SERVICES
ML5 Medicals
The sea is one of the most hazardous work environments on the planet – so it’s important to ensure that you’re fit and able to work at sea.
Our specialist clinicians provide ML5 medicals that allow you to continue to earn your livelihood.
Book an ML5 Medical in Inverness
An ML5 certificate will prove that you are medically fit to be working on a fishing vessel.
Anyone working on a fishing vessel under 24m in length requires an ML5 certificate if it meets any of the following criteria:
- Not subject to inspection in a foreign port
- At sea for more than 72 hours
- Operating more than 200 miles from the UK coastline or beyond the continental shelf.
This is different from an ENG1 certificate, which may be required under different circumstances. Your ML5 certificate will be valid for a maximum of 5 years, until you turn 65 when it requires an annual review.
Our Inverness team of occupational health specialists is here to support you in carrying out your job safely without negatively impacting your health.
What will happen during your ML5 medical?
During your ML5 medical at our Inverness clinic, our experienced clinicians will perform a range of medical checks and examinations to ensure you’re fit to work on a fishing vessel. We’ll also identify any potential conditions that you’re unaware of that could put you at risk when working at sea.
Your ML5 medical will include:
- Measurement of height, weight and BMI
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Near, distance and colour vision
- Lung function test, if indicated
- Examination by a doctor
An ML5 Medical certifies that you’re medically fit to work on fishing vessels. If you’re working on a fishing vessel under 24m, and it meets certain criteria, such as being at sea for over 72 hours or operating more than 200 miles from the UK coastline, you’ll need this certificate.
You can book your ML5 medical at our clinic in Inverness, where our specialist clinicians will conduct a series of health checks to ensure you’re fit to work at sea.
Booking your ML5 medical in Inverness is easy! Simply contact us directly to schedule an appointment, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Anyone working on a fishing vessel under 24m in length that meets specific conditions such as being at sea for over 72 hours or beyond 200 miles from the UK coastline – requires an ML5 certificate.
During your ML5 medical, our experienced clinicians will check your height, weight, and BMI, assess your blood pressure and pulse, test your vision, and perform a lung function test if needed. You’ll also have a full examination by a doctor.
An ML5 certificate is valid for up to 5 years. After the age of 65, an annual review is required to ensure you’re still fit to work on a fishing vessel.
An ML5 is required for work on smaller fishing vessels under 24m, while an ENG1 is needed for other maritime roles. The conditions and criteria for each certificate differ, so it’s important to get the right one for your job.
Yes! If you’re in Inverness or the surrounding Highlands, our clinic provides ML5 medicals to ensure you’re fit for work on a fishing vessel.
If you don’t meet the required health standards during your ML5 medical, we will provide guidance on the next steps. Depending on the issue, you may be referred to a specialist or advised to seek treatment before reapplying.
Yes, you can still apply for an ML5 certificate if you have a pre-existing condition, but the condition will be assessed to determine whether it may affect your ability to work at sea. Our clinicians will evaluate the condition and may request additional information from your GP or a specialist.
The ML5 medical exam typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on your individual health assessments and any additional tests that may be required.
The cost of an ML5 medical is usually not covered by standard health insurance plans. However, some employers or fishing companies may cover the cost as part of your employment package, so it’s worth checking with them beforehand.
You will need to bring a form of photo identification (such as a passport or driving licence), any relevant medical records (such as previous medical certificates or treatment details), and a list of any medications you are currently taking to your ML5 medical appointment.