The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) provides structured guidance for doctors aspiring to become MCA approved doctors (ADs), responsible for conducting medical examinations of seafarers holding UK Certificates of Competency (CoCs). This recruitment process is designed in partnership with maritime employers and seafarers’ trade unions to ensure a fair and consistent appointment mechanism.
Criteria and Appointment Process
To qualify as an approved doctor, candidates must meet specific qualifications and experience benchmarks set by the MCA. Appointment is restricted to regions demonstrating a demand for at least 50 medical examinations annually. The MCA chief medical adviser reviews applications to select the most suitable candidate based on merit and geographic location.
Categories of Approved Doctors
- General list doctors: serve seafarers across wide geographic areas, often appointed to replace others, and vacancies are advertised locally via clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).
- Company doctors: appointed at shipping companies' requests, performing medicals for company employees and providing occupational medical services.
Doctors interested in applying must download and complete the approved doctor application form, sending it to the designated MCA address. Speculative applications are accepted and reviewed in case of upcoming vacancies. The MCA publishes ongoing recruitment opportunities, such as openings within the M60 corridor and the Southampton to Weymouth area, with detailed information on closing dates and eligibility.
For further procedural details, aspiring approved doctors can consult the MCA's approved doctor manual. Staying updated on vacancies and recruitment changes is essential, as the MCA adjusts its requirements based on maritime sector needs. This recruitment approach aligns with seafarer medical certification guidance and international maritime labor standards Maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance on becoming an approved doctor. Prospective applicants with offshore maritime job aspirations may also find relevant hiring insights through the ARAMCO hiring process ARAMCO hiring process for offshore maritime jobs.
