Guidance

MCA Independent medical referees

Updated 11 February 2025

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Medical Referees

Any seafarer (including new entrants) found permanently unfit (Category 4), or temporarily unfit (Category 3), or fit only for restricted service (Category 2), will be issued with a Notice of Failure/Restriction form (ENG 3), giving them a right of review (appeal) by one of the following independent medical referees appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Transport. A seafarer may only appeal against a restriction or a period of temporarily unfitness if the validity of his/her certificate is greater than 3 months.

Applications for review should initially be made to the MCA’s Medical Administration Section at the address provided on the ENG 3 form. Referees should not be contacted directly.

  • Dr M Groom - Dorset
  • Dr K Hartington – Portsmouth
  • Dr C Ide – Hamilton
  • Dr R Johnston - Plymouth
  • Dr M Patel - Guildford
  • Dr K Sarangi – Liverpool

Correct at date of publishing.

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