Introduction
If you want to work in maritime industry in the UAE, either in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other emirate, havig a seafarer medical certificate is mandatory. Without this companies do'nt hire candidates. Getting a seafarer medical certificate is easy if you follow the steps and legal roles as described. Most marine companies in Dubai ask for seafarer medical certificate with STCW certificate. Its also considered as a strict internaltional requirements. Without this you can not work on a vessel, cruise ship, pass visa process and getting approved by marine companies in Dubai.
In this complete guide we will cover in details about,
- What is seafarer medical certificate in Dubai
- Seafarer medical certificate in Dubai price
- How to get seafarer medical certificate in Dubai
- Documents required
- Step by step guide to apply
- Best medical clinics for seafarer medical certificate in Dubai
- Expert tips to get you certified quickly
If you are a beginner or experienced candidate, seafarer medical certificate is mandatory for all. It is required for getting maritime jobs in Dubai and UAE.
What is a Seafarer Medical Certificate?
It is an official fitness certificate of a candidate which is issued by an approved doctor from approved medical center in Dubai. It describes that you are mentally and physically fit for the role you applied or applying for. It is required under international roles and regulations such as,
- STCW Certificate (Standards of training, certification and watchkeeping)
- ILO maritime labour convention (MLC 2026)
- MCA requirements for ENG1 certificate
Shipping companies in Dubai require this certificate as a proof that candidates can work for long hours, in isolation and team work, harsh weather and any other emergency situations.
Who Needs a Seafarer Medical Certificate in Dubai?
This certificate is required and also considered as mandatory for all maritime roles in Dubai, whether beginner level or experienced one. It is required for,
- Deck Crew Jobs like deck officer, ordinary seaman, Ab seaman, bosun and captain
- Enginer crew such as oiler, motorman, and marine engineer
- Yacht crew like deckhand, stewardess, and chefs
- Offshore sea workers such as oil and rig and OGUK medical
- All cruise ship staffs
If you are planing to apply or already applied for maritime jobs in Dubai or internationally, you must have seafarer medical certificate from approved medical center.
Types of Seafarer Medical Certificates in Dubai
Dubai offers different type of seafarer medical certificates. It depends upon your job role. Here are some of the types of seafarer medical certificates listed below.
| Type | Description |
| STCW Medical Certificate | This is one of the most common certificate required for labours working on cruise, ships and vessels. |
| ENG1 Medical | It is required by UK-Flag vessels and many yacht jobs. This is very strict and is only issued by approved doctors in Dubai. |
| OGUK / OEUK Medical | It is required for offshore oil and gas job. It also requires additional fitness certificates. |
| ILO Medical Certificate | It is an international standards certificate which is accepted by marine companies worldwide. |
Tip: Always check and confirm with your employer which certificate is required for current job before booking.
Tests Included in Seafarer Medical Certificate
The medical examination include full health check of a candidate to notice any issues and fitness check.
- Physical examination test such as height, weight, and blood pressure
- vision test including indoor and outdoor and color blindness test
- Hearing tests
- Blood test
- Sugar test
- Urine test
- Chest X-ray if required
- Lungs function test
- Cardiovascular health check
- Mental health screening test
These all tests enure that you are physically and mentally fit for long working hours for offshore and other marine jobs.
Best Clinics for Seafarer Medical in Dubai
Finding a best and approved clining is mandatory for getting this certificate. Here are some of the best clinics for seafarer medical certificate in Dubai.
- Getwell Medical Center – popular for STCW and offshore medicals
- Amber Clinics (Al Noor Polyclinic) – ILO-compliant examinations
- Medi Sense Clinic – known for ENG1 medicals
- Aster Clinic – widely trusted for OGUK and offshore tests
Helpful tip: Always call the clinic for certificate type, cost, and delivery time before booking. It helps your time, save cost and tells about approved certificates they offer.
Cost of Seafarer Medical Certificate in Dubai (2026)
Cost depends upon type of medical, certificate and clinic you choose. Below is the average estimate of price.
| Certificate Type | Average Cost |
| STCW | AED 300 – AED 600 |
| ENG1 | AED 500 – AED 900 |
| OGUK | AED 700 – AED 1200 |
Note: Prices may vary and depends upon clinic, urgency, and additional costs if required.
Documents Required For Seafarer Medical Certificate in Dubai
Prepare the below listed mandatory documents before booking or arriving at the medical center. Keep the hard and soft copies with you.
- Passport
- Residence Visa or Emirates ID
- Seaman Book if you have.
- Passport size photographs with white background
- Previous medical reports if you have any
If your documents are missing or incomplete, your certificate process can be delayed. Make sure all of your documents are clean, legal and available.
Seafarer Medical Certificate Validity and Renewal
Mos of the medical certificates for seafares are valid for 2 years. However doctor or clinic can give you shorter validity if you have,
- Medical conditions
- or doctor recommends for follow up checks
Helpul tip: Always renew your certificate before the expiry date to avoid delays in jobs.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Seafarer Medical Certificate in Dubai
- Choose the right clinic or doctor based on your medical required by the company
- Book an online appointment or visit physically if possible
- Prepare your all documents soft and hard copies
- Compare prices between all medical centers and tests they provide and choose the best reasonable
- Wait for results. It usually comes between 24 to 48 hours or same day for some clinics
- Collect your certificate from the clinic. Make sure to ask for digital copy as well.
If you properly prepare yourslef, the process is simple and easy.
Common Reasons for Medical Rejection
Some candidates fails due to some issues or reasons such as,
- Blood pressure remains high and sugar level is uncontrolled
- Poor eyesight without correction
- Hearing problems
- Candidates drink drugs or alcohol
- Incomplete documents
Most issues can be managed easily if you address it at the earliest.
Expert Tips to Pass Your Medical Easily
Follow these simple and helpful tips advised by our experts.
- Take a good nap before going for medical test
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs at least for 24 or 48 hours
- Stay hydrated. Drink Water as much as you can
- Bring all required documents orginal and copies
- Use glasses if eyesight is weak or required
These small tips can increase your chances of passing the test at first attempt.
Final Words
Getting a seafarer medical certificate in Dubai is mandatory for all type of maritime jobs. Without this companies dont hire candidates. And it is also required internationally. Follow simple and helpful steps, Prepare your all documents, book test with your doctor, pass the test and get certificate. After this start applying for maritime jobs in Dubai.
Take action today and move forward in your maritime career.
