MCA sets out how doctors can become approved ENG1 examiners
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has updated its guidance for doctors who want to become approved doctors, the medical professionals who carry out ENG1 seafarer medical examinations. The page was published on 12 November 2026.
Who the system serves
The MCA says its recruitment system was set up in agreement with maritime employers and seafarers' trade union organisations. It is intended to serve seafarers working on UK vessels and those holding UK Certificates of Competency.
Where appointments are made
Approved doctors are only appointed in areas where demand for at least 50 examinations a year has been demonstrated. The most suitable candidate is chosen on qualifications, experience and location. The full procedure is set out in chapter 2 of the MCA's approved doctor's manual.
How applications work
- Vacancies are advertised locally through the local clinical commissioning group.
- The MCA keeps a file of doctors who have expressed an interest and invites them to apply, to ensure fair and open competition.
- Applicants complete the approved doctor application form and send it to the address given on it.
- The MCA's chief medical adviser reviews all applications, and the medical administration team acknowledges them.
- Speculative applications, which fall outside a recruitment process started by the MCA, are held and the applicant is notified if a specific vacancy arises.
Current recruitment campaigns
The latest changes to the page add recruitment campaigns for the M60 corridor around Manchester and for the area from Southampton to Weymouth. Closed campaigns for Genoa in Italy and for Perth to Stonehaven in Scotland have been removed, as has a Barcelona opportunity that closed on 2 October 2026.
The page also carries a long history of earlier campaigns across UK coastal and island areas, as well as some overseas locations, showing how regularly the MCA recruits to keep examiner coverage in place for seafarers.
Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency · Image: Pixabay