CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT AS AN MCA APPROVED DOCTOR The MCA's Approved Doctor system has been established in agreement with marine employers and seafarers’ trade union organisations, to provide a service primarily for those serving on UK vessels and the holders of UK Certificates of Competency. For administrative and audit reasons, the appointment of Approved Doctors to carry out ENG 1 seafarer medical examinations is restricted to areas where a demand has been demonstrated. When a vacancy occurs or a new demand is demonstrated, the position is advertised, normally through the local PCT and a selection is made from suitable applicants in that area.
We approve doctors through open competition in response to a perceived need/demand for at least 50 examinations in a year. The procedure is described in the Manual issued to all Approved Doctors which can be found at the following link: (Chapter 2 - the role of an Approved Doctor):
MCA is currently seeking a new Approved Doctor in the following areas: Cardiff, Wales - closing date for applications 20 February 2012
Southampton, Hampshire - closing date for appliactions 17 February 2012
The MCA has three categories of Approved Doctor which are defined as follows:
General list doctors who are available to all seafarers. The network is maintained to give a good geographical spread and appointments are largely made on a replacement basis. When a replacement is needed the vacancy is advertised locally using NHS GP databases and also the MCA maintains a file on those who have expressed an interest in becoming an Approved Doctor and they will be invited to apply to ensure fair and open competition. After advertising the vacancy all the applications are reviewed by the MCA's Chief Medical Adviser and the most suitable candidate is appointed based on qualifications, experience and location.
Company doctors. These are appointed at the request of companies, subject to MCA Chief Medical Adviser scrutiny of qualifications and experience. Historically these were direct employees of major shipping companies but now many are either contractors to them or provide services to a ship management or crewing company. They may only do medicals on those employed by the organisation.
Healthcare Providers. These are companies who provide services to several employers, ship management or crewing companies. Once approved they may request that named doctors are appointed subject to MCA Chief Medical Adviser scrutiny. They may take on additional client companies but need to inform MCA of the companies with whom they have contracts and are only approved to examine their staff. The provider as a whole, as well as the individual doctors, has to meet MCA requirements on accountability and probity.
Application Form To Become an MCA Approved Doctor (
If you are interested in applying to become an Approved Doctor, please fill out the form and return it to the address on the back page. Any queries should be sent to the Medical Administration Team on 02380 329 249. Speculative or 'ad-hoc' applications The MCA does consider applications for approval not submitted as part of the normal recruitment process, however unless a specific need has been identified for a doctor in that area, the form will be kept on file and the applicant will be notified when a vacancy does arise. Any doctor who wishes to apply for approval should complete the application form above and return it to the Seafarer Safety & Health Branch at the address given on the form. All applications are reviewed by the Chief Medical Adviser and applications will be acknowledged by the Medical Administration Team.
Thank you for your interest in becoming an MCA Approved Doctor. |