Bristol GP Service

ML5 Boatmaster Medicals

Do I need an ML5 Boatmaster medical?
You need an ML5 medical certificate if you’re either:
1. The master of a passenger ship that doesn’t go to sea (Class IV or V)
2. The master of a commercial vessel that doesn’t go to sea
3. The master or a crew member of a small commercial vessel certificated for Area Category 2 to Area Category 6 (no more than 60 miles from a safe haven)
4. A crew member or anyone else (e.g. catering staff) who normally works on a domestic passenger ship (Class VI or VIa) that goes to sea.

For anything else, you will need an ENG 1 certificate i.e. if you’re a seafarer, in charge of a ship, or serving on a merchant ship or yacht. If you're not sure, we would recommend having an ENG1 or contact us for advice. Both types of medicals are regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and further details can be obtained by clicking here.
How long does the medical take and what does it cost?
The medical will take up to 30 minutes to complete and costs £125.
What happens during an ML5 Boatmaster medical assessment?
The doctor will perform the medical checks requested by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This will involve:

Measuring your fitness by checking your height, weight and blood pressure.
Checking your eyesight (before and after you put on glasses) and colour vision testing.
Checking your hearing.
Asking about your previous medical history (these questions are on the medical form).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?
This is a reminder of the items you will need to bring to your ML5 Boatmaster medical:

Photo ID
A copy of the ML5 form and certificate. This can be downloaded by clicking here.
Your glasses (do not wear contact lenses as they are removed for the eyesight test).
Any hospital letters and/or a list of your current medication.

What should I do if I have a significant health condition or I am unsure if it is relevant?
Please email us in advance of your appointment and provide details of your health condition. We can then set aside additional time for your assessment.