Overview
This guidance for doctors takes you through:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) general criteria for approved doctors (AD)
types of AD
how to apply for appointment as an AD
The MCA’s recruitment system has been established in agreement with maritime employers and seafarer’s trade union organisations.
It aims to serve the seafarers working on UK vessels, and holding UK Certificates of Competency (CoCs).
Current recruitment opportunities
Approved doctor in Barcelona, Spain -which closingclosed dateon 02/10/2026
Approved doctor in the area from Perth to Stonehaven (inclusive), Scotland - closing date 23/10/2026
Approved doctor in Genoa, Italy - closing date 30/10/2026
Medical Referee in Scotland: For more information please see attached PDF,
Referee job description open - Nov 25 (PDF, 139 KB, 2 pages) - Ongoing
CriteriaExtended for appointment as an AD
The appointment of approved doctors to carry out ENG1 seafarer medical examinations is restricted to areas where a demand for at least 50 examinations in a year has been demonstrated.
The most suitable candidate is appointed based on qualifications, experience and location.
The full recruitment procedureopportunity is detailed in ‘chapter 2 - procedures for appointment of approved doctors’,doctor in theScotland MCA’s(Perth approved doctor’s manual.
The categories of ADs
General list doctors are:
available to allStonehaven) seafarers
spreaduntil over a wide geographical network
mainly appointed on a replacement basis
Vacancies are advertised locally using the local clinical commissioning group (CCG). The MCA keeps a file on those who have expressed an interest in becoming an AD. You’ll then be invited to apply to make sure of fair and open competition.26/10/2026.
All the applications are reviewed by the MCA’s chief medical adviser.
Company doctors are:
appointed at the request of companies with vessels on the UK flag, subject to the MCA chief medical adviser’s scrutiny of qualifications and experience
only able to do medicals on those employed by the shipping company
usually contractors to major shipping companies, or providing services to a ship management or crewing company
expected to provide a full occupational medical service for the shipping company
Apply to become an approved doctor
Download the approved doctor application form, then send your completed application to the address on the form.
Speculative applications (meaning those not part of a recruitment process started by the MCA) will be notified if a specific vacancy comes up.
The chief medical adviser will review your application, then it’ll be acknowledged by the medical administration team.
Further information