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Guidance: How to become a MCA approved doctor

Maritime Coastguard Agency

December 2
16:24 2022

Overview

This guidance for doctors takes you through:

  • MCAs general criteria for ADs
  • types of AD
  • how to apply for appointment as an AD

MCAs recruitment system has been established in agreement with maritime employers and seafarers trade union organisations.

It aims to serve the seafarers working on UK vessels, and holding UK Certificates of Competency (CoCs).

MCA is currently recruiting for ADs

  • Brixham to Plymouth closing date 16th December 2022

Criteria 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 procedure is detailed in chapter 2 - the role of an approved doctor, in MCAs approved doctors manual.

The categories of ADs

General list doctors are:

  • available to all seafarers
  • spread over a wide geographical network
  • mainly appointed on a replacement basis

Vacancies are advertised locally using the local CCG; MCA keeps a file on those who have expressed an interest in becoming an AD. Youll then be invited to apply to make sure of fair and open competition.

All the applications are reviewed by MCAs chief medical adviser.

Company doctors are:

  • appointed at the request of companies with vessels on the UK flag, subject to the MCA chief medical advisers 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 application form to become an approved doctor, then send your completed application to the address on the form.

Speculative applications (meaning those not part of a recruitment process started by MCA) will be notified if a specific vacancy comes up.

The chief medical adviser will review your application, then itll be acknowledged by the medical administration team.

Further information

Published 6 May 2014
Last updated 2 December 2022 +show all updates
  1. Updated to advise of recruitment of approved doctors Brixham to Plymouth closing date 16th December 2022.

  2. Updated MCA recruitment of approved doctors - Central London closing date 24th November 2022.

  3. The MCA has updated recruitment details for Glasgow and Southampton areas - closing date 6th October 2022.

  4. The MCA is currently recruiting for approved doctors in Wales - closing date 12th September 2022

  5. MCA recruiting for approved doctors in South West Wales - closing date 5th August 2022.

  6. Updated to advise that the MCA is recruiting for approved doctors in Cornwall St Austell to Falmouth closing date 10th June 2022 and Isles of Scilly closing date 10th June 2022.

  7. Updated to notify of recruitment for MCA approved doctors in Aberdeen/ Dundee - closing date 24th April 2022.

  8. Updated approved doctors recruitment in Sussex, extended to the 31st March 2022.

  9. Added recruitment for Sussex & Middlesbrough and removed the closed recruitment in Jersey.

  10. Updated to advise that the MCA is currently recruiting for ADs in Jersey - closing date 21st February 2022.

  11. Updated to advise of recruitment of approved doctors, in Swansea - closing date 9th September 2021.

  12. Shetland AD recruitment now closing 31st August 2021.

  13. Update to notify of recruitment for approved doctors in Shetland - closing 8th August 2021.

  14. To advise of recruitment for approved doctors in Ayr - closing 4th June 2021

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