When the answer is no
Governing: MSN 1886 Amendment 3, sections 4 and 5; MCA "Seafarers medical certification guidance". Builds on: L2.2.
Suspension and cancellation
A valid ENG1 is not beyond reach. MSN 1886 section 4 allows the approved doctor to suspend or cancel it if they have reasonable grounds to believe that:
- there has been a significant change in your medical fitness;
- you are not complying with a condition of issue;
- they did not have full details of your condition at the examination and, had they known, could not reasonably have found you fit;
- the certificate was not issued in accordance with the Regulations.
Suspension can last until a further examination, for a set period, or become permanent cancellation. The doctor can require you to surrender the certificate and, if you do not, can inform the MCA's Medical Administration Team.
WARNING — Non-disclosure catches up Ground 3 is where concealment ends up. A certificate obtained without disclosing a relevant condition is liable to cancellation, and the resulting gap in employment is usually longer than an honest assessment would have caused.
Who can ask for a review
A review (the "appeal") is available if you are:
| Decision | Review? |
|---|---|
| Category 4, permanently unfit | Yes |
| Category 3, temporarily unfit for more than three months | Yes |
| Category 2, fit with restrictions | Yes |
| Certificate suspended for more than three months, or cancelled | Yes |
| Category 3 for three months or less | No |
| A condition set by the doctor | No |
This applies to first-time applicants as well as serving seafarers.
How it works
- The approved doctor issues the ENG 3, which contains the application form, and should normally explain the medical reasons, unless disclosure would harm your health.
- You complete the form and send it to the MCA's Medical Administration Team within one month of the ENG 3 date.
- By signing, you consent to the doctor releasing the ENG 2 and supporting reports to the referee.
- The MCA arranges an independent medical referee, appointed by the Secretary of State.
- You attend with ID, a job description, any restricted ENG1, and the medical letters that support your case. Send extra evidence to the referee before the appointment.
- The referee should decide within two months of the review being lodged.
The gov.uk guidance states the MCA covers the cost of the review, but you pay your own travel.
What the referee does
The referee works to the same standards as the approved doctor. Their job is to:
- confirm the diagnosis is established beyond reasonable doubt, with specialist reports if necessary;
- check that the standards, especially the discretionary ones, were properly interpreted;
- consider whether someone previously found permanently unfit could return to sea in some capacity.
The referee has more discretion than the approved doctor, and in cases the standards do not cover, or where exceptional considerations apply, can set an appropriate category. If the evidence supports it, they can issue a revised ENG1. Their decision is final, and they will not overturn a sound decision simply because you asked.
CAUTION — Five-year bar Where a referee confirms you are permanently unfit, the MCA will not normally accept a further review application within five years. Bring your best evidence the first time.
On board
If a crew member's certificate is suspended mid-season, the master must treat them as not holding a valid certificate. Log the date you were told, adjust the muster list, and take advice from the management company before any further duty.