Assessment Diagnosis (CAD) that can assess the severity and type of color vision loss. Color blindness may prevent you from nighttime watchkeeping.

What Should I Bring With to an ENG1 Medical Examination?

If this isn’t your first time undertaking an ENG1 examination, you will need to bring your current medical certification. If you have taken an ENG1 previously and failed, you should let the examining doctor know. 

• details of any medication you are currently taking
• any glasses or contact lenses
• contact details for your doctor
• any reports or letters from your GP, if you’ve recently been to a hospital, or are under a consultant
• an official form of ID with a photo: a passport, a photocard driving license, a discharge book

How Long is the ENG1 Certificate Valid For?

If you are over the age of 18 and pass the basic medical assessment, your certificate will last two years. However, if you develop a health condition that affects your ability to work within those two years, the certificate will become invalid.

What is the Difference Between an ML5 and an ENG1 Certificate?

Crew looking to land a job on a luxury yacht will need the ENG1 along with an STCW Basic Training certification. However, for crew working on a non-seagoing passenger ship or a domestic seagoing passenger ship, there is the ML5 medical report, but holders of this certificate will be limited to 60 miles offshore.

How Much Does an ENG1 Medical Examination Cost?

The MCA has set a maximum fee of £105 for the ENG1 Medical Certificate.

More from Dockwalk

Most popular on dockwalk.

An Ultimate Guide to ENG1 Medical Certificate for Yacht

• June 7, 2024

Yachting is not for the faint-hearted, as it involves several strokes of oars and lots of energy. Every sailor is requested to undergo a medical fitness test to reduce the possibility of experiencing medical complications at sea.

Let’s get into the details of the ENG1 medical certificate for yacht members.

What Is An ENG1 Medical Certificate?

The ENG1 report declares you fit to perform your obligations on a seafaring vessel by the medical standards set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) , a reputable authority in the maritime industry. These standards are designed to ensure the safety of all crew members and passengers on board.

Is It Necessary  To Have An ENG1 Medical Certificate for The Yacht Crew?

As stated in the MLC, no person may work as a seafarer unless that person has been issued a medical fitness certificate, and the most recommended medical certificate is the ENG1.

All crew members must have STCW training and an ENG1 medical certificate or equivalent.

Features Of ENG1 Medical Certificate For Yacht

The ENG1 Medical assessment is a comprehensive check of your medical status, leaving no stone unturned. It’s designed to ensure that you are in the best possible health to carry out your duties at sea.

Validity: 2 years (1 year if below 18 years)

Conducted by: MCA-approved doctors

Applicable to the following:

• someone who is in charge of a yacht
• serving on a merchant yacht
• working on a fishing vessel in some situations

Get ENG1 medical certificate for yacht crew!

Do I Need An ML5 Or ENG1 Medical Certificate For The Yacht?

If they plan a career at sea, most people need an ENG1 and STCW basic safety training to become’ seafarers.’

The only condition in which you will be exempted from the ENG1 requirement is if you are going to work on a small commercial vessel that falls under the Area Category 2 to 6 (i.e., a vessel that will not be going more than 60 miles from a haven). In this case, you will only require the ML5 Certificate, which is a less comprehensive medical certificate.

Benefits of ENG1 Medical Certificate For Yacht Crew

Any person seeking to work on yachts most often requires an ENG1 medical fitness certificate or equivalent

Safety : Work on yachts may entail heavy tasks requiring physically demanding acts, working in dangerous environments, and an extended time of working on seas. The ENG1 medical certificate for yacht checks whether or not the individual can carry out their work safely.

International Maritime Regulations : In accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), everybody involved on board a yacht refers to a seafarer, and there are prescribed minimum requirements for training and certification of the seafarer.

Insurance and Liability : Some of the insurance policies that yachts usually take require their crews to have valid ENG1 medical certification for yacht. In case of an accident or injury on board, the ENG1 certificate shows that the crew member was medically okay when hired, which could help in future legal and liability matters.

Requirements for ENG1 Medical Certificate for Yacht

Before you book your ENG1 medical certificate for the yacht, remember to bring your passport, driver’s license, or student pass as a photo ID. You must also bring your GP’s name, address, and contact information. Also, bring your current ENG1 certificate if you have one. Lastly, don’t forget to take all your medicine prescriptions if you are taking and your glasses if you wear them. Once you have all these documents, you can book an appointment with an MCA-approved doctor for your ENG1 medical examination.

It remains relevant to know that the certificate is standard for the United Kingdom (UK only) and is accepted in many maritime regions. However, depending on the flag state or the country of operation, crew members may be required to take other special tests.

What Happens During The ENG1 Medical Examination?

After you have taken the essentials with you, it’s time to undergo the process. It is safe and painless and is conducted by an MCA-approved medical practitioner. A doctor or a practice nurse will ask you a few personal questions concerning your health status.

It usually takes 30-40 minutes, and if you pass the following examination, the certificate is issued immediately.

• Measurement of height and weight
• A standard eye and hearing test
• Measurement of blood pressure and heart rate
• Test for color blindness
• Ear and throat evaluations
• Urine sample test (for diabetes or kidney functioning)
• A standard reflex and hernia test
• Teeth and gum inspection
• Heart and lungs listening (you will be asked to remove your shirt)
• Medical history, drinking or smoking habits, diet intake, etc

Though the assessment is not something to dread, it might reveal a primary condition that will keep you from working on a yacht. For complex medical conditions requiring further examination, visit the table of standards in the Annex of MSN 1886 Amendment 2 .

Results of ENG1 Medical Certificate For Yacht

After ENG1 medical seafarer examination, you will be provided with the following certificate:

• Fit without restrictions (unrestricted)
• Fit with restrictions (you are confined only to certain jobs or areas)
• Temporarily unfit for sea service
• Permanently unfit for sea service

What If I fail?

If you do not pass the ENG1 medical certificate for yacht, your fitness may be deemed unfit or your certificate may be restricted. In this case, the examiner will hand over an ENG3 Notice of Failure/Restriction, which may have implications for your ability to work in certain roles or areas on a yacht.

You can be issued a ‘temporarily unfit certificate’ if, for instance, the doctor is concerned about your fitness. They may need to obtain more information about your medical status from your doctor or consultation with an MCA chief medical officer.

If one is disqualified under the ‘permanently unfit’ category from obtaining the ENG1, one is barred from obtaining an ENG1 medical certificate for yacht for at least five years. In other words, the applicant will need to provide clinical records evidencing that the condition that led to this outcome has been successfully treated to advance in the application.

An ENG1 medical certificate for yacht employees proves your fitness and health status to enable you to perform the duties demanded by the yacht crew job. If you want to work as a deckhand or stewardess on a yacht, you must undergo an ENG1 medical examination test described above. Choosing Yachtiecareers for STCW basic training will get you an ENG1 MCA-approved or equivalent certificate. Fair winds and following seas!

Yacht Deckhand Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Full STCW

Superyacht Deckhand Full STCW

STCW Training in Holland- A Comprehensive Guide

Top 10 best places to find a Yacht job in the Med 2024?

RYA Powerboat Level 2 for yacht crew: Unlock Your Powerboating Skills

How Much Does Yacht Crew Make?

Top 10 Benefits of STCW Course Netherlands

Yacht Stewardess Training in Amsterdam

Yacht Crew Courses for Holland: Food Hygiene Level 2

Yacht Deckhand Training in United States: Upgrade Your Career at Sea

Superyacht crew training europe.

2024 Dates full.   Book Final  4 spot for October date with payment plan “paylater50”

Get free yacht cv and yacht job offers

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

How to put together a yacht’s medical kit

• November 14, 2022

Pip Hare runs through the most important kit you should consider having in yacht's medical kit, particularly if you are heading offshore for an extended period

Putting together a ship’s medical kit is a lot like preparing a boat for a long voyage. It is about envisaging all the scenarios that could affect the health of you and your crew, and making sure you are ready with the skills and equipment to address them.

Before each passage you’ll need to assess how far from help you’ll be at any given time and what level of medical care would be required on board to keep a casualty safe and stable until professional help can be accessed. This is something people often put to the back of their minds – I’m guilty of the same – always addressing how we can repair our boats, but not taking the same level of precaution with the humans sailing them.

A pragmatic approach is essential: we need to plan for the very worst but on the understanding that it is unlikely to happen – in the same way we carry a liferaft and assemble grab bags. We also need to accept the limitations of our abilities to deliver all medical care on board, but keep that risk in perspective. A good medical kit, support and training are the best way to manage the risk of getting ill or injured at sea.

Get trained and checked

Before setting off on an ocean voyage, I would recommend at least one member of the crew undertakes advanced medical training, appropriate for those who are not able to access professional medical help for days. If sailing double-handed then both co-skippers should take the training and if solo, special techniques to self-treatment will be needed.

The ability to treat and manage injuries and illness is in part down to your ability to diagnose problems early and prevent deterioration. When faced with needles, scalpels and the fragility of the human body even some of your strongest crew members may struggle, so get used to handling the kit and practising techniques early.

Advanced training can be acquired through specialist offshore medical companies. A three-day advanced course with a non-marine based company will also teach you the skills to use the contents of your medical box, but may lack the context of patient management in a wet, moving, cramped environment.

It’s also worth investing in a medical check-up for every crew member considering a long voyage. These check-ups can be booked through private clinics.

Bag and label your medical kit into categories so you can find appropriate medicines quickly. Photo: Pip Hare/Medallia

Shore support

If you are not a medical professional it is well worth having a dedicated support service ashore who you can turn to for advice in an emergency. With many boats now carrying satcoms, it is sensible to have a medic on-hand who you can call and send pictures to if treating more advanced problems. This could be a friend, or there are specialist companies who offer on-call services for a fee. The medic ashore should have details of your crew and any known medical conditions, an inventory of your medical kit, and a copy of the same handbook you have aboard.

Central to your kit should be a good medical handbook, I recommend finding one specifically written for sailing. Note this is not a first aid manual, it is a medical handbook so it has a greater depth of information.

It’s a good idea to organise your larger medical kit into smaller bags or boxes to target specific areas to avoid having to unpack the whole thing in an emergency. Keep a smaller day-to-day first aid kit at hand, regularly replenished, for minor problems such as headaches, milder seasickness and small cuts.

I keep my medical kit in a hard, waterproof Peli case, but on a more comfortable cruising boat a bag would suffice. Keep a list at the top of all the contents, subdivided into each smaller bag. For longer voyages you may wish to include expiry dates and always update it as the contents are used.

The following is how we organise our main medical kit for solo ocean racing – it’s by no means an exhaustive list and your own kit should be carefully planned with a medical professional to reflect your own crew and plans.

Medic for the day checks over the medical kit. Photo: James Blake/Volvo AB

Every first aid kit will have some sort of pain relief. Start with paracetamol and ibuprofen – have a day-to-day supply in the first aid kit with top-ups of stronger medication in your medical kit.

For extended periods offshore consider prescription painkillers for more acute problems. The amount and type will depend on how big your crew is and how quickly you could get a casualty ashore. A good scenario to consider is broken bones – a patient that can be splinted and immobilised for a 2-3 day passage will have lesser requirements than a double-handed sailor mid-ocean.

For strong pain relief opiates and prescription anti-inflammatories will be necessary. Include anti-sickness medication in with the analgesics, as opiates can make many people sick. Always talk to a medical professional before giving opiates, and make sure you are aware of restricted substances, such as morphine, when travelling internationally.

This box will cover allergic reactions but if any of your crew have known allergies or asthma and require an EpiPen or inhaler, their medication should be carried additionally and kept in the first aid bag or with their own kit. We include adrenaline for anaphylaxis, anti-histamines, steroids as well as GTN spray and aspirin to cover any cardiac problems.

A comprehensive medical kit, tailored to the crew and voyage, is essential for anyone venturing offshore. Photo: Pip Hare/Medallia

Dressings and splints

This bag is for more serious damage to skin and bones. To use the contents well it’s important to keep up with regular training. For broken bones I carry plastic and inflatable splints, we also have the ability to make a plaster cast – this is a bandage that can be wetted then wound around a limb and will then set. We have a neck brace for C-spine immobilisation.

For wounds we carry dressings of various sizes, gauze, steristrips and tape – be aware that many people are allergic to Elastoplast so carry an alternative fabric tape as well. Have plenty of these items as they’ll need to be frequently changed in wet environments.

Burns and scalds can be a huge problem at sea and are more likely injuries than open cuts; I carry a large volume of burns dressings, a roll of clingfilm to dress scalds, and disposable ice packs which can also be used to help reduce inflammation for sprains and soft tissue damage.

Seasickness

We carry seasickness tablets in the daily first aid kit. Sustained vomiting for any reason can lead to serious dehydration if not treated quickly when offshore. This bag also contains medication for other stomach ailments such as diarrhoea, constipation and gastric reflux.

Seasickness can affect anyone and come on very suddenly so it’s a good idea to take medication to break the cycle. Those that have been sick for a while who are showing signs of dehydration should use rehydration sachets to replace electrolytes. In extreme cases of dehydration (over three days or severe fluid loss) intravenous (IV) rehydration could be essential. However, there is no point in taking this equipment unless you have a crew member trained and competent to use it in a marine environment, as well as medical support ashore. For my Vendée Globe I carried IV rehydration sachets and was trained in how to self-canulate.

A separate list of med kit items should be planned for a grab bag

To help with diagnosis and treating wounds, contents include a pen torch for assessing pupil dilation in head injuries, mirrors for self-treatment, urine dip sticks, a thermometer, scalpels, scissors, forceps, needles and syringes. Everything is in sterile packaging and then plastic wrapped to keep it waterproof.

Eyes, mouth and skin

This bag contains the equipment to repair and clean deeper wounds that can’t be treated with dressings alone. If a wound is deep it will need to be glued, steri-stipped or sometimes stitched together to allow it to heal – sending a picture of the wound (with a scale alongside) to your medical professional will help decide which is more appropriate.

I carry a suture kit (including local anaesthetic) and have been trained in suturing myself, but also use wound glue for less deep wounds, which is waterproof. An alternative to this is a skin stapler.

With both sutures and staples it’s essential to get advanced medical training. This bag also contains all medication for eyes, including analgesic and steroid eye drops, eye washes and baths, and topical antibiotics for skin. We also have an off-the-shelf emergency dental kit.

Antibiotics

Work with your doctor to decide what to take, depending on your length of time at sea. Check if any of your crew are allergic to penicillin. I carry a few courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as topical antibiotics. We also have IM/IV antibiotics for extreme cases of sepsis. This can either be given as an intra-muscular (IM) injection in the thigh or through a cannula. IM is recommended while sailing as far easier to administer while moving and requires far less accuracy or the need for a cannula.

Antibiotics should be taken with the advice of an onshore medic to ensure you’re not missing any other signs or symptoms.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

By SuperyachtNews 16 May 2017

Superyachts seek medical personnel on board

A new service responds to the demand for medics, and highlights the concept of 'supernumeraries' under the mlc….

In response to increasing requests for temporary medical staffing on board superyachts, MedAire is offering a service providing short-term medical personnel placement. The company now places experienced doctors, nurses and paramedics, who remain under their employment, on yachts to ensure medical care is always available to those on board.

Through its parent company, International SOS, which works with many oil rigs located in remote sites, MedAire benefits from a large database of medical professionals familiar with working in remote environments available for placement.

“Many of our clients are looking for a short term medical staffing solution," explains Steven Bates, general manager of yachting for MedAire. "As clients are traveling to increasingly remote locations, may be engaging in high-adrenaline sports and riskier activities, or may have a guest that needs extra medical care, there is now the option to add a doctor or paramedic on board for a period of time."

Bates adds that this service has been of particular interest to 60m-plus superyachts intending on remote cruising, and to charter yachts that might have guests with specific medical conditions and wish to have a medical professional on board just in case. Another popular request is for paediatric nurses, which help take the responsibility off crew when there are children on board.

Such personnel will remain under MedAire employment throughout the duration of their placement. They are not involved in the operations or safety of the vessel so they are not classed as crew but as contractors – something that is particularly important to note for those yachts in compliance with the MLC 2006. Supernumeraries, such as short-term medical personnel, have continued to be a grey area under the regulations.

Paul Grace, technical policy lead at the Isle of Man Ship Registry explains that, when the MLC entered into force, the term ‘supernumerary’ became largely obsolete as it was assumed that everyone on a yacht would either be a seafarer or a guest. “This caused confusion within the industry, so to provide some clarity on the definition of ‘seafarer’, ILO published a resolution providing guidance on various occupational groups,” he says.

“The Resolution allows Flag States to write their own regulations, and introduced a new phrase for people who principally work onshore, but who occasionally spend a short period working on a ship; ‘occasional workers’. Some categories of personnel are self-evidently occasional workers, for example surveyors, superintendents and port workers. Other categories are more open to interpretation since there is no agreed definition of a ‘short period working on a ship’.”

In light of this, a medical specialist who has been contracted to a yacht for a short term charter lasting a few weeks would most likely be considered an occasional worker, however this would have to be confirmed with the yacht’s Flag State. “The Flag State may have additional requirements for occasional workers, such as ensuring the medical specialist receives familiarisation training, is medically fit and has a contract from his or her employer,” Grace adds.

Finally, Grace cautions that if the medical specialist was to work on a longer charter or a series of charters, they may become considered a seafarer instead of an occasional worker. “The operators would have to be aware of this prior to the medical specialist joining a ship as they would then have to be issued with a seafarer’s employment agreement and have the same entitlements as the other seafarers on the yacht, including accommodation,” he concludes.

Image courtesy of MedAire

Profile links

ISLE OF MAN YACHT AND AIRCRAFT REGISTERS

Join the discussion

To post comments please Sign in or Register

When commenting please follow our house rules

Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here .

Related news

Do we have superyacht safety in the bag?

No, according to Adrian McCourt. Here, McCourt explains what more the yachting industry can do to improve its safety culture.

7 years ago

Sign up to the SuperyachtNews Bulletin

Receive unrivalled market intelligence, weekly headlines and the most relevant and insightful journalism directly to your inbox.

Sign up to the SuperyachtNews Bulletin

The superyachtnews app.

Follow us on

Media Pack Request

Please select exactly what you would like to receive from us by ticking the boxes below:

SuperyachtNews.com

Register to comment

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boating Giveaway

Is There a Doctor On Board?

• By Chris Caswell
• Updated: September 3, 2009

ytgsep3enewsmed525.jpg

They were aboard a 120-footer far off the Central American coast when it happened.

“Our owner clutched his chest and keeled over in the saloon,” recalls Capt. Dave (who prefers to remain anonymous) “and we were a very long ways from any medical facility. It was clearly a heart attack but there are no paramedics out there.”

The owner, however, was not only a lucky man but a smart man, too. The captain and two of the crew had advanced first-aid training, he had equipped the yacht with a comprehensive medical kit and, best of all, the yacht was subscribed to an emergency medical support service. Within minutes, the owner was getting both oxygen and intravenous fluids while an emergency-room doctor talked the captain through the procedures over the sat-com phone. The support service also calculated the closest port from which the owner could be flown, and had scheduled a medevac jet even before the captain put down the phone. Thanks to planning, the owner recovered fully. As yachts grow larger and more seaworthy, and owners become more adventurous, a serious onboard medical emergency far from a hospital is a real possibility. The new breed of expedition yachts that incorporate so many mechanical and electronic redundancies in order to provide for self-sufficiency at sea, should be prepared for medical self-reliance, as well. To meet these demands, a growing number of companies are offering an almost bewildering variety of services and products. In the end, however, you can simplify your choices by reducing them to three categories: support, training, and equipment.

Before the advent of satellite communications, a yacht in mid-ocean was on its own.

Today, however, several companies provide round the clock tele-medical support that can put the yacht in contact with a physician immediately. This instantaneous connection may not replace paramedics and an ambulance but, when seconds count, it is a vital link. Some of the tele-med providers have physicians on staff, while others are literally run from a hospital emergency room. The end result is that immediate advice is available and specialists can be brought on line quickly for a specific diagnosis.

A second benefit of satellite communications is the ability to use the Internet so that, with a digital camera on board, the crew can photograph a hard-to-describe injury and then e-mail it directly to the doctor for analysis. The key to tele-medicine is to have communication links that are reliable and always available. Satellite telephone communications are the best option, although telex and the Internet can also be used for support. Rebecca Castellano, a nurse and sailor on the staff of Ocean Medical International, suggests some tips for selecting a telemedicine service.

First and most important is having round the clock access by a wide variety of communication options. Second, determine whether the provider is hospital or medical institution based, and if they are staffed by emergency care teams. Consider the price: some are very expensive, while others charge an administration fee plus a pay-as-you-use program. Check to see what is included, and what additional fees are charged. Some companies offer crew training, and a few have locations worldwide for local access as yachts move around. Taking the next step from voice communications to a direct link from an onboard patient monitor to the doctor’s computer is the latest step, but these involve added expense for the monitors and may involve hook-up charges as well.

Having a doctor on the phone to provide advice is useless if no one has the training to use it.

With a U.S. Coast Guard licensed crew, at least one officer must have the basic STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) medical training known as BST, or Basic Safety Training. BST is a minimal first aid and CPR course, however, and it’s a good idea to build on that with advanced certifications such as the Medical First Aid Provider, which deals with more critical injuries or Medical Person In Charge, which covers cardiovascular and respiratory emergencies, suturing, intravenous injections, and more. And, though the USCG rules may only require one of the crew to have medical proficiency, at least two of the crew should have advanced training because there is always the possibility that the patient might be the trained person. Just as important as having the proper training is having an emergency plan. Everyone aboard, whether crew, owner, or family, should know where the medical supplies are located and how they are organized. They should also know how to contact the medical support service as well as how to use radios and telephones to summon assistance. Regular drills to keep everyone fresh and up-to-date should back up a good emergency plan. Having members of the crew simulate various injuries allows the entire team to learn different duties: the captain might fake a heart attack or a crewmember might be a guest who falls and breaks a bone.

Yachts operating under MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency) certifications are required to carry medical supplies, but that should be just a starting point because each yacht has different needs depending upon their area of operation, the people aboard, and the activities planned.

You could, with the help of your physician, put together a medical kit for your yacht but you’d be better advised to work through your support provider to tailor the medical kit. The tele-med provider will then know exactly what is available on board to meet each emergency, saving time and effort. Most of these services also inventory and restock the medical kits to keep pharmaceuticals and supplies both current and in the required quantities. As you select your provider, examine their medical kits for simplicity and labeling. Having to dump a box on the floor to find a needed item isn’t a good idea: each medical kit should be organized clearly and easy to understand. Among the medical supplies finding their way aboard yachts are defibrillators, with the latest versions designed for simplicity. Some even offer multiple languages, and can be reprogrammed as CPR and medical protocols change. Oxygen, in portable tanks, is relatively inexpensive and can be a valuable tool in a tele-med support situation. Other devices, from glucose meters to inflatable splints, are now packaged for yacht use as well. In discussing your supplies with a tele-med provider, be sure to cover all the bases. If someone aboard has a known medical problem, that particular need should be fully addressed. If there are children present, then pediatric supplies are essential.

Specialized medicines should be aboard if you plan to explore areas where venomous creatures might be encountered, whether it be snakes in the Amazon or scorpionfish on a reef. If the guests are involved in skindiving, there are now compact hyperbaric decompression chambers available with soft sides for use on even moderately sized yachts. With modern communications and the latest medical technology, yachts are no longer on their own even when far offshore. With proper training and preparation, comprehensive medical help is as close as your sat-phone keypad.

Some providers:

Ocean Medical International

Yacht Lifeline

On Call International

Marine Medical International

• More: Accessories , Gear , safety equipment , Seamanship

Marine-Friendly Sunglasses

Garmin Quatix Upgrade

Dockmate’s Dynamic Positioning Upgrade

Best Father’s Day Gifts For Boaters 2024

Unforgettable Caribbean Voyage: Sailing Through St. Maarten and Dominica

Next-Level Cruising: 2022 Palm Beach PB70 For Sale

Holterman Shipyard Debuts Xtreme X-65

For Sale: 2014 Sabre 42 Salon Express

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Get Onboard

Superyacht Training

What qualifications are required to work on a Superyacht?

So you wonder- what are the essential yacht qualifications and certifications needed to work as yacht crew? No matter whether you are the most experienced captain or a brand new yachtie, it is essential that you acquire, and maintain your yacht qualifications and certifications up to date. In order to be eligible to work at sea, there are some mandatory legal requirements:

• STCW basic training, including Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• ENG1 medical Examination

STCW Basic Safety Training Yacht Certificate

The STCW yacht qualification is the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchingkeeping (STWC) course and it’s a compulsory requirement for any seafarer employed at sea. The STCW Basic Safety Training yacht qualification comprises five modules which take eleven days to complete. The modules are personal survival techniques, firefighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibility, and proficiency in designated security duties. Learn more about the  STCW Basic Safety Training certificate here.

ENG1 SEAFARER MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

A seafarer medical certificate is mandatory for anyone hoping to get a job on a yacht. The most popular and widely recognised of the available seafarer medical certificates is the ENG1. The ENG1 Medical is a basic medical certificate and is as essential as your STCW’10. It is a mandatory requirement to prove you are fit to work as a yacht crew member at sea. Only MCA-approved doctors can perform an ENG 1 medical exam. Learn more about the  ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate .

Once you are confident you are fit and able to work at sea, it’s time to complete your additional training in the department you feel is most appealing. Finding your first job on a super yacht is by far the most challenging part of the process, which is why we strongly suggest you look into completing additional courses in order to better your chances of being hired. We offer full career packages for the deckhands, stewardesses, chefs and engineers. While the STCW and ENG1 are the only compulsory courses that you need to complete in eligible to work at sea, there are various other courses you can complete that will greatly enhance your CV. These include deck modules like,  Powerboat Level 2 ,  Yacht Rating certificate ,  Jetski licence , and  Stewardess training  which includes flower arranging, barista training, wine pairing and basic housekeeping skills.

While the yachting industry has many perks, it certainly isn’t for everyone. Often you are required to spend long periods away from friends and family as well as working long hours living in a shared work environment. Take a look at our article to learn the truth about yacht crew life and see if working on a yacht is really for you. Do you still have some unanswered questions? Why not  download our eBook and find out all the insider tips of surviving, and preparing for yacht crew life , or  contact  the Get Onboard team.

Needing more?

Error: Contact form not found.

RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

YACHT MEDICAL AND TRAVEL SAFETY membership

MedAire Medical and Travel Safety Membership is critical to providing crew and guests the best care possible.  MedAire Membership gives you a direct line to doctors, nurses, security experts, multilingual coordinators, and logistics personnel, 24/7/365. 

Select a product

When your vessel subscribes to MedAire Membership, you can be assured that all guests, crew, and owners will receive the best available care, 24/7/365.

Yacht Medical and Travel Safety Membership

When your vessel subscribes to MedAire Membership, you can be assured that all guests, crew, and principals will receive the best available care, 24/7/365. The best available care means a support network at the ready to support your crew and guests when medical and travel safety incidents occur – all as close as a phone or video call. Our medical team is available 24/7 to answer personal medical questions; refer you for a video TeleConsultation with a doctor, provide first responder emergency advice; and review preparations for guests with special medical needs. In addition, our logistics team can assist with issues that may arise while ashore. We have a global network of providers that are available should you need a legal referral, an emergency translator, or even extending a visa. MedAire Membership provides 24/7/365 advice and assistance services. Learn more about the programme, membership model, and your assistance team below. 

Enhanced Health Partner is our highest level of support for yachts, allowing onboard medical professionals to manage the provision of health and safety onboard more safely and efficiently.

Enhanced Health Partner

Enhanced Health Partner is an add-on to our comprehensive membership.

It is aimed at alleviating much of the administrative work, faced by yachts who have: a nurse or medical professional onboard, non-standard equipment or a medical room.

It comprises of three key elements: 

The programme assists clients in a wide-variety of ways, from tailoring bespoke training plans for the crew, to advice on how to handle tricky questions around patient confidentiality, voyage planning support, developing evacuation plans and much more - we work as an extension of your team to provide clinical oversight within your operations.

24/7/365 Emotional Support for yacht crewmembers and their families.

Emotional Support

Designed specifically for the unique needs of those who live and work on yachts, MedAire Emotional Support Services assist Captains and their crewmembers dealing with psychological and emotional issues for which short-term counselling is appropriate. The 24/7/365 support is available to assist with common issues that affect crewmembers and their families, including: 

The MedAire Sea to Shore app includes medical, security, and travel information for yacht crew and captains. Also includes Medical Inventory Management module. 

MedAire Sea to Shore

The MedAire Sea to Shore app includes medical, security, and travel information on hundreds of popular and off-the-beaten path yacht destinations, as well as a calendar of holidays and events that could affect shoreside excursions. Captains and crew can see at a glance the medical and travel risk ratings for each destination on their custom dashboard. The MedAire Sea to Shore app for iPad requires iOS 7.0 or later.  Download MedAire Sea to Shore for iPad here.

Go further and travel longer with medical personnel on your vessel. 

Medical Personnel Placement

Go further and travel longer with MedAire. MedAire’s Medical Personnel Placement programme is a flexible solution to ensure qualified medical personnel are available for remote excursions or a guest’s medical needs. MedAire has been providing remote medical assistance for over 30 years, and works closely with yachting clients to provide best-in-class safety solutions including MedAire’s MedLink remote assistance, medical kits, crew training and medical room consultancy.

Training Schedule Hash Link Space - Do not delete or edit

Fully integrated medical & Safety Solution

MedAire offers a full line of medical kits and equipment, in addition to MCA-compliant onboard medic training and remote telemedicine assistance. Call MedAire for a custom solution to fit the needs of your crew and guests.

When your vessel subscribes to MedAire Membership, you can be assured that all guests, crew, and principals will receive the best available care, 24/7/365.

• News Centre
• Commercial Aviation
• Medical Department
• Security Department
• Flight & Cabin Safety
• Training Departments
• Human Resources
• Business & General Aviation
• Owners & Operators
• Corporate Flight Departments
• Aircraft Manufacturers
• Captain & Crew
• Owner & Family Office
• New Builds & Refits
• Products & Services

EXPERT CARE, EVERYWHERE.

Got a Question?

Complete our short form for a prompt response and world class tax advice.

Yes please contact me regarding mortgages

By selecting this, you agree to the Privacy Policy .

Sign in to your account

Ml5 medical certificate - a guide for seafarers.

A Seafarer medical report ML5 is a medical certificate that’s required for seafarers working onboard a ship in the UK.

It confirms that a seafarer is medically fit to work at sea.

In particular, the ML5 medical certificate if for:

• Individuals applying for, revalidating, or changing their MCA Boatmaster's Licence or certificate.
• Individuals applying for a Royal Yacht Association (RYA) commercial endorsement for working on code vessels.
• Crew members working on a seagoing or domestic passenger vessel.
• Individuals working on a fishing vessel under 24m in length that is not subject to inspection in a foreign port, at sea for more than 72 hours or operating more than 200 miles from the coastline of the UK or beyond the continental shelf.

In this article, we take a deeper look into the certificate, and uncover who requires one, where to get one and what’s involved.

What is an ML5 Medical Certificate?

Who needs an ml5 medical certificate, when should i book my ml5 medical exam, where can i get an ml5 medical exam done, how much does an ml5 medical exam cost, what happens during an ml5 medical exam, is drug screening part of an ml5 medical exam, poor eyesight, cardiovascular issues, hearing problems, medical conditions, medications, alcohol use.

An ML5 Medical Certificate is a medical document that confirms a seafarer's medical fitness to work onboard a sea vessel.

Although similar in nature, this is not the same as an ENG 1 medical certificate .

An ML5 is issued following a thorough medical examination by any GMC registered doctor or another recognised flag state authority.

The ML5 Medical Certificate indicates that the seafarer meets the medical standards required by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the MCA.

The ML5 Medical Certificate is an important document for seafarers as it’s a legal requirement for anyone working on a ship.

The certificate is valid for up to five years, although it may be renewed or suspended if the seafarer's health condition changes or if they’re injured or fall ill while working at sea.

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 includes:

• Master of a passenger ship (Class IV or V) that doesn't go to sea.
• Master of a commercial vessel that doesn't go to sea.
• Master or crew member of a small commercial vessel with Area Category 2 to 6 certification, operating within 60 miles of a safe haven.
• Crew member or other personnel (e.g. catering staff) working on a domestic passenger ship (Class VI or VIA) that goes to sea.
• Individuals applying for, renewing, or modifying their MCA Boatmaster's Licence or certificate.
• Individuals applying for a commercial endorsement from the Royal Yacht Association (RYA) to work on code vessels.

This certificate sets out minimum requirements for working conditions, including medical fitness, for seafarers.

The ML5 certificate is a medical report completed by a certified doctor.

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.
• blood pressure.
• lung function.
• other relevant medical conditions.

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.

It’s recommended to book your ML5 medical exam well in advance of the expiration date of your current ML5 medical certificate.

The exact time frame will depend on the requirements of the employer or organisation you are applying to and the time it takes to receive your results and certificate.

However, it’s generally advisable to book your medical exam at least several weeks before your current certificate expires to ensure that you have sufficient time to complete the exam, receive your results, and submit your application form.

It’s important to note that if you continue to work on a vessel without a valid ML5 medical certificate, you may be in breach of regulations and could face legal ramifications.

ML5 medical examinations can be conducted by any GMC registered doctor to carry out seafarer medical examinations.

These doctors are known as General Medical Council doctors.

You can find a list of General Medical Council doctors online or by contacting your nearest MCA Marine Office .

It's important to book your medical exam with an approved doctor to ensure that your ML5 medical certificate is recognised by the correct authorities.

The ML5 form is designed in a yes/no format.

If any checkboxes are marked 'Yes', then the doctor completing the form cannot issue the certificate.

The applicant would need to apply to the MCA for this to be assessed.

The process is detailed in the form or in MGN 640 . 

In the UK, the cost of an ML5 medical exam can range from £65 upwards.

It’s important to note that additional fees may apply for any necessary laboratory tests or other medical evaluations that are required to complete the examination.

At the time of the medical, you are advised to bring along your:

• A photo ID.
• Your driving glasses/contact lenses and prescription.
• Details of any ongoing medical conditions, including any medication you are taking.
• ML5 Medical Certificate/Form.

During an ML5 medical exam, the doctor will carry out a medical examination to assess your fitness to work at sea.

The examination will include a review of your medical history and any ongoing medical conditions, as well as an assessment of your physical and mental health.

The doctor may ask you questions about your lifestyle, such as whether you smoke or drink alcohol, as well as questions about any previous injuries or illnesses.

They may also check your vision and hearing, take your blood pressure and perform a general physical examination.

In addition, the doctor may require you to provide a urine sample to test for any underlying medical conditions.

The examination will typically take around 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

Once the examination is complete, the doctor will complete the ML5 medical certificate/form, indicating whether or not you are fit for seafaring work aboard a yacht.

If there’s any concerns about your fitness to work, the doctor may refer you for further testing or assessment.

Drug screening is not typically part of an ML5 medical exam.

The purpose of an ML5 medical exam is to assess the overall health and fitness of a person to perform their duties safely and effectively onboard a vessel.

However, depending on the specific requirements of the employer or maritime authority, drug screening may be required as a separate test or as part of a broader medical examination.

It's always best to check with the relevant authority or your employer for specific requirements.

Reasons Why People Fail ML5 Medical Exams

There’s several reasons why people fail ML5 medical exams, including:

Poor eyesight is a common reason for failing an ML5 medical exam.

If your eyesight doesn't meet the minimum requirements, you may need to wear corrective lenses or glasses to pass the exam.

If you have a history of cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure, it may affect your ability to pass the medical exam.

Hearing problems can also be a reason for failing the exam.

If you have hearing loss, you may need to wear hearing aids to pass.

If you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to work on a vessel or affect your safety, you may fail the exam.

Certain medications can disqualify you from passing the medical exam, especially if they have side effects that can affect your ability to work safely on a vessel.

Drug use can be detected during the medical exam, if carried out, and can disqualify you from getting an ML5 medical certificate.

Alcohol use can also affect your ability to pass the medical exam.

If you have a history of alcoholism or abuse, you may need to provide evidence that you are receiving treatment and are stable before you can pass the exam.

Before embarking on a career in yachting , obtaining the ML5 medical certificate is one of the primary requirements.

Understanding the process and acquiring the certificate will enable you to smoothly navigate through the initial stages of your yachting career.

And remember, if you have questions about a career in yachting, including anything from getting certified to work at sea, to calculating tax on your earnings , we want to hear from you.

At Marine Accounts, we’re happy to guide everyone, whether you’re just starting your career in yachting, or are a seasoned yachtie wanting to ask us anything relating to seafarers tax .

Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.

Also on Marine Accounts

What is STCW Basic Safety Training?

If you're considering a career in the yachting industry, gaining a STCW Basic Safety Training certificate is a must. Read our article to learn more about this course and what it entails.

Patrick Maflin

ENG 1 Medical Certificate - A Guide for Seafarers

If you're planning a career yachting, having a valid ENG 1 Medical Certificate is a must to prove you are fit and healthy to work at sea. Find out more about this health certificate and how to get one.

How to Get Into Yachting

Working on a superyacht has numerous appealing features, with various tax advantages associated with such a career move. But how do you get into yachting? Read our comprehensive article to find out.

What is Efficient Deck Hand Certification?

Anyone needing a good understanding of shipboard operations needs to get efficient deck hand certification. But what is it? Read on to discover more.

Before you go...

You're about to visit a page on our legacy site. We're currently in the process of updating all our tax tools and while this page is still active please return to the main Marine Accounts site after completition.

Refer a friend and receive £50!

Upon successful completion of the referral the cash will be transferred to you.

Dr B Lavagne | Eng1 Doctor |Antibes

Dr Bruno Lavagne is an MCA approved doctor for ENG1 Medicals based in Antibes, France.

Rate and write a review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Review

Title of your review:

Contact Dr B Lavagne | Eng1 Doctor |Antibes

• Name First Last
• Date * DD slash MM slash YYYY
• Hidden Listing Email

Looking For The Ultimate Crew Money Account? Open a Multi-Currency Wise account and save, wherever you are!

Claim This Listing

Username or Email Address *

Remember me Lost your password?

Username or Email

Get New Password

Medical Kit

Yacht medical staff (professional doctors on yacht) the doctors on board (by your side) on your holidays.

Private cruising vessels around the world require comprehensive medical kits in case of medical emergencies or problems in remote locations.

Our Private Ocean Medkit or Short range Medkit will give you the peace of mind of being well equipped and prepared for any situation that may arise.

The kit can be expanded to include oxygen, defibrillators and various custom kits depending on the crew’s activities.

“Many of our clients are looking for a short-term medical staffing solution,”

“As our customers travel throughout the Mediterranean and may participate in high-adrenaline sports as well as more dangerous activities, or there may be a guest who requires additional medical care, there is now the option to add a doctor on board for a period of time.”

Also this service is of particular interest to superyachts over 40 meters who intend to cruise from a distance, and to charter yachts that may have guests with certain medical conditions and wish to have a medical professional just in case.

Professional Car Driver

Fixed price & bonuses, fast car delivery service, luxury limousine selection, all our services, doctor in yacht.

Responding to the growing requests for temporary medical staff on board superyachts, MedAire offers a service that provides placement of medical staff.

YMS supplies medical kits that are in compliance with Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and with various flag registration and regulations followed.

Telemedical Support

The sea is a unique and challenging environment where care must be provided in the event of an acute medical incident. 

Or give us a call:

+30-241-05-36-670.

Frequently asked questions Crew Training

Do i need stcw basic safety training to get a job, which parts of my stcw need refreshing, i have got my yachtmaster and want to do oow. which course should i do first, i have lost my certificates, what can i do, how do i register on the sv route, what is the difference between psa & pdsd, how do i apply for a yacht rating, how long are my certificates valid for, when do my medical certificates run out, how do i revalidate an mca certificate of competency (coc), how do i revalidate my gmdss after 5 years, how do i revalidate the commercial endorsement on my rya certificate, how do i download mca application forms, how long is my notice of eligibility (noe) valid for, can i work on british flag vessels with a coc issued by another country, how do i apply for a flag state endorsement, how can i contact the mca, who can issue me a eng1 medical certificate, how do i apply for a british seaman’s discharge book, how long before i can do a resit after a "fail" result, how do i fill in my oow training record book, how do i verify my sea time, am i exempt from the sv workshop skills training, i have an iyt master of yachts 200gt - can i do the rya ocean theory course, will my online food hygiene certificate be accepted.

Yes! You will not get a job on a charter yacht without a STCW basic safety training, and it is required by the vast majority of private yachts. Any MCA coded yacht over 500gt will require all crew to hold a STCW basic safety training certificate.

Unfortunately, there are some training providers that issue STCW basic training certificates with expiry dates even though the qualification doesn’t technically expire. The new regulations are that the Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting module and the Personal Survival Techniques modules need revalidation. Elementary First Aid and PSSR do not actually expire or require revalidation though, and this is where the difficulty lies. If there is an expiry date on your Elementary First Aid and PSSR certificates (or on your STCW Basic Training certificate if all on one certificate), then were your vessel to have a control by the Port State authorities, this may well be an issue as officially speaking, the certificates look as if they are no longer valid. Therefore, many crew members in this position are choosing to take the complete STCW Basic Training again. In the end it is your choice whether to take the refreshers only or the full course again, but you may find some yacht management companies will enforce this. For the ’Updating Training’ for the STCW Basic Safety Training, we offer the Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting and Personal Survival Techniques. As these two modules, A-VI/1-1.1 and A-VI/1-1.2, are the only two modules required to be updated by the STCW Manila Amendments. However, please note that if your First Aid and PSSR Certificates have expiry dates, they will be accepted by the MCA but, past that date, they may not be accepted by Flag State, Port State, Management companies or Insurance companies, so please check with your vessel if they have any issues.

We advise you to start with the Efficient Deckhand module as you need to hold this certificate for 18 months before you can apply for your NoE. You can then take the other courses in whichever order ou prefer. Please don’t forget your Training Record Book as this takes a minimum of 12 months to complete and cannot be backdated.

Please contact the training office you took your courses at and the Training Coordinators will be happy to help.

To register for the SV programme, please bring, or scan and send, the following documents to a Bluewater training centre : • Course completion certificates for MCA Approved Engine Course part 1 & part 2 • Valid Seafarer’s medical certificate (e.g. ENG1) • STCW basic safety training certificate (plus updated training certificates if required) • Proof of sea-time of at least 24 months service, including minimum 6 months actual sea service (this sea time MUST be verified by the PYA or Nautilus), and no more than 90 days in a shipyard. All is required to be accumulated in an engineering capacity. • Purchase an SV Second Engineer Training Record Book (€100 from a Bluewater training centre, this also includes the registration letter). • A passport-sized photo and a form of photo ID A member of the training team will check the above documents, and date and stamp your training record book accordingly. We will need to sight all elements before we can do this. Your date of registration is the date that we received all of your documents and enter this into the training record book. From this point, you can start to accumulate the remaining 11 months service required, 4 of which is actual sea-time, start the SV written modules (Marine Diesels, Operational Procedures, and Auxiliary Equipment part 1), complete the workshop as well as complete the tasks listed in the training record book. You cannot begin to have the tasks in the book signed off until you have registered onto the SV route.

Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) is required for every crew member on board ISPS-compliant vessels (which for yachts means every commercial yacht over 500 gross tonnes – approximately 50m+) and Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) is for those who have security duties as outlined in the Ship’s Security Plan. We would strongly advise you go straight to Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD). This 1-day course includes the PSA syllabus and is the course many yacht crew would need if they have designated security duties on board. PSA and PDSD are available as e-learning courses or you can contact our training department for more information on the classroom schedules.

To obtain your Yacht Rating, please refer to MSN1862 Section 3 and Annexe B , then fill out form MSF4340 . You will need to show proof of 6 months’ yacht service, 2 months’ sea service and have a valid STCW and ENG1.

As of 1st January 2017, if your STCW basic safety training certificate is 5 years old or over, you must update your training for your certificate to remain valid. Specifically, this applies to the Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting and Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques modules of your STCW basic safety training. This directive doesn’t apply to the other modules. You can update your training by completing the full STCW basic safety training course again, or by completing a refresher course. The refresher courses are called ‘Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting and Personal Survival Techniques’ and we offer them at all our training centres. This directive also applies if you hold Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting and/or Proficiency in Advanced Sea Survival (OR Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Other than Fast Rescue Boats)). We run refresher courses for both of these (note: we run the refresher for the Advanced Sea Survival, now known as the Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Other than Fast Rescue Boats) RESTRICTED. For medical certificate validity, see the next question. All IAMI (deck) exam pass certificates last for 3 years from the date the examination took place. You must have sat your oral exam and have applied for your CoC before they expire. If you fail to apply for the CoC before your exam pass certificates expire, you would need to obtain a new exam pass certificate by resitting the exam only. If, however you fail the exam, you would be required to complete the full course again for another opportunity to take the exam. SQA (engineering) pass certificates last for 3 years, and you can retake the exam as many times as necessary to obtain an exam pass. On successful pass of an SQA exam, the exam pass certificate is valid for 3 years from the date the examination took place, during which you would need to apply for the appropriate CoC.

The Medical Care at Sea certificate is valid for 5 years, after which you would need to update your medical training. This can be done with a Medical Care at Sea course or an Updated Proficiency in Medical Care course. As Captain, or the designated medical person in charge, your medical certificates should always be in date. However, you do not need to send this certificate when you revalidate your MCA CoC. Elementary First Aid and Medical First Aid do not expire. The RYA requires a certificate of updated medical training within the last 5 years to revalidate a commercial endorsement. Please refer to the question ‘How do I revalidate the commercial endorsement on my RYA certificate?’ to find out how to revalidate a commercial endorsement.

Send the following to: MCA (Seafarer Training & Certification), Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1EG, U.K. • application form MSF 4201 (to download the form, refer to the question ‘How do I download MCA application forms?’) • original certificate of competency • 2 x passport photos (One certified, the other with your name and date of birth) • sea service testimonials and discharge book, or PYA/Nautilus Service Record Book (indicating 12 months on board yacht service in the last five years or 3 months on board yacht service in the last 6 months). • Masters: If you do not submit a PYA/Nautilus Service Record Book then you must provide a company letter verifying at least 12 months of your sea service. • courier fee of £56.00 (EU) or £66.00 (Rest of the World) • Evidence of having completed the basic (and advanced if applicable) updated proficiency safety courses in the last 5 years • valid ENG1 medical certificate (or accepted equivalent) • deck officers only: GMDSS GOC/ROC (as applicable) • deck officers only: ECDIS certificate (if not supplied, you will receive a negative endorsement) • engineer officers only: High voltage course completion certificate (if not supplied you will receive a negative endorsement) Additional information can be found in MSN 1861(M)

Send the following scanned documents to [email protected] : • completed application form MSF 4354 • original GMDSS licence • proof of 12 months’ sea service (testimonials/log book) within the last 5 years • courier fee of £10.00 (UK), £20.00 (EU) or £30.00 (Rest of the World) • valid ENG1 medical certificate (or accepted equivalent)

Send the following to: Royal Yachting Association, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA, U.K. Tel: +44 2380 604 100 • commercial endorsement revalidation form (can be obtained from the RYA website ) • original RYA certificate (Yachtmaster Offshore/Ocean, Powerboat Level 2, etc.) • 1 passport photo • valid ENG1 medical certificate (or accepted equivalent) • proof of sea-time (at least 150 days of actual sea service during the last 5 years) • Professional Practice and Responsibilities (PPR) online test or MCA issued deck CoC • fee of £35.00 (plus £25.00 for fast track service) • Elementary First Aid certificate from the last 5 years (or accepted medical equivalent)

On the UK government services website: www.gov.uk , use the large search box to find the relevant application code.

It is valid for 5 years or 3 years following successful completion of an oral exam. The examination pass certificates must be less than 3 years old for issue of the CoC.

Yes, the MCA recognises STCW endorsed certificates from other countries, provided that they have inspected and approved the training system in that country. You should check the MCA website for an updated list of countries currently recognised. If your country is recognised, you can apply for a Flag State Endorsement (formerly Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC)). The MCA should issue a Flag State Endorsement with the same limitations as the original certificate. Information on how to apply for a Flag State Endorsement can be found here .

Email scans of the following documents to [email protected] : • completed application form MSF 4203 • non-UK Certificate of Competency • deck officers only: GMDSS certificate • passport or discharge book • evidence of competency in English language (see the guidance notes in the application form for details on this) • 2 x passport photos (One certified, the other with your name and date of birth) • fee of £109 (UK), £129 (EU/EEA) or £139 (rest of the World)

Helpline: +44 2380 329 231. You don’t need to wait for the operator to ask your questions, you can just select 1 for Deck/GMDSS, select 2 for Engineering or Safe Manning, or select 3 for Certificates of Equivalent Competency. Alternatively, you can email the MCA on [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected] .

You can call any of the doctors below and try to get an appointment to see them whilst you are here in Antibes. For a full list of MCA approved ENG1 doctors for the UK please click HERE and for overseas doctors click HERE . Dr Christopher Besse 74 avenue de la Liberté, 2nd floor, 06220 Golfe Juan. Tel: +33 (0)6 47 45 22 88 Dr Jolanda Weerts (Norwegian approved but MCA accepted) 55 place de la Vignasse, 06560 Valbonne. Tel: +33 497 25 71 16, direct line: +33 492 92 13 84 Dr Bruno Lavagne “Le Vendome” C, 4 Chemin du Tanit, Juan Les Pins 06160. Tel: +33 493 67 03 07 Dr Simon Gordon 1913 Route de Cannes, 06560 Valbonne [email protected] In Spain you can go to; Dr Amit Bajpai British Medical Centre, Carrer ses Planas, 7, 07181 Palma Nova, Calvia, Mallorca, Tel: +34 971 683 511 - Email Dr Johanna Clark Club de Mar Medical, Carrer Les Rafaletes, 1A, Edificio Torremar B, Planta Primera, Local 2 IZQUIERDA, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Tel: +34 971 703 391 - Email

Visit www.gov.uk and apply by post. It costs £55 to apply for a British seaman’s card and £55 to apply for a discharge book. You can also apply through the 24-hour premium service, that costs £105 for a British seaman’s card and £105 for a discharge book, or £160 for both. The form downloaded on the website explains how to pay and where to send your application. A seaman’s discharge book is a full record of a seaman’s career experience and certification. You need a discharge book if you are either: • a British citizen who works on ships or large yachts • not a British citizen but employed on a UK-registered ship or large yacht

For externally moderated OOW 3000gt and Master courses, you may resit the failed exam as soon as you can organise a date with your training provider. You must resit any failed exam within 12 months of sitting the original. If you fail a second time, you must retake the whole course before re-attempting the exam. For externally moderated Engineering courses, you are able to resit the exam as many times as necessary without having to retake the course, up to 3 years following the date of the course completion certificate.

Carefully! All tasks are to be completed and signed off by your Captain. None of the tasks should be signed off at the same time. If you are the Captain, you can sign the tasks off yourself, but the MCA will require, with your application for OOW 3000gt, a letter from someone higher up than yourself, i.e. owner, management company or PYA, explaining why you have self-assessed. TRBs should be filled in over a one to three year period. Dates must correspond to time on vessels, with corresponding testimonials. Don’t sign off tasks all on the same date. See page 89 of the Crew Training Manual for further details.

The PYA is authorised by the MCA, through the PYA ISO quality management standards, to verify sea service using the PYA Service Record Book (SRB). Your certificates and sea time (both present and retrospective experience) will be carefully checked and approved before being stamped into the SRB by the PYA.

You may be able to get an exemption if you have had workshop skills training in the past, such as for qualifying in a mechanical trade (diesel mechanic, fitter, etc.) They are not easy to get though and do require the previous training to have some marine content. If you think you might qualify, you should contact IAMI to apply for the exemption. If you are following the Alternative Route, you will still need to contact the MCA for a Letter of Initial Assessment, outlining your qualifications and sea time/yacht time.

Unfortunately, no, even though the MCA recognises both RYA and IYT qualifications, the RYA will not accept the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore as a pre-requisite for obtaining the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course. You would have to complete the IYT equivalent.

The MCA does not accept Food Safety certificates where the course has been delivered solely by computer-based training. If in any doubt, please consult MIN689 which has a list of accepted courses.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

MCA approved doctors for overseas

A list of overseas-based approved doctors for UK seafarers.

MCA Approved doctors overseas

This list is for seafarers looking for non UK-based approved doctors (ADs) who are able to carry out ENG 1 medical examinations.

Doctors details are regularly updated and contain information as of the 5th August 2024.

Updates to this page

Updated address and contact details for Dr Reece.

Dr Stoner ( South Africa) Removed. Dr Nicholl (UAE) Removed. Dr's Hetal & Tepelus (UAE) Added.

Dr S Gordon added - France

Removed Dr P De Guzman

Dr N Weiss - France: Removed from list. Dr A Daya - South Africa: Added

Dr Edwards - Falklands - Now available

Removed Dr S Millar

Up[date Dr Edwards unavailable until the 21/01/2024

Update to Dr Greer's contact details.

Dr R Millar and Dr M Dass added to Trinidad and Tobago

Dr Yong (Malaysia) - Contact telephone number updated.

Dr Okraglik (Australia) - Now available with updated post code

Additional contact telephone numbers for Dr J Clark (Spain) added.

Removed unavailable section from Dr Nicholl - United Arab Emirates.

Dr N Weiss added to the list - France

Update to Dr J Abesamis - Philippines

Update to details for Dr C Besse

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 4th July 2023.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 22nd June 2023.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 20th June 2023.

Removal of Dr B Paver

Added Dr R Edwards and Dr M Uqaili (Falklands)

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 25th January 2023.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 25th November 2022.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 8th February 2022.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 23rd December 2021.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 8th December 2021.

Updated list uploaded 01/11/2021

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas list as of 21st October 2021.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas list as of 19th October 2021.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas as of the 7th October 2021.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 4th October 2021.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 28th May 2021

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 23rd September 2020.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 13th July 2020.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 3rd July 2020.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas as of 1st July 2020.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 11th June 2020.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 22 May 2020.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 12 May 2020.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 10th March 2020.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 17th December 2019.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 30th September 2019.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 13th September 2019.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 12th August 2019.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 8th August 2019.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 3rd July 2019.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 18th June 2019.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 22nd May 2019.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 2nd May 2019.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 3rd April 2019.

MCA approved doctors for overseas 26th March 2019.

Updated MCA approved doctors for overseas 6th December 2018.

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 21st November 2018.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 25th October 2018.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 16 January 2018

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 26 September 2017

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 21 June 2017

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 5 June 2017

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 1 April 2017

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 7 March 2017

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 6 March 2017

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 6 February 2017

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 1 February 2017

Update MCA Approved doctors overseas 21 November 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 18 November 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 16 November 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 1 November 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 21 October 2016

Updated doctors list

List updated as of 1 Sept 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 30 August 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 10 August 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 16 June 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 1 June 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 20 May 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 11 May 2016

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 1 May 2016

Updated MCA approved doctors overseas 22 April 2016.

E-mail address now included

Updated doctors list as 1st April 2016

Updated list attached.

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 11 January 2016

Updated for 31 December list

Update MCA Approved doctors overseas 8 December 2015

Updated; MCA Approved doctors overseas 07 October 2015

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 06 October 2015

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 25 March 2015

Updated for latest list 25 March 2015

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 18 March 2015

Updated MCA Approved doctors list overseas 29 January 2015

Updated MCA Approved doctors overseas 16.01.15

List of approved doctors updated 17 June 2014

First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content, is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

The Nurse on-board a superyacht is responsible for attending to the medical needs of the owner and the guests.

Formal medical certification and previous shoreside work experience as a Nurse are required.

10 jobs found

Rotational Nurse / Housekeeper – Private 100+ MY (HD-3666)

About this role * Rotational Nurse – Private 100m+ MY    * Start date: 28th of October  * Location: Middle East /...

10 September 2024

Nurse/Stew 85m+ MY

NURSE/STEW 85M+ MY We are seeking a qualified Nurse/Stew with strong land based and yachting references/experience. You will be required...

27 August 2024

Nurse/Paramedic wanted for World Travelling Motoryacht - MEDM

Are you a qualified Medical professional, Doctor, Nurse or Paramedic? Available ASAP? Do you have at least one seasons’ experience...

26 August 2024 - Pacific    ✔ Approved

Nurse/Housekeeper

100m+ Private Motor YachtWilsonhalligan are looking for Nurse/Housekeeper for a 100m+ Private Motor Yacht The ideal candidate will confident, mature and...

20 August 2024 - Undisclosed

+6 more jobs

Log in or register to view 6 more Nurse jobs.

Jobs on Yachts

• Deck Jobs (353)
• Engineering Jobs (134)
• Galley Jobs (119)
• Interior Jobs (349)
• Hairdresser
• Massage Therapist
• Personal Trainer
• Yoga/Pilates Instructor
• Dive Instructor
• Water Sports Instructor
• Helicopter Pilot
• Shore Based Jobs (132)
• Other Jobs (21)

Email address:

Remember me Forgotten password?

Password Reset

Enter your email address and we will email you a password reset link.

Email address:

• Our Campaigns

Get Involved

Popular Searches

• IUU fishing

Volunteer for our Global Campaigns at Sea

Ready to join Neptune's Navy? Sea Shepherd Global welcomes passionate individuals to crew aboard our global fleet of four ships. We're looking for people of all ages, backgrounds and skills who are ready for the adventure of a lifetime as they defend and protect the world’s oceans.

Neptune's Navy Needs You

We are looking for passionate ocean defenders who aren’t afraid of hard work, no pay, long hours, dangerous conditions and extreme weather. We need volunteers motivated by the fight to defend, conserve and protect our seas and marine wildlife from the many threats facing them today. Sea Shepherd operates on very limited resources, most of them going directly to maintain and operate our fleet. Our volunteer crew members are key to the success of our direct-action campaigns!

Sea Shepherd’s fleet is crewed by volunteers of all backgrounds from over two dozen countries and five continents. While the average age is 30, volunteers range in age from 19 to 61 years old, though we have no upper age limits to join our crew. Women make up almost half of our ships’ crew, including captains, marine engineers and officers. While preference is given to technically-skilled volunteers for positions such as marine engineers, navigators, radio operators, cooks and medics, we also need deckhands to keep the ship running smoothly. Previous experience working on board a ship is not required if you’re willing to learn new skills!

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

- You must be a minimum of 18 years old.

- You must know how to swim.

- You must comply with the Sea Shepherd “zero tolerance” drug policy and smoking rules.

- You are financially responsible for travel to and from the ship and all personal items.

- You must agree to be filmed/photographed while on campaign.

The Benefits In addition to adventure, fulfillment, new friends, and the experience of a lifetime doing the hardest work you’ll ever love, all Sea Shepherd crew are given full room (bunk and bedding) and board (three hearty vegan meals a day), as well as onboard training by veteran crewmembers.

Positions Available There are six primary areas on our ships: Bridge, Deck, Engine Room, Galley, Communications and Media. We are looking for navigators, sailors, marine engineers, mechanics, electricians, carpenters, welders, cooks, doctors, medics or nurses, small boat operators, photographers, videographers, computer and networking specialists, electronics hobbyists and experts, software developers, radio and antenna technicians, and even a few unskilled dedicated Ocean Defenders who are willing to be trained. If you are a ticketed navigator or marine engineer, please feel free to send your CV here .

Timeframe Sea Shepherd’s campaigns take place throughout the year and rarely last less than a month, with many lasting up to four months or more. Preference is given to volunteers who are available for the most time. For new crewmembers with no specialized skills we look for a commitment of three months, where you’ll often be working on a ship while in port before qualifying for a sea campaign. Crew with specialized skills can usually join sea campaigns directly.

Locations Our campaigns take place in oceans around the world, including the Antarctic, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Transportation to and from the ship is the responsibility of each volunteer.

Questions?  Check out the FAQs before contacting our Crew Coordinator here .

We Need Your Support

Donate funds or supplies, sea shepherd merchandise.