MERCHANT SHIPPING NOTICE
MSN 1818 (M)
Approved Medical Practitioners (Approved Doctors) with effect from 1 June 2008
Notice to all Shipowners, Agents, Masters, Seafarers, Approved Medical Practitioners and Medical Referees.
This Notice replaces Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1814(M) and should be read in conjunction with MSN 1765 (M) which gives details of the medical examination system and lists the medical and eyesight standards, and MSN 1815 (M) which lists the countries whose seafarer medical certificates are accepted as equivalent to the UK seafarer medical certificate.
For a printable version of this document, click here: 
MSN 1818 (M) (374KB)
PLEASE NOTE:- Where this document provides guidance on the law it should not be regarded as definitive. The way the law applies to any particular case can vary according to circumstances - for example, from vessel to vessel and you should consider seeking independent legal advice if you are unsure of your own legal position. |
Summary With effect from the 1 June 2008 this Notice updates:
(Appendix D) and provides information on the appointment of MCA approved medical practitioners. It should be noted that an ENG1 medical certificate is not required for those operating on certain categories of small vessels operating less than 60 miles from shore. Details of the medical certificate required for such persons can be found in MGN 264 (M). |
1.Introduction
1.1 The Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Regulations 2002, as amended, make it a legal requirement for any seafarer (as defined in the Regulations), to hold a valid certificate attesting to their medical fitness for the work for which they are employed. Seafarer medical certificates are valid for a maximum of 2 years.
1.2 The requirement for a medical fitness certificate does not apply to anyone employed on a fishing vessel, a non commercial pleasure vessel, an offshore installation while on its working station or to those specified in paragraph 2.2.2 of MSN 1765(M).
1.3 This notice lists the doctors approved to issue UK seafarer medical fitness certificates (ENG1s)
2.Acceptable Medical Fitness Certificates
Accepted medical fitness certificates for work on a UK ship are:
(i) a national certificate (known as an ENG1) issued in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations by an MCA approved medical practitioner (known as an approved doctor), listed in Appendix A, B and C of this Notice; or
(ii) a seafarer medical certificate issued in accordance with the Maritime Authority of any country listed in MSN 1815 (M).
Both of these lists are kept updated on the MCA’s webpage (www.mcga.gov.uk) under Working at Sea / Medical Certification and Advice / Seafarer Information.
3.Application for a Medical Certificate
3.1 Applications may be made directly by seafarers to one of the approved doctors listed in Appendix A, or by company employees to the doctors listed for their company in Appendix B. The approved doctor is entitled to require payment of the prescribed maximum fee (currently £80), as listed in the current Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations, but this cost should be met by the seafarer’s employer or company (Reg 7(4)).
3.2 Approved Doctors should be able to offer an appointment for an ENG1 medical examination within one week of request. Where this is not possible, for instance because of holidays, the Approved Doctor should be able to suggest alternative Approved Doctors in the vicinity – although this may not apply to seafarers who require review by the original examining doctor, or in company set ups where medicals are required to be carried out by the company approved doctor only. Seafarers who are having difficulty in obtaining an appointment, or feel there is a lack of availability in a specific area should notify the Medical Administration Team on the contact details provided below.
(4)Appointment of Approved Doctors
4.1 General List – Whilst the number of approved doctors is not finite, appointments are kept under review and are restricted to areas where a need has been demonstrated i.e a requirement for at least 50 medicals a year.
4.2 In the interests of fair and open competition, and for administrative and quality assurance reasons, doctors are only approved to carry out medical examinations at the address to which they are appointed. However, approval may be given to carry out medicals at a subsidiary address if in close proximity to the main surgery. The appointment is not transferable to any other location or practice without the approval of the MCA. The appointment is also not transferable to any other doctors in an approved doctor’s practice either on a temporary or long-term basis without approval from the MCA.
4.3 When a need has been identified, for example as a result of an existing approved doctor retiring or moving away, or due to increased demand in an area, the normal practice is for the MCA to advertise the vacancy through local NHS structures amongst all GPs in the locality. Any suitable applicant who has approached the MCA separately at any time will be kept on a waiting list, and notified when a vacancy in their area has been advertised. All applicants are considered by the Chief Medical Adviser and MCA in relation to their training, qualifications, experience, facilities and availability and the successful applicant is appointed for one year at a time.
4.4 Overseas – The MCA’s approved doctor system is established to provide a service essentially for UK seafarers, i.e those holding UK certificates of competency, and/or those working on UK vessels. This means that most approved doctors are based in the UK although, where the need can be specifically demonstrated, MCA may approve doctors overseas in countries whose certificates are not recognised as equivalent. However, for ease of administration and communication, and for audit and quality assurance reasons, the appointment of approved doctors abroad is strictly limited.
4.5 Any suitably qualified medical practitioner who would like to be considered for a vacancy if and when one arises should contact the MCA’s Seafarer Medical Administration Section at the address below.
4.6 Company Appointments – Where a company or organisation employing seafarers has a requirement for a comprehensive medical service as well as the performance of statutory medical examinations, it may apply to the MCA for a doctor(s) from the General List to act also as its approved company doctor, or request approval of its own employed or contracted medical staff to carry out seafarer medical examinations for their own employees only. Company appointments may be made within both the UK and overseas, depending on the company requirements.
4.7 Commercial Healthcare Providers – To support the supply of doctors available to companies and manning agents who require a comprehensive seafarer health support service, a commercial healthcare provider may apply to the MCA for approval at any time, solely to undertake work for a long-term contract(s) for one or more specified maritime employers, subject to meeting relevant appointment criteria.
Details of approved healthcare providers are published in Appendix C for companies to approach should they wish to.
(5)Latest updated information
5.1 This Notice is updated and issued annually. In addition, the lists at Appendices A, B and C are updated monthly on the MCA’s webpage (www.mcga.gov.uk) under Working at Sea / Medical Certification and Advice / Seafarer Information.
5.2 Further information on the contents of this Notice or any aspect of seafarer medical certification is available from any of the approved doctors listed in the Appendices, or the MCA at the address below.
More Information
Seafarer Safety and Health Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Tel :+44 (0) 23 8032 9247/9
Fax : +44 (0) 23 8032 9251
e-mail:seafarer.s&h@mcga.gov.uk
General Inquiries:infoline@mcga.gov.uk
MCA Website Address: www.mcga.gov.uk
File Ref:MC 018/003/153 PT2
Published:June 2008
Please note that all addresses and
telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing
© Crown Copyright 2008
Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas
Printed on material containing minimum 75% post-consumer waste paper
APPENDIX A
LIST OF APPROVED DOCTORS
COUNTIES IN THE UK
(lister in Post Code order within each location - county or city)
ENGLAND
BRISTOL | Location | Subsidiary Address |
Dr P B Clark | Avonmouth & Portbury Occupational Medical Services MEDNET UK Ltd St Andrew’s Medical Centre St Andrew’s House St Andrew’s Road Avonmouth Bristol BS11 9DQ Tel: 0117 938 0280 | |
Dr R G Taylor | 2 Clifton Park Clifton Bristol BS8 3BS Tel: 0117 906 4227 |
CAMBRIDGESHIRE |
|
|
Dr P Niemczuk | 279-281 Mill Road Cambridge CB1 3DG Tel: 01223 247812 |
CHESHIRE |
|
|
Dr I G Donnan | "Owl House" 97 Buxton Old Road Disley SK12 2BN Tel: 01663 766946 |
CORNWALL |
|
|
Dr A C Seaman | The Health Centre Trevaylor Road Falmouth TR11 2LH Tel: 01326 210090 | |
| Dr T Dalton | The Health Centre St Mary’s Isles of Scilly TR21 0HE Tel: 01720 422628 | |
| Dr M J E Higgs | Bodriggy Health Centre 60 Queensway Hayle TR27 4PB Tel: 01736 753136 | |
| Dr A C Hereward | Belmont Surgery Belmont Road St Austell PL25 4UJ Tel: 01726 291255 | |
| Dr F E Roberson | Saltash Health Centre Callington Road Saltash PL12 6DL Tel: 01752 842281 |
CUMBRIA |
|
|
Dr B R MacDonald | 4 Duke Street Barrow-in-Furness LA14 1LF Tel: 01229 820068 | |
| Dr A P Timney | 17 Irish Street Whitehaven CA28 7BU Tel: 01946 693412 |
DEVON |
|
|
Dr M A Watts | Waterloo Surgery 191 Devonport Road Stoke Plymouth PL1 5RN Tel: 01752 563147 | |
| Dr J S Gale | St Barnabas Surgery St Barnabas Terrace Stoke Plymouth PL1 5NN Tel: 01752 607006 | |
| Dr J R Franklin | Stoke Surgery Belmont Villas Stoke Plymouth PL3 4DP Tel: 01752 566470 | |
| Dr D W Branton | The St Thomas Medical Group Cowick Street Exeter EX4 1HJ Tel: 01392 676675 | |
| Dr R P Dean | Torridge Occupational Medical Services Ltd Unit 1 Lauder Lane Roundswell Business Park Barnstaple EX31 3TA Tel: 01271 859243 | |
Dr K D Hudson | The Surgery Redsands Torquay Road Shaldon Teignmouth TQ14 0BQ Tel: 01626 872555 |
DORSET |
|
|
Dr M A Grainger | James Fisher Medical Centre 4 Tolpuddle Gardens Bournemouth BH9 3LQ Tel: 01202 522622 | |
Dr A J Newman | 18-20 Parkstone Road Parkstone Poole BH15 2PG Tel: 01202 682174 | |
Dr M C Ninham | Health Centre Park Estate Road Easton Portland DT5 2BJ Tel: 01305 820422 | The Gatehouse Surgery Castle Road Portland DT5 1AU Tel: 01305 820422 |
Essex |
|
|
Dr P J Nightingale Dr K A Twumasi | The Health Centre 407 Main Road Dovercourt Harwich CO12 4ET Tel: 01255 201299 | |
| Dr L Leighton | Aveley Medical Centre 22 High Street Aveley RM15 4AD Tel: 01708 865128 | |
| Dr M Colburn | The Surgery 63 Rowley Road Orsett RM16 3ET Tel: 01375 892082 |
HAMPSHIRE |
|
|
Dr J P Hogan Dr D R Plenty Dr A W Scott-Brown Dr A Williams | Lake Road Practice Nutfield Place Portsmouth PO1 4JT Tel: 0844 477 3540 | |
Dr M Caiger Dr G Parkin | 12 Victoria Road South Southsea PO5 2DB Tel: 023 92 823857 | |
| Dr M Spencer-Smith | Ocean Medical Services 19/23 Canute Road Southampton SO14 3FJ Tel: 023 80 223546 | |
| Dr Y Sunak | Raymond Road Surgery 34 Raymond Road Shirley Southampton SO15 5AL Tel: 023 80 227559 | |
| Dr G E Waddington | The Surgery 6 Stoneham Lane Swaythling Southampton SO16 2AB Tel: 023 80 671168 | |
Dr A F A P Cooper | Lockswood Surgery Centre Way Locks Heath SO31 6DX Tel: 01489 576708 |
HERTFORDSHIRE |
|
|
| Dr J H Nodder | Bennetts End Surgery Hemel Hempstead HP3 9LY Tel: 01442 263511 |
ISLE OF WIGHT |
|
|
Dr J M Rogers | 19 Esplanade Ryde PO33 2EH Tel: 07899 994877 |
KENT |
|
|
Dr J Ariyaratnam | Health Centre The Boulevard Aylesham CT3 3DU Tel: 01304 840233 | |
| Dr M L Wain | Chestfield Medical Centre Reeves Way Chestfield Whitstable CT5 3QU Tel: 01227 794555 | |
| Dr P Attwood | 1 Wickham Avenue Ramsgate CT11 8AY Tel: 01843 593420 | |
| Dr M Collins | Peter Street Surgery Peter Street Dover CT16 1EF Tel: 01304 216890 | |
| Dr A J Stellon | The Abbey Practice 107 London Road Temple Ewell Dover CT16 3BY Tel: 01304 821182 | |
| Dr R G Todd | Riverview Park Surgery 1 Whinfell Way Gravesend DA12 4RX Tel: 01474 363020 | |
| Dr J H Redman | 1 The Gatehouse Shorts Reach The Esplanade Rochester ME1 1QP Tel: 01634 848202 | |
Dr T S Colbert | 67 City Way Rochester ME1 2AY Tel: 01634 843351 |
LANCASHIRE |
|
|
Dr R A Wells | 43 Everest Drive Bispham Blackpool FY2 9DH Tel: 01253 591148 | |
| Dr M Aziz | Broadway Medical Centre Westview Health Village Broadway Fleetwood FY7 8GU Tel: 01253 657500 | |
| Dr M Atherton | 17 Park Road St Annes FY8 1PW Tel: 0844 4773103 | |
| Dr R G Jackson | St Hugh’s Hospital Peaks Lane Grimsby DN32 9RP Tel: 07860 305522 | Galgate Health Centre Highland Brow Galgate near Lancaster LA2 0NB Tel : 01524 751284 |
LINCOLNSHIRE |
|
|
| Dr M R East | St Hugh’s Hospital Peaks Lane Grimsby DN32 9RP Tel: 07860 305522 | |
Dr R M Barr | O H Services Ltd The Medical Centre Alexandra Road South Immingham Docks DN40 2QW Tel: 01469 571030 | |
Dr R P S Gent | Sleaford Medical Group Riverside Surgery 47 Boston Road Sleaford NG34 7HD Tel: 01529 419129 |
LONDON |
|
|
Dr P J Guider Dr G J Webb-Wilson | Roodlane Medical Ltd The Point 164 Bishopsgate EC2M 4LZ Tel: 0207 377 4646 | |
| Dr D C Keith | City Medical Ltd 17 St Helen’s Place EC3A 6DG Tel: 0845 123 5380 | |
| Dr H D Rowbotham | 147 Harley Street W1G 6BL Tel: 0207 935 4444 | |
Dr R S Croxson Dr M W May | The Wimpole Clinic 4th Floor Hannah House 11-16 Manchester Street London W1U 4DJ Tel: 0207 935 2617 | |
| Dr J W Keen | The Bedford Park Surgery 55 South Parade Chiswick W4 5LH Tel: 0208 742 1331 |
MANCHESTER (Greater) |
|
|
| Dr B A Enoch | 16 St John Street Manchester M3 4EA Tel: 0161 834 2554 |
MERSEYSIDE |
|
|
| Dr J A Houghton | Ropewalks Practice 26 Argyle Street Liverpool L1 5BE Tel: 0151 285 3500 | |
Dr I Ahmed Dr P R Ahmed | Mersey Medical Centre 1st Floor Port of Liverpool Building Pier Head Liverpool L3 1BZ Tel: 0151 236 6031 | |
| Dr M R Kennedy | Norwich Union Occ Health Ground Floor Port of Liverpool Building Pierhead Liverpool L3 1DA | |
| Dr E B Krasner | CPL International Services Limited 45 Seymour Terrrace Liverpool L3 5PE Tel: 0151 708 6767 | |
| Dr R E Fallowfield | 270 Wood Church Road Prenton Birkenhead Wirral CH43 5UU Tel: 0151 608 3475 | |
Dr S Williams Dr K Cooke | Eastham Group Practice Tree Tops PHCC Bridle Road Bromborough Wirral CH62 6EE Tel: 0151 327 1391 |
NORFOLK |
|
|
Dr S D Worsley Dr C K Hari Krishnan | Abermed International Ltd 3 Lowestoft Road Gorleston Great Yarmouth NR31 6SG Tel: 01493 660700 |
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE |
|
|
| Dr I L Griffiths | Occupational Health Notts Fire & Rescue Bestwood Country Park Arnold Nottingham NG5 8PD Tel: 0115 967 5915 |
SUFFOLK |
|
|
Dr T J Lockwood | Ivry Street Medical Practice 5 Ivry Street Ipswich IP1 3QW Tel: 01473 254718 | |
Dr M Derks Dr P S A Quilliam Dr M P Vallis Dr A Walker | Rosedale Surgery Ashburnham Way Carlton Colville Lowestoft NR33 8LG Tel: 01502 505100 | |
Dr F A O’Driscoll | Westwood Surgery Westwood Avenue Lowestoft NR33 9RW Tel: 01502 588854 |
SURREY |
|
|
| Dr G A W Hornett | The Sheilings The Surgery The Street Wonersh Guildford GU5 0PE Tel: 01483 898123 |
SUSSEX |
|
|
Dr M H Draisey | Chapel Street Surgery Chapel Street Newhaven BN9 9PW Tel: 01273 517000 | |
Dr F C Levack Dr C M V Wright | Portslade Health Centre Church Road Portslade Brighton BN41 1LX Tel: 01273 422525 |
TYNE AND WEAR |
|
|
Dr M A Borthwick Dr C H Darling | The Surgery 200 Osborne Road Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3LD Tel: 07972 593 149 | |
Dr W Conrad | 5 Osborne Avenue Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1PQ Tel: 0191 281 0041 | |
| Dr A S Roberts | Glenpark Medical Centre 61 Ravensworth Road Dunston Gateshead NE11 9AD Tel: 0191 420 0535 | |
| Dr A K Bedi | Mayfield Medical Centre Park Road Jarrow NE32 5SE Tel: 0191 489 7183 |
WEST MIDLANDS |
|
|
| Dr N Harding | Handsworth Wood Medical Centre 110/2 Church Lane Handsworth Wood Birmingham B20 2ES Tel: 0121 523 1801 | |
Dr S C Martin | James Preston Health Centre 61 Holland Road Sutton Coldfield B72 1RL Tel: 0121 354 2032 |
WORCESTERSHIRE |
|
|
Dr P E Mayner | Cherry Orchard Guarlford Malvern WR13 6NT Tel: 01684 562553 |
YORKSHIRE |
|
|
Dr M Foulds | The Sydenham House Group Practice Sydenham House Boulevard Hull HU3 2TA Tel: 01482 335545 | |
| Dr K J Kutte | “Kemnay Villa” 415 Beverley Road Hull HU5 1LX Tel: 01482 342808 | |
| Dr C H Platts | Associated British Ports The Medical Centre North Gap King George Dock Hull HU9 5PR Tel: 01482 712113 | |
Dr R G Mitchell | 15 School Lane North Ferriby Hull HU14 3DB Tel: 01482 634004 | |
| Dr A G Moran | Beverley & Molescroft Surgery 30 Lockwood Road Molescroft Beverley HU17 9GQ Tel: 01623 657446 (RPS Business Healthcare) | |
Dr J T Canning Dr T Foster Dr N T Rowell | The Endeavour Practice PO Box 101A The Health Centre 20 Cleveland Square Middlesbrough TS1 2NX Tel: 01642 242192 | |
| Dr P J Geiser | Armed Forces Careers Office 67 Borough Road Middlesbrough TS1 3AE |