How Long Does an ENG1 Medical Last? Validity, Renewal & Expiry
The ENG1 validity rules in one place — including the situations where your certificate runs for less than the full two years.
- A standard ENG1 is valid for up to 2 years from the date of examination.
- For applicants aged 16 to 18, the maximum validity is 1 year.
- A doctor may issue a shorter certificate (for example 3, 6 or 12 months) if a health condition or a restriction needs earlier review.
- You cannot legally work at sea on an expired ENG1.
- Renewing before expiry does not shorten the new certificate — it runs from its own examination date, so renewing 4 to 8 weeks early is recommended.
- A UK ENG1 is accepted by most major flag states under the Maritime Labour Convention, but non-UK registers should be checked individually.
The standard validity
- Adults (19+): up to 2 years.
- Aged 16–18: up to 1 year.
- The clock starts on the examination date, not the date you receive the certificate.
When it is issued for less than 2 years
An MCA-approved doctor can issue a shorter certificate — often 3, 6 or 12 months — if:
- you have a condition (blood pressure, diabetes, a heart or mental-health condition) that is stable but needs review sooner;
- you have a restriction that the doctor wants to reassess;
- you are awaiting the result of a further test or specialist opinion.
When to renew
Don’t leave it to the last week. Book your next ENG1 4–8 weeks before expiry. Reasons:
- Popular clinics get booked up, especially around January and the start of the season.
- If something needs a re-check or a GP letter, you want time to sort it before you join a ship.
- A new ENG1 issued before the old one expires simply runs from its own examination date — you don’t lose time by renewing early.
What happens if it expires
You cannot work at sea on an expired ENG1. If it lapses while you are ashore, you just book a fresh examination. If it is close to lapsing while you are on board, the company will usually arrange a medical at the next suitable port — but that is disruptive and avoidable.
Changing ship, company or flag state
A UK ENG1 is recognised internationally under the MLC, so moving between UK-flagged ships is not a problem. If you move to a non-UK flag, check whether that flag state accepts the ENG1 or requires its own medical — most major registers accept an ENG1, but some ask for an equivalent certificate.
Renew your ENG1 — see appointments near you Enter your postcode and compare real, live appointment times at MCA-approved clinics — book online in a couple of minutes. Find a clinic →