The ENG1 Medical Certificate
If you are planning to work at sea then you must have a Medical Fitness Certificate. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approves two types of Medical certificates; ML5 and ENG1.
The ENG1 Medical Certificate – Superyachts All crew that are looking to work on ships including superyachts will require an ENG1 Medical.
Colour blindness
If you are colour blind, affecting your ability to distinguish lights, you should consider having an eye test before joining a Yachtmaster Course or training as professional Superyacht crew. Any doctor can conduct the Ishihara test and if you pass you can be confident that colour blindness will not be a bar to the issue of an ENG1 or ML5. If you fail the Ishihara your doctor will need to place a restriction on your ENG1 or ML5. You can consider having a “CAD” test conducted at several Universities across the UK.
ML5 Medical Certificate
Consider the ML5 Medical if you are applying for positions as Skipper or crew of a Small Commercial Vessel certified for area A2 (no more than 60 miles from a safe haven). If you are working close to home, then the ML5 Medial Certificate is preferred. Take this form to your GP who will be able to complete the medical for you. Commercial Endorsement for Yachtmasters
To work as a professional Yachtmaster you need either ENG1 or ML5 to support commercial endorsement of your qualification. Flying Fish recommends ENG1, which validates Yachtmaster Offshore to 150 miles from a safe haven and Yachtmaster Ocean on an unrestricted basis. ML5 limits you to 60 miles.