ILO Medical for Seafarers in Dubai (2026 Complete Guide)
ILO medical certificate in Dubai is mandatory for those candidates, who want to work on ships or offshore vessels. Its is something similar to ENG1 but not stricter. It is widely accepted internationally rather than to one country. In this guide we will cover in details about,
- What is ILO medical for seafarers
- How to get ILO medical certificate in Dubai
- ILO medical certificate price in Dubai
- Step-by-step guide to aply
- Comparison with ENG1
- Helpful tips to get faster
- Mistakes to avoid
- Seafarers jobs based on ILO medical certificate
What is ILO Medical for Seafarers?
ILO medical certificate is a standard certificate by International Labour Organization. It is standard under MLC 2006. It ensures that seafarers are,
- Physically fit
- Mentally stable
- Free from contagious diseases
Without ILO medical certificate you can not work legally on ships in Dubai.
Who Needs ILO Medical in Dubai?
If you work in these fields in UAE, you need to have ILO medical certificate.
- Seafarer (Deck / Engine / Catering crew)
- Offshore worker
- Oil & gas employee
- Cruise ship staff
Top Clinics for ILO Medical in Dubai
Below are some of the most best clinics for seafarers medical in Dubai.
1. Al Noor Polyclinic
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Description | One of the most popular clinics for offshore & seafarer medicals |
| Phone | +971 4 223 3324 |
| Website | amberclinics.com |
| Services | ILO, OGUK, pre-employment, offshore medical |
| Working Hours | 8 AM – 8 PM |
| Google Rating | ~4.5⭐ |
| Careers | Not listed |
2. Getwell Medical Center
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Description | Specialized in seafarer & offshore medicals with 20+ years experience |
| Phone | +971 50 450 5865 |
| Website | getwelluae.com |
| Services | ILO, MCA, OGUK medical |
| Working Hours | 8 AM – 6 PM |
| Google Rating | ~4.4⭐ |
| Careers | Available on website |
3. Badr Al Samaa Medical Centre
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Description | Offers wide range of occupational & offshore medical tests |
| Phone | Available on website |
| Website | badralsamaa.ae |
| Services | ILO, OGUK, ADNOC medical |
| Working Hours | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Google Rating | ~4.2⭐ |
| Careers | Yes |
4. Aster Clinic
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Description | High-authority clinic with international standards |
| Website | asterclinic.ae |
| Services | ILO-based seafarer medical |
| Working Hours | Multiple branches |
| Google Rating | ~4.5⭐ |
| Careers | Yes |
Tests Included in ILO Medical
ILO medical exam includes:
- Blood test (HIV, Hepatitis, sugar)
- Urine test
- Chest X-ray
- ECG (heart test)
- Vision & color blindness test
- Hearing test (audiometry)
- Physical examination
ILO Medical Price in Dubai 2026
Cost depends upon the medical clinic. Below is the average price for ILO medical certificate in Dubai.
- AED 250 – AED 600
👉 Price depends on:
- Clinic
- Additional tests
- Urgency
Documents Required for ILO Medical Certificate
Bring these documents while visiting clinics. These are the required documents.
- Passport (original + copy)
- Passport size photos
- Previous medical reports (if any)
- Company form (if provided)
Step-by-Step Process to Get ILO Medical in Dubai
Follow this step-by-step process to get your certificate fast.
1. Visit a Clinic or Book Appointment
Always choose a trusted medical clinic like Al Noor Clinic or Getwell Medical Center.
- Walk-in is usually allowed
- Booking in advance can save time
- Morning visits = faster processing
2. Fill Medical Registration Form
When you are physically at the clinic,
- Provide personal details (name, passport info)
- Declare your medical history honestly
- Submit required documents (passport, photos)
Keep in mind any wrong information can delay or reject your certificate.
3. Complete All Required Tests
You will go through multiple tests:
- Blood & urine tests
- Chest X-ray
- Vision & color blindness test
- Hearing test (audiometry)
- ECG (if required)
It takes usually 1 to 3 hours for medical checkup, depending upon clinics sometimes.
4. Doctor Evaluation & Final Check
After tests:
- Doctor reviews all reports
- Checks overall fitness (physical + mental)
- May ask additional questions if needed
If everything is normal in your report, Doctor will clear you as a fit candidate for sea duty and offshore work.
5. Get Your Medical Certificate
Once approved:
- Certificate is issued same day or within 24 hours
- Some clinics provide digital + printed copy
- Keep multiple copies for job applications
Always choose the right and affordable clinic. See reviews on Google and other social media platforms like Facebook etc. Talk with the previous candidates if possible. Reach out on time in clinic. Undergo all tests, pay medical fee, and get your ILO medical certificate easily. Keep in mind your documents are clear and clean. And the process will take time so do not be pannic. It takes usually few hours to 1 day to get your certificate.
Validity of ILO Medical Certificate in Dubai
- Usually valid for 2 years
- May be shorter depending on health condition
ILO vs ENG1 vs OGUK (Comparison)
| Type | Full Form / Authority | Purpose | Who Needs It | Validity | Where Accepted | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILO Medical | Based on International Labour Organization (MLC 2006) | General medical fitness for seafarers | Deck crew, engine crew, cruise staff | 2 years (usually) | Worldwide (widely accepted) | Easy to obtain, accepted by most shipping companies |
| ENG1 | UK Maritime Medical (issued under Maritime and Coastguard Agency) | Strict medical fitness for UK vessels | Seafarers working on UK-flag ships | 2 years (1 year if under 18 or certain conditions) | UK & international companies | Most trusted and strict standard |
| OGUK (OEUK) | Offshore Energies UK (formerly OGUK) | Medical for offshore oil & gas workers | Oil rigs, offshore platforms | 2 years | Oil & Gas industry worldwide | Required for offshore high-risk jobs |
👉 Many companies accept ILO, but some require ENG1 or OGUK.
Tips to Pass Your ILO Medical Exams in Dubai
Follow these simple and helpfl tips to pass your exams easily.
- Sleep well before test
- Avoid alcohol (48 hours)
- Stay hydrated
- Do not hide medical history
Final Thoughts
Getting ILO medical is simple in Dubai if you choose the right clinic. ILO medical certificate is essential for working on international ships. Its widely accepted in international waters. Follow the step by step guide to get your certificate fast. Choose the right clinic, prepare your documents and book appointment. Pay medical fee and get your certificate fast. Medical fees may vary depeding upon clinic. Always renew your certificate before it is going to expire to avoid any issues in your job.
