eng 1 yacht

ENG1 Medical

MCA Approved Doctors for ENG1 Examinations

ENG1 Medical Certificates or an ENG1 medical Equivalent are essential for any Superyacht or Ship crew member. Only MCA-approved doctors are qualified to take ENG1 examinations. Certain countries seafarer medical certificates are accepted by the MCA as ENG1 medical equivalents, although the ENG1 certificate is generally prefered by vessels governed by the MCA (Maritime Coast Guard Agency), especially for higher-ranked crew members.

Find an MCA approved doctor for ENG1 medicals (All countries)

ENG1 Medical Information

We advise the candidate to inform themselves about the ENG1 medical examination before booking an appointment with a doctor. Below you will find why you need the certificate, how often it needs to be renewed as well as how much it costs. We will also give you a run-through of what to expect during the examination as well as any potential restrictions you may encounter.

Why Do I Need an ENG1 Medical Certificate?

An ENG1 medical certificate declares you as fit and healthy to safely engage in the duties associated with being a Superyacht or ship crew member.

The ENG1 medical examination ensures that the crew member does not have any medical conditions that may jeopardize the safety of other crew members or passengers on board.

Certain medical conditions may be acceptable for specific jobs onboard a vessel and others may not. For example, a colour blind crew member will not be fit for lookout duties on the bridge onboard a superyacht, but may still be fit for duties in other departments. A crew members ENG1 certificate will either state that the crew member is fit with no restrictions, fit with restrictions or unfit for work (Either temporarily or permanently).

ENG1 Medical Examination Procedure

An ENG1 medical typically takes about 30 minutes and it is a quick non-invasive procedure. The process will differ slightly, depending on the patient and the doctor, however, an ENG1 examination will generally include the following:

• A urine sample (to test for diabetes, kidney functions, blood sugars etc.).
• General lifestyle questions (drinking and smoking habits, exercise routine etc.).
• Your blood pressure will be checked.
• Height and weight will be recorded.
• A standard eye test.
• A test for colour blindness.

• A hearing test.
• A standard reflex test.
• You will be asked to remove your t-shirt and the doctor will listen to your heart and lungs.
• Your ears and throat will be checked.
• Finally, the doctor will ask the last time you went for a dental checkup (yacht crew are encouraged to see a dentist at least once a year to prevent painful tooth emergencies whilst out at sea).

Where Can an ENG1 Medical Examination be Performed?

An ENG1 medical examination has to be performed by an MCA qualified doctor. MCA approved doctors can be found in any of the following countries (Accurate as per gov.uk website updated on the 19th of June 2019).

British virgin Islands

New Zealand

Philippines

South Africa

Trinidad & Tobago

United Kingdom

United Arab Emriates

United States of America

How Much Does an ENG1 Examination Cost?

The maximum fee for an ENG 1 medical examination is £115 in the UK. You can expect to pay €120 to €150 in Europe,  R2500 in South Africa, and $140 - $175 in the US.

Please confirm the rates with the respective medical center as these are merely guidelines.

How Long is an ENG1 Medical Certificate Valid For?

Crew members have to renew their certificate every two years (some every year if they have certain health restrictions). It is important to plan ahead when it comes to booking an appointment for an examination as there are a limited amount of MCA qualified doctors.

You will find ENG1 doctors in Fort Lauderdale, Antibes, the U.K. and other super yachting or maritime hubs around the world, but it is still important to plan ahead, especially with the busy schedules of yacht crew.

Not having the certificate in time could cost you a job - make sure you don't get caught out!

ENG1 Medical Certificate Outcomes and Restrictions

Candidates who do not pass the medical may be disallowed from working at sea, while others may be given restrictions in terms of which duties they can perform. For example, if you do not pass the eye, colour-blindness or hearing test you will not be allowed to perform lookout duties. This will severely restrict your ability to work on deck and will mean that you are unable to become an officer or captain. There are many other medical conditions that will prevent you from working at sea. We recommend that you take the ENG1 medical before attending your STCW or any other courses. This will help prevent you from wasting time and money if you are deemed unfit to work at sea.

Visit the ENG1 section of the MCA website for more detailed information.

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ENG1 Medical Examinations

According to the Maritime Labout Convention (MLC), everyone working at sea must have a valid medical certificate. The ENG1 is a basic medical examination, carried out by a certified doctor, confirming that you are in a fit condition to work on board.

What is ENG1?

Is a medical fitness certificate for those who work on sea (or recognised equivalents from other countries). In the United Kingdom, it has to be issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) approved doctor following a full medical examination. Every seafarer on a seagoing ship is required to have a certificate of medical fitness.

Why do I need it?

To establish whether or not anyone working on a seagoing vessel has any medical conditions that might cause him or her to be unable to perform certain duties at sea. The idea behind this is to minimize or prevent potential hazards at sea. For example, someone who is colour blind would not be able to recognise certain safety and danger marks and signals that rely on colours and in the interest of safety, would need to be excluded from such duties.

What do they check?

The doctor or a practice nurse will ask you questions about your medical history. You will be weighed and measured, and you will be required to provide a urine sample. There is also a physical examination, hearing test and eye test which will check your distant vision, near vision and colour vision.

How much does it cost?

The maximum fee for an ENG1 medical examination is £80 in the United Kingdom.

How long does it valid for?

ENG1 is valid for a maximum of 2 years.

Where can I get it?

You need to find your nearest approved doctor who is eligible to conduct ENG 1 Seafarer Medical Examinations. Download a list of certified doctors in your country:

• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• other countries

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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!

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What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate and why do I need it?

In order to be be able to work at sea, it is mandatory that you obtain a seafarer medical certificate that confirms you are fit and able to carry out your designated duties onboard. At Get Onboard Superyacht Academy, we assist with a number of courses and qualifications for those looking for a career in the Super Yacht Industry.

The ENG1 medical certificate is a requirement of the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and therefore it would be against the law for you to work without one. Furthermore, Professional Yachtmasters will not be able to have their qualification commercially endorsed without a seafarer medical certificate.

There are two types of certificate approved by the MCA: an ENG1 Medical Certificate (referred to as ENG1) and an ML5 Medical Certificate (referred to as ML5).

Do I need an ENG1 or an ML5?

If you are looking to make a career at sea (in other words, become a ‘seafarer’ and work on super yachts) then you will need an ENG1. The only exception to this is if you are going to work on board a small commercial vessel certificated for Area Category 2 to 6 (so one which doesn’t go more than 60 miles from a safe haven), in which case you would only require an ML5 Certificate.

According to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), “a seafarer is any person, including a master, who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship and whose normal place of work is on a ship.”

How do I apply for an ENG1 or ML5?

An ENG1 must be issued by an MCA-approved doctor. You can book your ENG1 medical directly with us.

How much does the ENG1 medical certificate cost?

The current fee for an ENG1 is R2,500.

What happens in an ENG1 medical and what do I need to take?

The appointment should take around 30-40 minutes and the medical is non-invasive. The doctor will ask for a urine sample so that your kidney function and blood sugar levels can be tested, they will measure your height and weight, take your blood pressure, listen to your lungs as well as check your ears nose and throat. You will have your eyesight tested and be checked for colour blindness and they will also test your reflexes and give you a physical examination. If you have any previous medical history then the doctor will discuss this with you too.

A standard ENG1 examination will include:

Measuring your height and weight

A standard eye test

A colour blindness test

A hearing test

Ear and throat evaluations

Teeth/gums inspection

Questions on your medical history, drinking habits, etc.

A urine sample (to test kidney functionality and blood sugar)

Reflex testing

Listening to your heart and lungs, testing blood pressure and heart rate

Hernia testing (asking you to cough while gently pressing your abdomen)

Make sure to take along 2 ID photos as well as your ID or Passport.

How do I get my ENG1 certificate?

Once your doctor has finished your examination they will issue you with one of the following 3 certificates:

Fit without restrictions (unrestricted)

Fit with restrictions (limiting your work to certain jobs or locations)

Temporarily, or permanently unfit

If you pass, the doctor will usually issue you with your ENG1 certificate that same day. If you are found to be unfit or your ENG1 is restricted then the doctor will issue you with a ‘Notice of Failure/Restriction (ENG3)’ form. The ENG3 will tell you what to do if you want to have an independent medical review.

What if I fail my ENG1 medical?

If you do not pass your ENG1 medical (ie. you are “temporarily or permanently unfit”), these results will stand for five years. You can have another ENG1 medical during the next five years if you can medically prove that the condition that caused you to fail has been reversed.

Can I get an ENG1 if I am colour blind?

During your ENG1 medical you will be tested for colour blindness using the Ishihara test . If you fail the Ishihara test then don’t panic! There is a colour vision test you can choose to take called “Colour Assessment and Diagnosis” (CAD) which measures the severity and type of colour vision loss, and reliably detects congenital deficiency.

If you pass the CAD test and have no other medical conditions which could affect your ability to carry out your duties at sea, then this is great news as you will be issued an unrestricted ENG1.

If you fail the CAD test you will be issued an ENG1 with the restriction ‘Not Fit for lookout duties at night. Not eligible for MCA CoC or rating certification’ and the certificate will be ticked ‘not fit for lookout duties’.

You will receive a letter from the CAD test centre to confirm your test result which you will be required to take to all future medicals. Deck officers or trainee officers who have failed both the Ishihara test and the CAD test will be classed as permanently unfit for sea service.

For how long is my ENG1 or ML5 valid?

An ENG1 can be valid for up to two years (one year if you are aged between 16 and 18) and an ML5 can be valid for up to five years, however either certificate would become invalid if you developed a condition or a disability (mental or physical) which affects your ability to work.

When should I apply for my ENG1?

We highly recommend you obtain your ENG1 prior to starting your course so that you are ready to begin work as soon as your course has finished. This will also highlight at the outset any issues which might affect your ability to work at sea, such as colour blindness.

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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.

What is an ENG1 Medical Certificate?

At UKSA we run a number of courses for those looking for a career in superyachts or yachting . As well as obtaining all the necessary practical and theoretical qualifications, in order to be able to work at sea, it is mandatory that you obtain a seafarer medical certificate confirming that you are fit and well enough to carry out your duties.

The certificate is a requirement of the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and therefore it would be against the law for you to work without one. Furthermore, Professional Yachtmasters will not be able to have their qualification commercially endorsed without a seafarer medical certificate.

There are two types of certificate approved by the MCA: an ENG1 Medical Certificate (referred to as ENG1) and an ML5 Medical Certificate (referred to as ML5).

Do I need an ENG1 or an ML5?

If you are looking to make a career at sea (in other words, become a ‘seafarer’) then you will need an ENG1. The only exception to this is if you are going to work on board a small commercial vessel certificated for Area Category 2 to 6 (so one which doesn’t go more than 60 miles from a safe haven), in which case you would only require an ML5 Certificate.

According to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), “a seafarer is any person, including a master, who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship and whose normal place of work is on a ship.”

How do I apply for an ENG1 or ML5?

An ENG1 must be issued by an MCA-approved doctor. A list of the UK-based doctors can be found here , and a list of overseas doctors here .

How much does the ENG1 medical certificate cost?

The current fee for an ENG1 is £105 but from 13th November 2020 the fee will increase to £115.

If you are applying for an ML5 then you will need to download this form and take it to your local GP to complete.

What happens in an ENG1 medical and what do I need to take?

You will need to take some photo ID, your local GP’s name, surgery address and contact details, any medication you’re taking, your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them (though not colour correction lenses) and your previous medical certificate if you have one.

The appointment should take around 30-40 minutes and the medical is non-invasive. The doctor will ask for a urine sample so that your kidney function and blood sugar levels can be tested, they will measure your height and weight, take your blood pressure, listen to your lungs as well as check your ears nose and throat. You will have your eyesight tested and be checked for colour blindness and they will also test your reflexes and give you a physical examination. If you have any previous medical history then the doctor will discuss this with you too.

If you are worried that you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to obtain an ENG1 then please see Annex A in MSN 1886 which contains a list of those conditions which will require further examination.

How do I get my ENG1 certificate?

Once your doctor has finished your examination they will issue you with one of the following 3 certificates:

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

If you pass, the doctor will usually issue you with your ENG1 certificate that same day. If you are found to be unfit or your ENG1 is restricted then the doctor will issue you with a ‘Notice of Failure/Restriction (ENG3)’ form. The ENG3 will tell you what to do if you want to have an independent medical review.

What if I fail my ENG1 medical?

If you do not pass your ENG1 medical (ie temporarily or permanently unfit), these results will stand for 5 years. You can have another ENG1 medical during the next 5 years if you can medically prove that the condition that caused you to fail has been reversed.

If you would like an independent medical review, you will need to contact the MCA Seafarer Health and Safety Branch within one month of the ENG3 being issued. A list of medical referees who can carry out an independent medical review can be found here .

Can I get an ENG1 if I am colour blind?

During your ENG1 medical you will be tested for colour blindness using the Ishihara test. If you fail the Ishihara test then don’t panic! There is a colour vision test you can choose to take called “Colour Assessment and Diagnosis” (CAD) which measures the severity and type of colour vision loss, and reliably detects congenital deficiency.

For more information regarding CAD see this MSN 1886 amendment which includes a list of CAD test centres and the information you would need to take to the CAD test. If you pass the CAD test and have no other medical conditions which could affect your ability to carry out your duties at sea, then this is great news as you will be issued an unrestricted ENG1.

If you fail the CAD test you will be issued an ENG1 with the restriction ‘Not Fit for lookout duties at night. Not eligible for MCA CoC or rating certification’ and the certificate will be ticked ‘not fit for lookout duties’.

You will receive a letter from the CAD test centre to confirm your test result which you will be required to take to all future medicals. Deck officers or trainee officers who have failed both the Ishihara test and the CAD test will be classed as permanently unfit for sea service.

For how long is my ENG1 or ML5 valid?

An ENG1 can be valid for up to 2 years (1 year if you are aged between 16 and 18) and an ML5 can be valid for up to 5 years, however either certificate would become invalid if you developed a condition or a disability (mental or physical) which affects your ability to work.

When should I apply for my ENG1?

At UKSA we recommend you obtain your ENG1 prior to starting your course so that you are ready to begin work as soon as your course has finished. This will also highlight at the outset any issues which might affect your ability to work at sea, such as colour blindness.

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Seafarer medical certificates

You must have an ENG 1 or an ML5 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea.

Get an ENG 1 certificate

You need an ENG 1 certificate if you’re any of the following:

• in charge of a ship
• serving on a merchant ship or yacht
• working on a fishing vessel in some situations

The maximum fee for an ENG 1 medical examination is £115.

If you’re working on a fishing vessel

You need an ENG 1 certificate if one or more of the following apply:

• the vessel needs to be inspected at a foreign port
• the vessel is over 24m long
• you’re at sea for more than 72 hours
• you’re fishing more than 200 miles off the UK coastline
• you’re fishing beyond the continental shelf

If none of these apply, you need an ML5 certificate.

How to apply

Find out how to apply for an ENG 1 certificate.

Some seafarer medical certificates from other countries are accepted instead of an ENG 1 form.

Get an ML5 certificate

You need an ML5 medical certificate if you’re:

• the master of a passenger ship that does not go to sea (Class IV or V)
• the master of a commercial vessel that does not go to sea
• the master or a crew member of a small commercial vessel certificated for Area Category 2 to 6 (no more than 60 miles from a safe haven)
• a crew member or anyone else (for example catering staff) who normally works on a domestic passenger ship (Class VI or VIA) that goes to sea

Read the guidance about medical fitness requirements if you work on domestic vessels and small commercial vessels .

There is not a set fee for an ML5 certificate but your doctor will probably charge for this service.

You need an ML5 certificate if all of the following apply:

• the vessel does not need to be inspected at a foreign port
• you’re at sea for less than 72 hours
• you’re fishing less than 200 miles off the UK coastline
• you’re fishing within the continental shelf
• you’re a new entrant and the vessel is less than 24m long
• you’re an ‘existing fisher’ and the vessel is over 10m but less than 24m long

You’re an existing fisher if you were working for 4 weeks or more on a UK registered fishing vessel between 30 November 2021 and 29 November 2023.

Find out how to apply for an ML5 certificate.

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What is an ENG1 or ENG1 equivalent and why do I need it?

by Organised Pixels | Nov 24, 2023

The ENG1 medical certificate ensures crew are fit and healthy to work at sea and are able to perform their dedicated duties while onboard.  This is a basic medical examination carried out by an ENG1 or ENG1 equivalent certified doctor. Your general practitioner won't be able to issue you with this type of certificate.

A standard eye test, colour blindness and hearing test will be included along with an oral inspection of your teeth and gums, a check-up of your ears and throat. Your height and weight will be measured, reflex testing, testing of your heart rate and your blood pressure.  Listening to heart and lungs, hernia testing and a urine sample will be required to test blood sugar level and kidney functionality.  Questions on your medical history will also be discussed during your appointment.

The MCA ENG1 or an ENG1 equivalent such as the SAMSA Medical or Norwegian Medical are all accepted by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) for work onboard a Superyacht.   We strongly recommend the medical is completed prior to the start of your courses. The medical certificate is valid for 2 years. 

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Navigating seafarers health: ENG1 and other certificates

Explore the seas of maritime employment as we delve into the essentials of seafarer health certificates, uncovering requirements and viable alternatives for a smooth voyage in your career at sea.

Medical certificates such as ENG1 or those deemed equivalent are mandatory for individuals seeking employment on commercial vessels regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) . Some exceptions apply for smaller and private vessels, but it is a valuable certificate to have if you hope to be employed on any yacht . Many vessels that are regulated by flag registries other than the MCA still request this highly regarded health certification .  Additionally, MCA-recognized medical certificates are prerequisites for many yachting licenses and for endorsing MCA Certificates of Competency .

The MCA regularly issues updates to its amendments concerning the acceptability of seafarer certificates from other countries as ENG1 equivalents , understanding that an ENG1 certificate cannot be obtained in many ports outside the UK .

There are recent listings regarding ENG1 that you can check online.

Visit the official website of the UK government for more information regarding countries that can issue ENG 1 equivalents or to find countries whose certificates are accepted on UK flag vessels .

Given the limited availability of ENG1 doctors outside the UK , finding an alternative seafarer medical certificate is often more feasible.

While ENG1 medical certificates have a validity period of two years , equivalent certificates may not share the same duration. It is crucial to verify the validity period with the issuing authority, as the MCA does not recognize any period exceeding two years .

If you do require an ENG1 or equivalent , when securing an appointment for your medical certificate do check that the doctor issuing the national seafarer certificate is approved by the Maritime Authority of that country , not all doctors are.

Finally, if the vessel employing you is not a British registry vessel it is always worth checking in advance if certificates other than MCA approved certificates are valid, this may open up more options for you . 

Here in, Spain , Evolution works with medical centres that can issue both ENG1 certificates and valid equivalents . Ask us about our packs to organize your hotel, travel, and medical appointments for a smooth and stress-free way to obtain the certificate you need .

We also offer full medical concierge services , from general health checks to nutritional, hormone, cardio, or other specialist consultations, for further information get in touch at [email protected] . 

Evolution Yacht Agents is the leading-edge team of professionals dedicated to providing assured and quality support and services to yachts in Spanish waters.

A full range of superyacht specialized services includes: charter license & legal advice, TPA (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.

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How to get an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate

Are you an aspiring seafarer, wondering about the medical requirements necessary to work aboard a yacht? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned professional in the yachting industry, and you’d like to refresh your knowledge? In either case, understanding the ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate is essential. In this blog, we will break down the essential aspects of this medical examination, its importance, and how to obtain one to ensure you meet the maritime industry’s requirements.

Few people are more qualified to give their two pennies’ worth on the current state of crew training than Joey Meen. Having established, managed and run numerous successful RYA/MCA approved training schools in the UK and France for more than a decade, Joey set up her own yacht crew training consultancy business in 2004, before launching the GUEST Program in 2013 (Guidelines for Unified Excellence in Superyacht Training), of which she is now CEO, and which has since been adopted as the go-to bespoke training and certification platform within yachting. Take a read at this blog on tackling the importance of training for crew !

What is an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate?

An ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate is a comprehensive medical examination regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It determines an individual’s fitness and capability to perform their duties on a seagoing vessel. This certification process is essential for anyone who intends to work as a captain, crew member or seafarer onboard a merchant or yacht vessel. It is also a prerequisite for obtaining a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC).

Head over to Yotspot’s FAQ ‘ What is an ENG 1 medical? ’ for more information!

Why is an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate important?

Safety at sea is a top priority for everyone involved in the maritime industry. Ensuring that crew members are in good health and fit to contribute to a ship’s operation significantly reduces the risks of accidents, illness or injury while underway. The ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate is the industry-standard method to verify that crew members meet these stringent requirements, providing employers, authorities, and crew assurance of overall onboard safety.

Take a look at our Yotspot FAQ ‘ Can you work on a yacht without an ENG 1 medical? ’

What does the ENG1 Seafarer Medical examination involve?

The ENG1 examination is conducted by MCA-approved Doctors who evaluate various aspects of an individual’s physical and mental health. The assessment typically involves a range of medical tests, including hearing and vision tests, blood pressure checks, lung function evaluation, and other necessary tests to assess medical conditions or identify potential health risks. The examination also includes a detailed review of an individual’s medical history, and the doctor may request further medical tests or consultation if required.

How often should the ENG1 Seafarer Medical be renewed?

An ENG1 certificate is usually valid for two years. However, there are specific cases in which the validity of the certification may be shortened for individuals aged under 18, those with certain health conditions, or individuals aged 65 and above. It is vital to keep track of your certificate’s expiry date and renew it as needed to maintain your eligibility to work in the yachting industry.

How to obtain an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate?

To get an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, you must schedule an appointment with an MCA-approved doctor, who will conduct the required medical examination. They will issue a certificate if you meet the necessary standards of fitness. MCA-approved physicians are available in several locations worldwide, making it simple for seafarers to locate a doctor near them. It’s always a wise decision to book early appointments since approved doctors can have busy schedules.

The ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate plays a crucial role in ensuring individuals are fit to work in the maritime industry, ultimately promoting the safety and wellbeing of all crew members onboard. This certification process may seem daunting initially, but it’s a necessary and achievable milestone in the journey of working on any vessel. By understanding the ENG1 examination’s requirements, importance, and process, aspiring yachties can take a significant step toward a rewarding and exciting career at sea.

Make sure you have your ENG1 and it is up to date! If you’re ready to go, CLICK HERE to see the latest amazing training and yachting job opportunities currently listed on Yotspot! Good luck with your training and job search!

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The ENG1 medical

If you are planning to work at sea then you must have a Medical Fitness Certificate to prove that you don’t have any serious medical conditions that could prevent you from performing your duties. If you work onshore and the worst were to happen then help would probably arrive quickly, however, at sea medical treatment can be days away. Therefore, seafarers are asked to complete a medical fitness test to minimise the risk of medical emergencies at sea.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approves two types of Medical certificates;  ML5,  valid for 5 years and  ENG1,  which is valid for 2 years.Click here for an overview of the ENG1 and ML5

The ENG1 Medical Certificate for “Seafarers”

Almost all crew who are looking for a  job on a Superyacht  will be required to hold a valid ENG1 Medical. The only exception to this rule is if you are working on a small vessel operating no more then 60 miles from shore. In this case, an ML5 will suffice. It’s fair to say that almost all Superyachts venture more than 60 miles from land so crew will be required to hold a valid ENG1 Medical certificate.

List of approved Doctors

The ENG1 Medical lasts for  two years  so if you are about to join Flying Fish but are not planning to go to sea for some time, do consider the two-year expiry date. Please be aware that there is a high demand for ENG1 Medicals and it can sometimes take two weeks to get an appointment.  We recommend that you book early.

List of approved UK based doctors

List of approved overseas doctors.

Flying Fish recommends that all customers who are looking for a career at sea complete the ENG1 Medical before training begins, though it is not mandatory to do this prior to completing your course with us.

How much is the ENG1 medical

The MCA has set the fee for ENG1 Medical, which is currently £115.

What is involved in the ENG1 Medical

The ENG1 Medical takes about 45 minutes to complete. You will need to take a form of ID (passport or driving license) and any glasses you use for reading with you. The Doctor will measure your height, weight, and blood pressure and ask for a urine sample, to check for diabetes. He will listen to your lungs, look in your ears and check your vision by asking you to read a short passage from a book. You will be asked questions about your medical history and the Doctor will perform the Ishihara colour vision test.

Most people complete their ENG1 Medical with no problems at all, however, if you suffer from any of the following conditions then it is unlikely that you will receive an unrestricted ENG1 Medical certificate.

• Heart condition/Heart attack/Stroke
• Lung disease
• Severe deafness or difficulty to communicate by radio
• Diabetes treated with insulin (type 1&2)
• Severe asthma
• Severy allergies
• Medication with side effects that reduce performance
• Alcohol or drug addiction problems
• Conditions that put you at increased risk of illness

Colour blindness

In our experience Colour blindness is the number one reason why people fail their medical. If you are or think you are colour blind, affecting your ability to distinguish lights, you should consider having a full eye test conducted by an Optometrist to check vision before joining Flying Fish. Alternatively, any doctor can conduct the Ishihara test, and if you pass you can be confident that colour blindness will not be an issue for your ENG1 or ML5. If you fail the Ishihara your doctor will need to place a restriction on your ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate.  You can consider having a “CAD” test conducted at several universities across the UK.

For more information on the MCA’s Colour Assessment and Diagnosis test (CAD) then please refer to  notice NIN 564 .

Concerned about the ENG1 Medical

If you are aware of any medical conditions that may affect your chances of getting an ENG1 or ML5 then please see use the following Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) for details on how Doctors determine whether to put a restriction on your medical certificate.

MSN 1886 is the bible that MCA approved doctors will refer if there are any concerns over medical fitness.

Please refer to Annex A, which starts on page 12. You will see a list of medical conditions with further notes in columns to the right. You will notice numbers 1 to 3 by the side of the notes. These numbers allow the Doctor to determine whether the patient is fit to go to sea. For any seafarers looking to work on ships or superyachts an unrestricted, Category 1 ENG1 Medical certificate is required.

• Category 1 – Fit for service, with no restrictions
• Category 2 – Fit for sea service but with restrictions
• Category 3 – Temporarily unfit for sea service
• Category 4 – Permanently unfit for sea service

ML5 Medical Certificate

Consider the ML5 Medical if you are applying for positions as Skipper or crew of a Small Commercial Vessel certified for Category 2 waters (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 your 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.

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What you should know about the Eng1

• 7th February 2018

If you’re considering a career in Yachting, then you are most likely to have come across the requirement to hold an Eng1.  This is not a prerequisite for taking your  STCW Basic Training  course, but you will need to obtain one at some stage if you’re planning a long term Career at Sea.

The MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) stipulates that every seafarer holds a valid medical certificate before they can start work at sea on a commercial vessel.  The ENG1 is a UK flag-state medical examination, performed by an MCA recognised Doctor.  It’s purpose is to ensure that anyone employed or engaged in activities on any sea-going ships, meets a minimum standard of health.

Being new to the yachting industry, this is likely to be your first time to take the test, so it’s reassuring to know that most people in overall good health do not have a problem and receive their certificate valid for 2 years.

When it becomes really important… Chances are if you join a vessel and work within the Deck or Engineering departments, you will find yourself wanting to further your training at some stage, and move up the ranks to a higher position.  In order to progress through the MCA Certification & Training route, you will need to hold a valid Eng1.

Make sure you’re not Colourblind then if you’re hoping to become Captain… The main obstacle for 8% of the male population can be the Colour Vision test, as failure to pass disqualifies you from any Bridge Watchkeeping & Navigational duties. Anyone wishing to progress within the industry and acquire a COC (Certificate of Competency), from the MCA must pass the Colour Vision test with 100% accuracy.  There is zero margin for error.

Colour Vision Deficiency or Colour Blindness is a deficiency in the way in which one perceives colours.  Affected individuals have difficulty in distinguishing between various shades of colour.  This is a genetic condition that affects men more than women.  It affects 8% of men in comparison to only 0.04% of women!   Never fear however, there is a simple test called Isihara Plates , which will give you an indication of whether or not you might be affected by this condition. Check out the image above and see if you can read the numbers okay.  (They should read 7, 13, 16,8, 12 and 9).

Should you hold a Seafarers Medical from your own country and wish to work on a UK flagged vessel, you can contact the MCA to see if it is acceptable.  If not, and you wish to do your Eng1 Medical, there are several Doctors in the area that are approved by the MCA.  You can find the full list by clicking here.   The price in France is a standard rate of 120euros and in the UK it costs 80gbp.

So once you’ve decided to book your appointment you might ask:

What do I need to bring with me to the Eng1?

• A form of photo ID (passport or discharge book)
• Your current ENG1 (if applicable)
• A list of any medication(s) you are taking
• Glasses or contact lenses that you need to wear

What does the ENG1 exam involve?

• Measurement of your height & weight
• An eyesight test
• A colour blindness test
• A hearing test
• Ear and throat evaluations
• Teeth/gums inspection
• Questions on your medical history and lifestyle habits
• A urine sample (to test kidney functionality and blood sugar)
• Reflex testing
• Blood pressure check
• Doctor will listen to heart and lungs to ensure all is normal
• Gentle overall physical to check for any anomalies

So just to recap:

• It’s not crucial to hold your ENG1 prior to taking your STCW Basic Training but it’s a good idea to do so, or at least take an appointment for the same week as your STCW course.
• You can find work without holding your ENG1 but in order to work on a commercial vessel and qualify for further progression within the Industry, you will need a valid Eng1 Medical without colour vision restrictions to prove fit for Watchkeeping duties.
• Take a quick Colour vision test now to ensure you don’t waste time and money working towards a career that you may not be able to progress in as much as you’d like to.

Seascope run  STCW Basic Training courses   almost every other week.  Our training is of the highest quality with professional and friendly Instructors.   The fireground we use is within a 40 minute drive so no need for long commutes anymore.  Certificates are MCA approved and issued immediately on completion of the course.

MCA Approved Doctors in France

ANTIBES Dr Bruno Lavagne “Le Vendome” C 4 Chemin du Tanit 06160 Antibes Juan les Pins Tel: +33 493 67 03 07

VALBONNE Dr P Ireland / Dr C Besse Le Forum 1913 Route de Cannes 06560 Valbonne Tel: +33 493 12 95 66

MONACO Dr C Trim-Cauchois Yacht – Club de Monaco Espace Calypso Belle Classe Academy Quai Louis II Monte-Carlo 98000 Tel: +33 6 43 91 75 79 Email: [email protected]

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this and found it helpful.  Feel free to share it with your friends and we look forward to hearing any comments or feedback you can give us.

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• Medical Certificate (ENG 1)

Seafarers employed on ships must have a seafarer medical fitness certificate, which in the UK is an ENG 1. Fishermen working on vessels over 24 metres, or normally remains at sea for more than 72 hours, or operates more than 200 miles from the coastline of the UK or beyond the Continental Shelf, or is subject to inspection in a foreign port also require an ENG 1.  

The certificate confirms that they are medically fit to work on sea-going ships and they do not have a medical condition that could be a danger to other crew, passengers or the vessel.  

A seafarer or fisherman who is considering a career at sea should check the medical standards before starting their training, to avoid wasted time and expense, if they are found to have a medical condition which will make them unfit to work at sea. The medical standards are published in MSN 1886 Amendment 1 MLC and ILO 188 medical standards . 

How an ENG 1 is issued

ENG 1 certificates are issued by the network of MCA approved doctors in the UK and overseas. They are issued for a maximum of 2 years if the seafarer or fisherman is medically fit. An unfit seafarer or fisherman may put themselves at risk if they are not medically fit to perform their duties.

Regulations require you to notify the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) of any changes to your medical fitness during the validity of the ENG 1.  

Payment for an ENG 1

The current fee for an ENG 1 is £115 and if you are employed in the UK, your employer will pay this; the limit is set in UK regulations.  

If you need any extra tests (like a step test), the approved doctor can charge more, and this must be agreed with whoever is paying for the ENG 1 before you have the test(s).    

Medical assessment

What will you need to bring to the medical assessment?

• Photographic ID such as passport, driving licence, discharge book  
• Previous medical fitness certificate  
• Name and contact details for own GP  
• Any medicines that have been prescribed  
• Glasses or contact lenses (including spare sets)  
• Any medical reports and letters  

Additional tests, for example physical fitness, blood tests, colour vision and audiometry are included as part of the assessment.  

Seafarers and fishermen must inform the approved doctor if they have been issued with a Notice of Failure or Restriction, a final failure certificate or if, for any reason they have failed to complete the medical assessment.  

At the end of the assessment the approved doctor will issue a certificate of fitness, which will certify and specify one of the following:  

• Fit without restriction
• Fit with restrictions, such as a certificate limiting work to certain jobs or localities
• Temporarily unfit
• Permanently unfit 

Requesting an independent medical review  

If a seafarer or fisherman is found to be unfit, a restricted certificate is issued, and the approved doctor will give a Notice of Failure or Restriction (ENG 3); this will advise how to seek a review of the decision.

Any seafarers and fishermen who are aggrieved by the decision and would like to request an independent medical review can do so by posting the ENG 3 received to the Medical Administration Team. You would need to ask for a referral to one of the MCA's Independent Medical Referees within one month of the original decision.  

The medical referee will assess the original decision to decide if it was made in sound terms of the application of the medical standards and the diagnosis; they may then issue a revised medical certificate. The independent referee will assess the medical fitness certificate in relation to the legal standards and their decision on the fitness of the seafarer or fisherman is final.  

The cost of the Independent Medical Review, including any additional reports will be met by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, however, travel costs to the Independent Medical Referee will be at the seafarer, fisherman’s, or their company’s expense.  

Medical Fitness

• Approved Doctors
• Medical Certificate (ML5)

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Eng 1 medical certificate - a guide for seafarers.

When working at sea, there’s always greater health and safety concerns since medical treatment is not going to be readily available in an emergency situation.

Hence, if you are planning to work on a yacht it is important to be aware that you need to have a Medical Fitness Certificate .

This is required in order to prove that you are able to perform your duties at sea, and that you do not suffer from any serious medical conditions that may impede you

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What is an ENG 1 Medical Certificate?

Why do you need an eng 1 medical certificate, when should i book my eng 1 medical exam, where can i get an eng 1 medical exam done, how much does an eng 1 medical exam cost, what happens during an eng 1 medical exam, is drug screening part of an eng 1 medical exam, common reasons why people fail eng 1 medical exams.

An ENG 1 Medical Certificate for seafarers is a must have before one starts working as a yacht crew member.

The ENG 1 is a medical examination which has been set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency .

Its main aim is to assess if an individual is fit enough to work on a seagoing vessel, and in a state of health that is suitable to perform duties whilst at sea.

Following a basic medical examination which is carried out by an MCA-approved doctor, the ENG 1 certificate will be awarded.

The ENG 1 certificate remains valid for a period of two years.

An ENG 1 medical exam is a must unless you are going to work on a small vessel which will not be more than 60 miles away from the shore.

Image credit: Shutterstock

The main purpose of getting an ENG 1 medical certificate is to prove that you do not suffer from any medical conditions which might prove unsafe for you to perform duties on board a sea vessel.

To work on a sea vessel, it is highly recommended that one is fit and healthy.

This is both for his or her safety, as well as ensuring that no other member of the crew’s safety is endangered as a result.

Certain medical conditions could become more serious at sea, and this can be avoided if one is certified to be fit and healthy.

From another perspective, insurance companies require yachts to comply with certain requirements which ensure safe manning.

Otherwise insurance coverage will not be provided, or could be invalidated.

In line with this, all the crew of said superyacht will need to be fully STCW compliant, as well as have an STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, which can only be attained after one has passed their ENG 1 medical exam.

Since the ENG 1 certificate is a must before one starts to work on a yacht or other sea vessel, you will need to undertake the medical examination as soon as you can.

As mentioned before, the ENG 1 is a prerequisite to the STCW Basic Safety Training course, so it’s best to acquire it as soon as you decide to embark on a career at sea.

It will also provide you with reassurance with regards to whether you can embark on such a career in case you suffer from a condition discovered during your medical examination.

In some cases you might have to forego the prospect of taking up such a role, or it might restrict the type of tasks that you can carry out.

Image source: Shutterstock

An ENG 1 medical exam can only be performed by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) approved doctor.

There are several MCA approved doctors across the UK.

A list of these doctors can also be found online at the UK government’s website .

In the UK the fee associated with getting an ENG 1 medical exam is in the range of £80 to £115 each.

This can vary in other countries.

It is at the discretion of the doctor who performs it, and there are no government subsidies involved.

In case you are employed in the UK, the cost will be covered by your employer.

However, should additional tests be required you will most probably be charged more.

When attending the ENG 1 medical examination you will need to take the following with you:

• A passport or driving license that can serve as a form of photo ID.
• The name, address and contact details of your GP, and any correspondence from him or her, especially if you have recently been admitted to hospital.
• A list of any medication/s that you are taking.
• Your current ENG 1 if you already have one.
• Your glasses or contact lenses if you use any.

The medical examination itself is non-invasive, and so you do not need to worry about anything. It will include the following:

• A standard eye test.
• A colour blindness test.
• A hearing test.
• An oral inspection of your teeth and gums.
• A checkup of your ears and throat.
• Your height and weight will be measured.
• Reflex testing.
• Testing of blood pressure and heart rate.
• Listening to your heart and lungs.
• Hernia testing.
• A urine sample will be required to test blood sugar level and kidney functionality.
• Questioning about your medical history and any habits.

Generally the medical examination is completed in about half an hour.

If you pass the exam the ENG 1 certificate is issued immediately.

Drug screening is strictly speaking not part of statutory seafarer medicals, including the ENG 1 medical exam.

However, since it is a condition of employment, it might be included in the ENG 1 in case there is any suspicion of adverse effects on the individual that could have been caused by drug use.

So in case of any doubt, a drug screening will be included in the ENG 1 exam.

Following the ENG 1 medical exam, you may be deemed as:

• Fit with restrictions, which would limit the work you can carry out, or enable you to work only at certain locations and certain jobs.
• Be considered as being temporarily unfit.
• Be considered as being permanently unfit.

In such cases the doctor will have certain concerns about your health and fitness.

The doctor may either feel that it is important to obtain additional medical information from your GP, or request advice from an MCA chief medical advisor about your case.

In case you are considered to be permanently unfit for the ENG 1, this result will stand for at least five years.

Clinical evidence which is considered to be sufficient in proving that the result can be reversed will need to be attained in order to proceed any further with your application.

In such a case, the examiner will need to issue an ENG 3 Notice of Failure/Restriction.

An independent medical review can be requested within one month of the issue of the ENG 3.

Some people may fail the ENG 1 due to the colour vision test.

In such a case the CAD test can be undertaken in order to measure the level of severity and the type of colour vision loss that one has.

Other common reasons why people fail their ENG 1 medical exam include severe asthma, severe allergies, deafness, epilepsy, lung disease, heart conditions, and diabetes which needs to be treated with insulin.

In case one takes medication that is considered to lead to side effects that could reduce one’s performance, or in case of any alcohol or drug addiction problems, the ENG 1 will not be awarded either.

The ENG 1 medical certificate is one of the first things you need to arrange before starting a career at sea.

It is important to be aware of what it entails and how to get it to be able to proceed with your yachting career journey in a plain sailing way.

If you have questions about a career in yachting, we want to hear from you.

Simply get in touch with us today or let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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.

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What is an ENG1 Certificate and Why do I need one?

Recently, we wrote about whether the yachting industry is for you or not. And one part of it focused on physical fitness. If you are not fit, working on a superyacht is potentially dangerous for you. So, to avoid this, you must get an ENG1 certificate, a certificate of fitness that is internationally valid in the yachting industry.

What exactly is an ENG1 Certificate?

The ENG1 certificate is issued after a medical examination. This medical exam assesses whether an individual is fit to work on a seagoing vessel and perform their duties. You will need an ENG1 certificate if you are in charge of any vessel, serving on a commercial ship, or a seafarer (which includes a deckhand or stewardess).

This is a compulsory certificate that you MUST obtain before starting work on a ship or a yacht. Without it, nobody will hire you, and fairly so. Working at sea can be dangerous and being fit is important. Else not only you will risk your own life, but of others too.

The ENG1 is a basic medical examination. If you are over 18 years of age and are physically fit by the standards of the ENG1 medical examination, you will get the certificate. This certificate can be valid for up to two years but mostly they issue one year certificates. Ask your doctor for more information.

Where to get an ENG1 Medical Certificate in South Africa?

This certificate can only be issued by an MCA-approved doctor. In South Africa, you can find an MCA approved doctor in Cape Town. Make sure you book an appointment via call before you. The contact details are listed here .

Make sure you take the following with you on the day of the examination.

• Your ID (Passport, Driving License)
• Current ENG1 certificate (if applicable)
• The name, address, and contact details of your family doctor/general practitioner
• Correspondence from your doctor, if you have any medical history
• List of medications you are taking (if any)
• Glasses/contact lenses (if applicable)

Why do I need an ENG1 Certificate?

Well, the most basic reason is to find out whether or not you are fit for the industry. If you have decided to enter the yachting industry as your main career path, consider getting the ENG1 medical examination first. It is a prerequisite for the STCW as well. You will have to take the STCW safety training course beforehand as well.

The medical examination will identify whether you have any medical conditions that may restrict you from performing certain or all duties onboard. It will ensure that you are physically fit and have no concerning medical conditions that could make you a liability to the crew and not only endangers you but may endanger others as well.

Yachts are insured and insurance companies require the yachts to follow all required safety protocols. That includes hiring STCW certified employees who are able to identify, distinguish, and act upon the dangers at sea. And as mentioned above, you will need an ENG1 certificate beforehand to enrol on the STCW training course.

Alternative to the ENG1 Certificate

ENG1 is not ‘strictly’ needed but you will still need an equivalent of ENG1 certificate to work in the yachting industry. According to this document released by the UK Government , SAMSA’s Medical Certificate is also valid and is equivalent to ENG1 Medical Certificate. So as a South African, you can opt-in for SAMSA’s Medical Certificate and you will be fine!

For more information, visit SAMSA’s Website or consider contacting us and we would be glad to help you out!

To sum it up, an ENG1 or equivalent certificate is necessary to work in the yachting industry. Not only does it protect you, but it also promotes safe practices in the yachting industry. This is necessary to maintain the service standard and to protect lives at sea.

If you are looking for any information regarding deckhand/stewardess courses or the STCW course , connect with us .

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ENG1 MCA Seafarers Medical

• Commercial Requirements – STCW, ENG1 and RYA PPR
• Course Calendar

Where can I get an ENG1 medical exam?

Only MCA-approved doctors can perform an ENG1 medical exam, so it’s not always as straightforward as visiting your local GP. Fortunately, there are numerous MCA-approved doctors around the UK that can carry out your ENG1 medical. You can also find a handful of approved doctors in most of the countries you would likely be looking to seek crew work (France, Spain, USA, etc.), giving you greater choice and flexibility.

Fees: R2,800.00 with an annual increase of 10%.

What to take to an ENG1 examination?

• A form of photo ID (passport, South African Identity
• Your current ENG1 (if applicable)
• The name, address and contact details 
• Any correspondence from your GP, if you’ve recently been to hospital
• A list of any medication(s) you are taking
• Your glasses/contact lenses (if you wear them)

What does an ENG1 examination entail?

As nerve-racking as the prospect of a medical examination is, don’t worry. An ENG1 examination is painless, non-invasive and carried out with minimal fuss by a medical professional.

A standard ENG1 examination will include:

• Measuring your height and weight
• A standard eye test
• A colour blindness test
• A hearing test
• Ear and throat evaluations
• Teeth/gums inspection
• Questions on your medical history, drinking habits, etc.
• A urine sample (to test kidney functionality and blood sugar)
• Reflex testing
• Listening to your heart and lungs, testing blood pressure and heart rate
• Hernia testing (asking you to cough while gently pressing your abdomen)

The speed of the exam can depend on the doctor and location, but everything should be done and dusted within 30 to 40 minutes. If you pass, you should be issued with your ENG1 certificate straight away so you can be on your way!

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Yacht Medical Certificate ENG1 - MCA Approved Doctors Overseas

What is eng1.

The ENG1 medical certificate is issued after a comprehensive medical examination conducted by a qualified Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved doctor. This examination ensures that the individual is medically fit to perform their duties onboard a yacht.

Do I Need ENG1 to Work on Yachts?

The ENG1 certificate is necessary for several reasons:

Safety: Working on a yacht can involve physically demanding tasks, exposure to hazardous conditions, and long periods at sea. The ENG1 medical examination ensures that the individual is in good health and physically capable of performing their duties safely.

International Maritime Regulations: The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) sets out the minimum training, certification, and medical fitness requirements for seafarers, including yacht crew members. The ENG1 certificate helps fulfill these requirements.

Insurance and Liability: Many yacht insurance policies require that the crew members hold valid ENG1 certificates. Additionally, in the event of an accident or injury onboard, the ENG1 certificate demonstrates that the crew member was medically fit at the time of employment, which can be important for legal and liability purposes.

It's important to note that the ENG1 certificate is specific to the United Kingdom (UK) and is recognized by several countries and maritime authorities around the world. However, different countries may have their own medical examination requirements for yacht crew members, so it's advisable to check the regulations of the specific flag state or jurisdiction where the yacht is registered or operates.

 MCA Approved Doctors - List and Contact Details 

Here is a list with all MCA Doctors that are recognized by MCA and can help you with ENG1 medical for yachts: 

1.Australia

Dr c okraglik (temporarily unavailable during july 2023).

Toorak Village Medical Centre Level 1/459 Toorak Road Toorak Melbourne Victoria 3207

Tel: 00 61 3982 68811

2.   Antigua

28 Long Street St. John's Antigua

Tel: 001 268 4620931

Email:   [email protected]

DR R Williams

Unit 14 Woods Mall Hope and Care Cardiac St Johns Antigua PO BOX W1817

Tel: 001 268 562 9428

3.   Barbados

MedPlus Medical Centre Corner of Jessamine Avenue Beckles Road St. Michael Barbados BB 14025

Tel: 00 1 246 622 6337

4.   British Vigin Islands

Dr p trotman-hastings.

BVIHSA Ambulatory Services Road Town Tortola VG 1110

Tel: 002 84 852 7697 / 7690

5.   Falklands

Dr r edwards and dr m uqaili.

King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Stanley FIQQ 1ZZ

Tel: 00 50 02 8000

6.   France

Dr c besse (temporarily unavailable during the month of july).

74 Avenue de la Liberte 2nd Floor Golfe Juan 06220

Tel: 00 33 6 47 45 22 88

Dr B Lavagne

“Le Vendome” C 4 Chemin du Tanit Juan Les Pins Antibes 06160

Tel: 00 33 6 61 15 03 07

Email:   [email protected]

7.   Gibraltar

Dr j shelley.

College Clinic P O Box 517, Regal House Queensway Gibraltar

Tel: 00 350 200 77777

8.   Malaysia

Klinik Yong 2nd Floor, Wisma Maran 28 Medan Pasar Kuala Lumpur 50050

Tel: 00 603 207 09742

Email:   [email protected]

9.   Monaco

Dr c trim-cauchois.

Yacht -Club de Monaco Espace Calypso –Belle Classe Academy Quai Louis II Monte-Carlo 98000

Tel: 00 33 6 43 91 75 79

Email:   [email protected]

10.   New Zealand

82b Gladstone Road Parnell Auckland

Tel: 00 64 9 377 4427

11.   Philippines

Dr j abesamis.

Clinicomed 2/F Ma. Daniel Building 470 San Andreas Corner, M.H. Del Pilar Street Malate Manila 1004

Tel: 00 63 2 521 5499

Dr M Mendoza and Dr P De Guzman

Physicians’ Diagnostic Services Center Inc. 533 Physician Tower U.N Avenue Ermita Manila 1000

Tel: 00 63 2 8521 4975

573 Maria Orosa Corner Engracia Reyes Streets Ermita Manila 1000

Tel: 00 63 2 521 0024

Dr M Axibal

Angelus Medical Clinic, Inc. 1730 Dian St. Brgy Palanan Makati City 1235

Tel: 8743 8717 21

12.   South Africa

Dr a stoner and dr g rosendorff.

Netcare, Christiaan Barnard Medical Hospital Suite1201,12 Floor, Corner of DF Malan Street and Rue Batholemeu Dias Plain, Foreshore Cape Town 8001

Tel: 00 27 21 424 2003

13.   Spain

Club de Mar Medical Gabriel Roca 44/ Calle Ses Rafaletes, 1A Building Torremar/ Edif B Planta PR Local 2, IZQ 07015 Palma de Mallorca Mallorca

Tel: 00 34 619 982 142

Emaill:   [email protected]

Website:   www.clubdemarmedical.com

Dr A Bajpai

British Medical Centre Calle Ses Planas, 7 Bajo 07181 Palma Nova Calvia Mallorca

Tel: 00 34 971 683 511

Email:   [email protected]

Website:   www.britishmedicalcentre.com

14.   Trinidad and Tobago

Dr s millar.

66 Pembroke Street Port of Spain Trinidad West Indies

Tel: 00 1 868 624 5762

15.   United Arab Emirates

Dr k nicholl (temporarily unavailable from 12th july 2023).

Koster Clinic 26th Street Umm Suqueim 3 Dubai

Tel: 00 9714 3881887

16.   United States of America

Dr e grenet.

Health Medical Centers 1489 SE 17 Suite 2 2nd Floor Southport Shopping Centre Fort Lauderdale Florida 33316

Tel: 00 1 954 525 7595

Website:   healthmedcenter.net

Dr J DeNobriga

8190 S. Jog Road, STE 220 Boynton Beach Florida 33472

Tel: 001 1 561 369 2908

Dr R Greer IV

624 U.S. Highway #1 Lake Park Florida 33403

Tel: 00 1 561 844 2464

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JeffD487 New Member

Hello, I was looking to conduct the ENG1 1 Seafarer Medical Examination, but seem to only find two specific doctors to perform the examination. 1. Concentra - Dr. S Green 290 Branch Avenue Providence 290 Branch Avenue Providence Rhode Island 02904 2. Health Medical Centers - Dr. E Grenet 1489 SE 17 Suite 2 2nd Floor Southport Shopping Centre Fort Lauderdale Florida 33316 I've checked multiple locations and this seems to be the case. If anyone knows additional locations/professionals I can get the examination, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jeff D.

d_meister Senior Member

You could try Dr. Ned Chambers in San Diego. I don't know about that particular level, but he does the USCG physicals, here. https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/business-san-diego/dr-ned-chambers-346029273

celtdancer New Member

d_meister said: ↑ You could try Dr. Ned Chambers in San Diego. I don't know about that particular level, but he does the USCG physicals, here. https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/business-san-diego/dr-ned-chambers-346029273 Click to expand...

olderboater Senior Member

Apparently since this thread originated, Dr. Green is no longer authorized.

olderboater said: ↑ Apparently since this thread originated, Dr. Green is no longer authorized. Click to expand...

Yes. Dr. Grenet has quite the business set up. Quite a practice with occupational medicine. Still, reasonable charges. USCG is only $110. Norwegian is $200. FAA. Cruise ships. Immigration.

captholli Senior Member

olderboater said: ↑ Yes. Dr. Grenet has quite the business set up. Quite a practice with occupational medicine. Still, reasonable charges. USCG is only $110. Norwegian is $200. FAA. Cruise ships. Immigration. Click to expand...

JWY Senior Member

Try Dr. Ray Jarris in Seattle of MD Solutions International.

There is another quirk in MCA requirements. They have a list of countries whose medical certificates they consider equal. Now, this isn't what Captholli is referencing. I believe he's referencing the situation of a non-UK flagged vessel, including vessels flagged in their possessions. (Please correct me if I'm wrong). The list they consider equal is: European Union and European Economic States: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden Rest of the World Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Mauritius, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ukraine So, in Seattle, you might well search for someone approved to give a Canadian certificate and that would be accepted by MCA as equal. There are 69 approved doctors just in BC, including many in Vancouver. That's a lot closer than Fort Lauderdale. There have also been cases where a country like the Netherlands approved a US doctor for their medical certificate and then that met the requirements. Also, interesting they accept Australia but Australia will not accept UK, the last I heard. To the OP, what flag are you dealing with?

olderboater said: ↑ There is another quirk in MCA requirements. They have a list of countries whose medical certificates they consider equal. Now, this isn't what Captholli is referencing. I believe he's referencing the situation of a non-UK flagged vessel, including vessels flagged in their possessions. (Please correct me if I'm wrong). The list they consider equal is: European Union and European Economic States: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden Rest of the World Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Mauritius, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ukraine So, in Seattle, you might well search for someone approved to give a Canadian certificate and that would be accepted by MCA as equal. There are 69 approved doctors just in BC, including many in Vancouver. That's a lot closer than Fort Lauderdale. There have also been cases where a country like the Netherlands approved a US doctor for their medical certificate and then that met the requirements. Also, interesting they accept Australia but Australia will not accept UK, the last I heard. To the OP, what flag are you dealing with? Click to expand...

captholli said: ↑ I should have stated "Flag state" in lieu of generalizing MCA. Flags such as Cayman, Maltese, Marshalls, Etc. are acceptable for USCG / ITC medical certs with the exception of UK flagged. I do see London on a few sterns but not as often as the MCA would probably like. The British Isles were popular Flags of convenience in the 90's but you don't see them anymore along with Bermuda, not sure why that is. Click to expand...

hi there, ‘older boater’. Thank you so much for your comments! I just saw them now literally right after looking up the cost to fly to Fort Lauderdale! Maybe you’re right about the Seattle/Canada idea...? I’ll look into it. Are you saying that I might find a doctor in Seattle, who can do this? Or did you mean specifically go up to Vancouver BC? I could foreseeable drive up there. I would stay at my friend’s in Seattle the night before and after, in order to make it just a simple day trip into Vancouver. But can I, as a USA citizen, even GO to a doctor in Canada? And, would yacht recruiters in Europe be “confused” by this or just roll with it? ... I think that I’ve got some phone calls to make, come Monday, to a few of those MCA-approved doctors in B.C. ...! **** I don’t know “what flag” yet, as I can’t even start looking for a yacht job until I get my “STCW Basic training” and this critical “ENG1 medical exam” done, apparently. The goal is to get a job on a yacht in the Mediterranean, but I’m not sure what Flag that would be. Could be French (if I look for work in Antibes), could be Spanish (if I look for work in Barcelona), could be other flags too right? (I don’t know much about ship registry stuff, but I imagine that a yacht could be flying an Italy flag yet still be docked in Antibes and hiring). Thanks again! You may have just saved me a trip to Florida.

Thank you for this suggestion, JWY. I just spoke with Dr Ann Jarris (Ray’s wife) — she was kind enough to pick up the phone on a Sunday! - and she informed me that he has passed away. It was last month. She said the whole community misses him, but that she is continuing his legacy and that “they’re still open”! She agreed with the other person’s suggestion of maybe driving up to Canada to get my “ENG1” medical exam done. I’m going to look into it. Thanks again. JWY said: ↑ Try Dr. Ray Jarris in Seattle of MD Solutions International. Click to expand...

My understanding, but you need to confirm, is that you can get he Canadian medical certificate and it can count as an ENG-1. However, I think a USCG medical certificate will probably get you by as you're just going for STCW and not for a license, and it meets all the STCW requirements. The school where you did your STCW should be able to help you and advise you. As I and all my crew are USCG, others here have more knowledge of Europe crew requirements than I do.

...but the only place to get the USCG medical certificate is in San Diego, right? It’s signifucantly easier for me to simply drive up to Vancouver BC, than to pay to fly down to San Diego and get a hotel. Thank you for all this help, though! I definitely appreciate it. I could just wait until I get to France and then do the medical exam there (in Antibes). But I would rather KNOW for sure that I’ve passed the medical exam, before selling everything and getting on a plane to Europe! That’s why I’m trying to figure out how/if I can obtain this precious ‘attestation’, whilst still in the USA.

celtdancer said: ↑ ...but the only place to get the USCG medical certificate is in San Diego, right? It’s signifucantly easier for me to simply drive up to Vancouver BC, than to pay to fly down to San Diego and get a hotel. Thank you for all this help, though! I definitely appreciate it. I could just wait until I get to France and then do the medical exam there (in Antibes). But I would rather KNOW for sure that I’ve passed the medical exam, before selling everything and getting on a plane to Europe! That’s why I’m trying to figure out how/if I can obtain this precious ‘attestation’, whilst still in the USA. Click to expand...

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Survivor of Yacht That Sank Off Sicily's Coast Recalls How She Used 'All My Strength' to Save Her 1-Year-Old

"I held her afloat ... my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,” Charlotte Golunski said

A mom aboard the luxury superyacht that sank after what officials called a "violent storm" off the coast of Sicily this week is speaking out about how she was able to save her young daughter from being swept away by the water.

The mother was identified to PEOPLE by local authorities as Charlotte Golunski — who, along with her partner, was so shocked about how bad the weather had gotten that they went above board just before disaster struck the Bayesian early on Monday, Aug. 19, the sources say.

After going into the water, Golunski lost her grip on her 1-year-old daughter, Sophie, when a wave smashed against them, taking the child out to sea, according to the local sources.

The same wave returned the girl a short time later in what was described as something of a miracle.

In an interview with Italian newspaper la Repubblica , Golunski said that she briefly lost her daughter for about two seconds due to the intensity of the sea but was then was able to retrieve the child. 

"I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning,” Golunski told the newspaper, according to a translation.

Charlotte Golunski/Instagram

She added: "It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others."

The Italian coast guard said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that the Bayesian , a 56-meter yacht flying the U.K. flag, sank near Poritcello around 5 a.m., local time on Monday after the storm.

According to Italian news service ANSA, Golunski and her child were safely rescued via a lifeboat, per the Associated Press . 

Salvo Cocina, an official with Sicily's civil protection agency, said that the baby’s father, James Emsley, survived the incident, according to Sky News. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Vincenzo Pepe/Getty 

The Guardian reported that a doctor with the hospital in Palermo where Sophie and her mother were taken in, Domenico Cipolla, said, “The baby is doing well. The mother is also in good condition, albeit with some minor abrasions. The father will also be discharged from the hospital soon.”

BBC News reported that Golunski is a colleague of Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur who is one of the people — including his 18-year-old daughter Hannah — who is still missing following the sinking of the 184-foot yacht. 

Also among the disappeared are two Americans.

Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, was one of 15 people saved out of a total of 22 who were originally aboard the Bayesian , the Italian coast guard and local sources said. Eight of the rescued were taken to local hospitals

According to Italian media outlets, a man's body was found after the sinking and later identified as the yacht’s chef, per Reuters . 

Witnesses said the yacht was moored in front of a port in Porticello when the storm hit, the local newspaper Giornale di Sicilia reported. 

"That boat was all lit up," a man in Porticello told the outlet. "At about 4:30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful boat where there had been a party. A normal day of vacation spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy.”

Search and rescue efforts continue, the coast guard said, as does an investigation into the incident.

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Body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is among those recovered from yacht wreckage, officials say

The Italian coast guard says the body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is among those recovered off the coast of Sicily from the wreckage of a superyacht whose builders had called unsinkable

PORTICELLO, Sicily -- The Italian coast guard said Thursday the body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is among those recovered off the coast of Sicily from the wreckage of a superyacht whose builders had called unsinkable.

One woman remains missing. She has not been identified, but Hannah Lynch, Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, is reportedly unaccounted for . The family had been celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with the people who defended him at trial in the United States.

Five others were recovered by rescue crews following Monday's tragedy.

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged yacht, went down in a storm early Monday as it was moored about a kilometer (half a mile) offshore. Civil protection officials said they believe the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout , and sank quickly.

Termini Imerese Public Prosecutor’s Office investigators were collecting evidence for a criminal investigation, which they opened immediately after the tragedy despite no formal suspects having been publicly identified.

The chief executive of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the Bayesian's manufacturer, told the AP in an interview on Thursday that superyachts like these are “designed to be unsinkable."

“And it is unsinkable not only because it is designed in this way, but also because it is a sailing ship and sailing ships are the safest ever,” CEO Giovanni Costantino said.

Costantino added that “obviously they must not hit the rocks violently, discarding the hull, and they must not take in water,” suggesting the second possibility was the most likely in this case.

Costantino also noted that sailing ships require “a greater competence” to be guided compared with motor boats.

Investigators are now looking at why the Bayesian, built in 2008 by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, sank while a nearby sailboat remained largely unscathed . Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived by escaping in a lifeboat, including a mother who reported holding her 1-year-old baby over the waves to save her. They were rescued by the sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell.

The sailboat's captain, Karsten Borner, said his craft sustained minimal damage — the frame of a sun awning broke — even with winds that he estimated had reached 12 on the Beaufort wind scale, the highest hurricane-strength force on the scale.

He said he had remained anchored with his engines running to try to maintain the ship’s position as the forecast storm rolled in.

“Another possibility is to heave anchor before the storm and to run downwind at open sea,” Borner said in a text message. But he said that might not have been possible for the Bayesian, given its 75-meter (246-foot) tall mast.

“If there was a stability problem, caused by the extremely tall mast, it would not have been better at open sea,” he said.

Yachts like the Bayesian are required to have watertight compartments that are specifically designed to prevent a rapid, catastrophic sinking even when some parts fill with water.

Lynch is the only person confirmed dead; the other bodies have not been formally identified by the Italian coast guard.

Besides Hannah Lynch, those missing are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch’s U.S. lawyers, and his wife, Neda; Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley’s London-based investment banking subsidiary, and his wife, Judy.

The body of chef Recaldo Thomas was the first to be recovered , on Monday. His death was confirmed by his family.

Friends of Thomas, best known as “Rick,” paid tribute to him on Thursday at a favorite bar in the Caribbean Island of Antigua. Cooking for Lynch was supposed to be one of Thomas' last jobs before retiring, his cousin, David Isaac, told the AP.

Divers have struggled to find the bodies in the yacht’s hull on the seabed 50 meters (164 feet) underwater.

“We would need a crystal ball to know when we'll be able to find the next body," said Luca Cari, spokesperson for the fire rescue service.

“It's very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one meter can take up to 24 hours,” Cari said.

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Tech magnate missing after luxury superyacht sinks off Sicily in 'violent storm'

A British tech magnate and several other people are missing after a luxury superyacht sank near Sicily’s main city, Palermo, during a violent storm, Italian officials and sources familiar with the matter told CNBC . At least one person was killed.

Mike Lynch, who was regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” was not among those rescued, said the sources, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the situation. They added that Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife, had been plucked from the waters off the Italian island.

Lynch was among six people who were unaccounted for, The Associated Press quoted Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency as saying. “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. Cocina also confirmed that Bacares had survived.

Italy's coast guard said in a statement that the 184-foot sailboat, named the Bayesian, sank “due to a violent storm” off Palermo at around 5 a.m. local time (11 p.m. ET) with 22 people on board. Fifteen people were rescued, and six passengers were missing, it said.

American, British and Canadian citizens were among the missing, the statement said. The coast guard said in later statement that the ship’s cook had died. It did not give the cook's nationality.  

Karsten Borner, the captain of a ship that rescued the survivors, told reporters that there was a “strong hurricane gust, and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position,” according to Reuters.

He added that they had “watched the ship behind us not to touch them and we managed to keep the ship in position.” After the storm was over, he said, “we noticed that the ship behind us was gone.”

“Fifteen people inside. Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship, he said. “Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people.”

One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Emsley, 35, told the Italian news agency ANSA that she had momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but managed to retrieve her and hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were pulled to safety.

“I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves. I held her tight, close to me, while the sea was stormy,” she said. “Many were screaming. Luckily, the lifeboat inflated, and 11 of us managed to get on it.”

The City Council of Bagheria said in a statement that a child of that age was being treated at a children’s hospital. It said that seven adults were taken to the emergency room but that “it seems that none are in serious conditions.” 

Lynch, 59, the missing tech entrepreneur, founded the enterprise software firm Autonomy and became the target of a protracted legal battle with Hewlett-Packard after the U.S. tech giant accused him of inflating the company’s value in an $11 billion sale. Extradited from Britain to the U.S. last year to stand trial, he was acquitted of fraud after a three-month trial.

Italy’s national fire department said in a statement that “divers, a motorboat and a helicopter” had been deployed to help with the search. The wreck was at a depth of around 165 feet, the statement said.  

Divers from the Sicilian city of Sassri and Naples, a city on the Italian mainland , were “arriving on site to search inside the sunken vessel,” it said. 

Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian has an aluminum hull and can carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Online sites list the luxury vessel for charter for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week, the AP reported.

The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Wednesday and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of “at anchor,” according to the vessel tracking app Vesselfinder.

Fabio La Bianca, 40, took a picture of the boat at around 10 p.m. local time Sunday shortly after he closed his bar in nearby Santa Flavia. “Absurd tragedy tonight. I am lost for words,” he said Monday on Facebook.

Matteo Moschella is a London-based reporter for NBC News' Social Newsgathering team.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.