Seafarer ML5 Medicals
Southampton & Portsmouth
Seafarer ML5 medicals near me
Secure your commercial endorsement – fast – with affordable, reliable ML5 medicals.
Get seen at a time and place that suits you for just £50 to £55 per medical report.
Looking to get your RYA commercial endorsement?
Or perhaps renewing your MCA Boatmasters’ licence?
DVLA Driver Medicals can help you pursue your ambitions of a career at sea, with ML5 medical fitness examinations and certificates from GMC-registered doctors.
Trusted by seafarers and ship personnel across Southampton, Portsmouth and the south coast, our team can deliver a fast and reliable service for just £50 to £55 per individual.
£50
Seafarer ML5 Medicals
Evening & weekend appointments at a venue that suits you; for only £50 to £55 per person.
What are the medical fitness requirements for seafarers?
Those who work at sea typically require a valid medical certificate. An ML5 report is specifically required for:
- Masters and crew of small commercial vessels (under 24 metres with no more than 12 passengers) operating up to a maximum of 60 miles from a safe haven
- Masters of non-seagoing commercial vessels and non-seagoing passenger ships
- Crew and onboard employees (such as catering staff, security staff etc.) on domestic seagoing passenger ships
- Certain small fishing vessels
(If your usual place of work is onshore, you typically won’t need an ML5.)
You’ll need to renew your ML5 report every five years; up until the age of 65, at which point you’ll need a new ML5 once every year instead.
If you want to work on a merchant vessel, you’ll need a ‘seafarer medical certificate’ (otherwise known as an ENG1) instead of an ML5. (Please note that DVLA Driver Medicals do not currently offer ENG1 medicals.)
Seafarer ML5 Medicals
Group ML5 medical reports for less
Looking to get your whole crew medically evaluated for your next voyage?
With DVLA Driver Medicals, you can enjoy savings on multiple individual medical exams; provided on-site at your local marina or other onshore premises on the same day.
Group ML5 medical prices start from just £150 for four individual seafarers. Get in touch to learn more today.
Your Seafarer ML5 medicals questions answered
Who can carry out an ML5 medical?
Any UK-registered and GMC-registered doctor is qualified to carry out ML5 medicals. At DVLA Driver Medicals, our doctors are fully UK-licensed and registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) for complete peace of mind.
For ENG1 medical certificates, you’ll need to seek out a doctor approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). You can find a list of MCA-approved doctors at the GOV.UK website.
What’s the difference between an ML5 and an ENG1?
There are several differences between ML5 medical reports and ENG1 seafarer medical certificates, but some of the key points include:
- ENG1 medicals are designed to meet international medical standards for seafarers. ML5 medicals are designed to meet only UK standards and may not be used internationally.
- ENG1 medical certificates require more frequent renewals than ML5 certificates.
- ENG1 medicals must be carried out by an MCA-approved doctor. ML5 medicals can be carried out by any UK-licensed, GMC-registered doctor.
What’s involved in an ML5 medical?
Most ML5 medical examinations for seafarers and ship personnel will include the following:
- Medical history questionnaire: covering a comprehensive range of medical factors including epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension and more
- Cardiovascular exam: covering the heart, lungs and blood vessels
- Blood pressure test: taking a reading to see if your blood pressure is healthy or too high/low
- Eyesight test: checking if your vision is sufficient for working on board a vessel or needs correction
Your employer or captain may also require you to complete a urine sample test, which can be provided as part of your medical exam.
How much does an ML5 medical cost?
Unlike ENG1 medicals, there is no set cost for ML5 medical examinations and certificates.
Most ML5 medical examiners will charge between £100 and £250 for an individual exam. At DVLA Driver Medicals, you’ll pay just £50 to £55 per individual medical; plus there’s also group discounts available for 4 or more crew members.
Where will I need to go for my test?
It’s your choice!
Our team can arrange a convenient venue local to you within the Southampton/Portsmouth area; or alternatively we can carry out your medical exam on-site at your employer’s premises.
What will I need to bring to my medical exam?
You’ll be asked to bring:
- A valid photo ID (such as a driving licence or passport)
- Your medical history record
You should also bring the following if they’re applicable to you:
- Your glasses and/or contact lenses and optical prescription
- Your medication prescriptions
If you’re unable to bring these items, please let us know as soon as possible.
Help! I’ve forgotten or lost these items on the day of the test; what should I do?
Please remember to bring these items with you, but don’t panic if you’ve forgotten them or can’t find them; just let us know as soon as possible.
Photo ID is required as an absolute minimum in order to process your exam. If you’re unable to bring this, we may be able to reschedule your airside medical appointment at no extra cost depending on notice given. (Please note that an appointment may only be rescheduled once, and appointments are not transferable between individuals.)
I’m worried about the exam; will that affect my blood pressure reading?
Employment-related medical exams can be nerve-wracking for some of our patients; particularly those in high-pressure industries such as aviation.
While stress and anxiety can temporarily raise our blood pressure, our medical doctors work to prevent nerves from affecting your airside medical results.
Unlike other D4 medical providers, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in; and if your first reading is particularly high, we’ll take a 15 minute break for you to relax before taking additional readings.
What happens if I fail my ML5 medical?
Don’t worry; if you fail your first ML5 medical from a correctable issue (such as a need for glasses to correct vision), we can often provide a return consultation absolutely free.
What if I need to cancel my test appointment?
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your appointment. Depending on the amount of notice given, we may be able to reschedule your appointment at no extra cost to you.
(Please note that an appointment may only be rescheduled once, and appointments are not transferable between individuals.)
Where can I park?
Our team will always aim to arrange a venue with convenient parking. Local parking arrangements at the venue will be shared with you when arranging your appointment.
If you have any special parking needs, please let us know when booking your appointment.
Remember, our team can often provide appointments at your workplace if desired; just ask!
Get in touch
Whether you’re ready to book your Seafarer ML5 medical, or you have any questions about the medical requirements for Seafarers, simply drop us a line via our enquiry form.
You’ll get a direct response as soon as possible within 24 hours.