Reading the certificate
Governing: MSN 1886 Amendment 3, paragraphs 3.5 to 3.7; MLC 2006 Standard A1.2. Builds on: L2.1.
The four categories
| Category | Meaning | Paperwork |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fit for sea service, no restrictions | ENG1 |
| 2 | Fit for sea service, with restrictions | ENG1 showing the restriction, plus ENG 3 |
| 3 | Temporarily unfit; the doctor must state the duration | ENG 3 if more than three months |
| 4 | Permanently unfit; normally lasts at least five years, changed only on medical evidence that the condition has reversed | ENG 3 |
The period of temporary unfitness can be a few weeks, for simple investigations, or a year or more pending treatment.
Restrictions versus conditions
These two words are often confused on board. They are different things.
| Restriction | Condition | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A limit on where or what you may work | A measure you must take to stay fit |
| Example | "Not fit for emergency duties"; a geographical limit; not fit for lookout at night | Taking regular medication; periodic review |
| Where recorded | On the face of the ENG1 | In writing between doctor and candidate, not on the ENG1 |
| Who sees it | Owner, employer, master and the CoC issuing authority | Confidential, though you may need to tell the master |
| Right of review | Yes (Category 2) | No |
A small number of restrictions can prevent the issue of certain certificates of competency; the MCA advises in each case.
CAUTION — The master reads restrictions A restriction is written for the owner, employer and master. On a yacht with a small crew, a "not fit for emergency duties" restriction can mean the muster list cannot accommodate you. Discuss it before you accept the job.
Validity
MSN 1886 paragraph 3.7 mirrors MLC Standard A1.2:
- over 18: maximum two years;
- under 18: maximum one year;
- a doctor may give less if there is a medical reason.
The certificate shows the examination date and the expiry date. Plan from the expiry date printed, not from memory.
| Examined | Age | Maximum expiry |
|---|---|---|
| 10 March 2026 | 30 | 9 March 2028 |
| 10 March 2026 | 17 | 9 March 2027 |
MLC Standard A1.2 adds two practical rules that flag states apply:
- a certificate that expires during a voyage continues in force until the next port of call where you can get a new one from a qualified practitioner, for no more than three months;
- in urgent cases, a seafarer holding an expired certificate of recent date may be permitted to work to the next such port, again for no more than three months.
Colour vision certification under MLC is valid for up to six years.
WARNING — Not a planning tool The three-month continuation exists for voyages, not for crew who forgot. Port State Control and the next employer will see an expired certificate for what it is.
Replacements
The ENG1 is your property. If it is lost or damaged, the doctor who issued it may issue a replacement at their discretion, valid for the remaining period of the original. They may charge an administrative fee. Only that doctor can replace it without a full examination; if much time has passed, they may require a new examination, which then attracts the full fee and can be valid for up to two years.
TIP — Keep a scan Keep a clear scan of the ENG1 with your certificates of proficiency. It will not replace the original at an inspection, but it speeds up a replacement and every crew agency application.