ENG1 and BMI

[Unregistered]

Hi,

I've just finished the first 2 months of my sea phase, and have to have an ENG1 before going back on ship.

My BMI is about 32 at the moment, I'm fairly fit, play rugby and football and lift weights but I'm still a bit on the wobbly side. Am I still likely to pass the ENG1?

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

[The H]

Surely you already have a current ENG1?

[Unregistered]

Yes it expires during my next sea time so I need a new one before I can go back.

[Faust]

Has your state of health changed that much in the last 1 or 2 years?

[Unregistered]

H - It runs out during my next sea phase so I need a new one before I go back.

Faust - No, my last one was issued with the advice lose some weight, which I've lost roughly half a stone. But was able to carry out all the deck work, heavy lifting etc no problem on my last ship, even surprised some of the blokes (I'm a girl), guess I'm just worried, don't want to get sacked!

[Fox]

I'm sure I read that under the MCA guidelines if your BMI falls between 30-35 then the Doctor may ask you to do a quick fitness type test. I think just something were they check your pulse before and after to make sure you're not really unfit.

[Faust]

If possible go back to the same Doctor, he will probably be able to recollect the recommendation he gave you.

[Giren]

The dreaded step test. It's just an inconvenience if you're fit, and if it's just a case of you being well built it won't be a problem (they will be checking your recovery pulse rates). Be cautious if you approach 35 as that's the cut off point. I passed with a higher BMI than you with advice that next time my ENG comes around I should be 15Kgs lighter.

They don't measure muscle mass or anything like that so it doesn't matter how much of a hunk you are! Just be as fit and light as you can.

[Unregistered]

I wasn't given a specific amount to lose or anything, I think I was just on the 35, did the step test etc, issued for 1 year. I will try go back to the same doctor if that's best then.

[Steve]

Be cautious if you approach 35 as that's the cut off point. I passed with a higher BMI than you with advice that next time my ENG comes around I should be 15Kgs lighter.

Cut off? I know a guy with a BMI about 36. The doc made him do some "extra tests" and may have given him a 1 year ENG1, but for a fat bastard he can fair shift and had no problems performing what the doc asked him to do. Unless there's some specific guidance on BMI that I'm not aware of, there are no hard and fast rules for ENG1, it's up to the doc. Some of them go a bit OTT, others are very relaxed.

What is utter bollocks is giving someone an ENG1 and saying "you've got to lose weight for next time". Either you are fit to serve at sea as presented for examination, or you're not. No conditions for 'next time'.

[Chiefy]

My last eng1 the doc said to loose some weight, however it wasnt an issue and I got the full 2 years, he was just passing comment about how if I lived in his NHSarea he would send me to off to see the dietician etc, however I know what I do wrong on leave (drink) and I can loose 15-20kg in a trip, however just for me and to shut him up have made a determined effort this year which will continue now, and am a stead 20kg less than last medical with about 10kg more to go, if I can be bothered :-)

BMI certainly seems to be in the eye of the doc concerned, with some being way more strict than others.

[Ganner]

I was having this conversation the other day. At my ENG1 my BMI was smack in the zone that they deem ideal. Since I did it I have been hitting the gym regularly and getting fit to start my course. I have improved my cardio fitness incredibly and have increased my muscle mass substantially. I am stronger leaner and fitter than I have ever been however now because of the increased weight and the fact no gym equipment can make me taller I am now technically overweight. That is what is stupid about the BMI.

[billwillis]

My BMI is about 32, I'm 6ft 4, and I could do with losing another 3 stone or so (lost 9 over the past 4 years); I am not too phased about the fitness test as I ride a least 100 miles per week; and I know from my HR monitor that my recovery time is pretty fabulous- after riding up some of Wales' steepest hills I kick out 200 beats per min, and after 5 mins of resting, it's was back down to 65.


Although, I'd say all this waiting for Clyde Marine to contact me with something official about me starting at Fleetwood isn't doing my blood pressure any favours!!!

[Clanky]

The worst they will do is give you a 1 year medical, although to be honest most seem more inclined to give you a lecture about your weight instead.

[AlternativeNavs]

I was having this conversation the other day. At my ENG1 my BMI was smack in the zone that they deem ideal. Since I did it I have been hitting the gym regularly and getting fit to start my course. I have improved my cardio fitness incredibly and have increased my muscle mass substantially. I am stronger leaner and fitter than I have ever been however now because of the increased weight and the fact no gym equipment can make me taller I am now technically overweight. That is what is stupid about the BMI.

I guess this is the reason why the Doctors are issued guidelines. They interpret what they have in front of them. Somehing tells me that there may be one or two exceptions to this BMI rule (yours stated), although these are exceptions and not the rule. If it can be proved you are fit and weighty due to fitness then I wouldn't expect to be carted out.

In fact all BMI measurements come with a disclaimer that Atheletes may be an exception to calculations. I believe that the GP has the authority and experience to make that call...