If you are working on board a ship or yacht, you are required to hold a valid ML5 medical certificate to confirm that you are medically fit for duties at sea.

The ML5 certificate outlines the minimum health and fitness standards required for seafarers to
work safely in a maritime environment.

This certificate is a formal medical report completed by a doctor. We also advise that the vision component of the assessment is carried out by a registered Optometrist.

The assessment involves a comprehensive review of your medical history alongside a physical
examination. Tests may include:

• Height and weight
• General physical health
• Mental health assessment
• Colour vision testing
• Hearing assessment
• Blood pressure measurement

Seafarers who do not hold a valid ML5 certificate may be restricted from working at sea and could
face delays in employment or loss of job opportunities.

The certificate is valid for up to two years, depending on the individual’s age and medical
circumstances, and must be renewed when it expires.

The fee for the ML5 medical is £100. Appointments typically last around 30 minutes, although some assessments may take longer.

Who needs an ML5 Certificate?

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

If you’re working on a fishing vessel:

• 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.