Merchant Navy Medical Test: Eyesight, Colour Blindness, Fitness & Requirements
If you are planning a career in the Merchant Navy, clearing the medical examination is one of the important steps before starting work at sea. The Merchant Navy Medical Test checks whether a candidate is medically fit to safely perform the duties expected on board a ship.
Eyesight, colour vision, hearing and general physical health are important parts of the examination. However, the exact medical standard can depend on the department and type of duties involved.
In India, seafarer medical examinations are conducted according to the requirements of the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) through approved Medical Examiners. The official medical rules prescribe different eyesight standards for deck, engine, catering and electro-technical personnel.
What Is the Merchant Navy Medical Test?
The Merchant Navy medical examination is a health assessment conducted to determine whether a person is medically fit for sea service.
A candidate may undergo checks related to:
| Medical Check | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Eyesight | Distance vision and overall eye health |
| Colour Vision | Ability to identify required colours |
| Hearing | Ability to hear sounds and communication |
| Blood Pressure | Cardiovascular health assessment |
| Physical Examination | General physical condition |
| Laboratory Tests | Tests where considered necessary |
| Other Medical Checks | Additional examinations based on medical findings |
The examination is not simply a routine health check. The doctor considers whether the candidate can safely perform the duties associated with their intended work at sea.
Merchant Navy Eyesight Requirements
Eyesight is one of the most important parts of the Merchant Navy medical test. The required standard is not identical for every department.
According to the DG Shipping’s published pre-sea medical standards, the distance-vision requirements differ between deck, engine, catering and electro-technical categories.
Merchant Navy Eyesight Standards
| Department | Minimum Distance Vision Standard |
|---|---|
| Deck Department | 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in other eye |
| Engine Department | 6/12 in each eye, or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in other eye |
| Catering Department | 6/18 in each eye, or 6/12 in better eye and 6/24 in other eye |
| Electro-technical Officers | 6/12 in each eye, or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in other eye |
The official standard also requires normal colour vision, tested using the Ishihara test chart, for these categories.
This means candidates should not assume that one eyesight number applies to everyone joining the Merchant Navy.
Can You Join the Merchant Navy With Glasses?
The answer depends on the applicable medical standard and your job category.
The DG Shipping rules state that seafarers who require spectacles or contact lenses to perform their duties should have a spare pair conveniently available on board. Any need for visual aids to meet the required standard should also be recorded on the relevant certificate or endorsement.
| Situation | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Wearing spectacles | May be permitted when the applicable standard is met |
| Contact lenses | Requirements depend on the medical standard |
| Corrected vision | Must meet the applicable requirement |
| Spare spectacles | Required where visual aids are needed for duties |
| Eye disease | May require further medical assessment |
Therefore, having spectacles does not automatically mean rejection.
Merchant Navy Colour Blindness Test
Colour vision is particularly important for seafarers because some duties require the correct identification of navigation, warning and safety-related colours.
The DG Shipping pre-sea standards specify normal colour vision, with testing through the Ishihara test chart.
| Colour Vision Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is colour vision tested? | Yes |
| Common test mentioned in the standard | Ishihara test chart |
| Is colour vision important? | Yes, especially for relevant safety and navigation duties |
| What if you have difficulty identifying colours? | The approved Medical Examiner determines fitness according to the applicable standard |
Candidates who are concerned about colour blindness can have their colour vision checked professionally before attending the official medical examination.
Hearing Requirements for Merchant Navy
Hearing is another important part of the medical assessment because seafarers must be able to respond to alarms, instructions and communication while working in a noisy environment.
The DG Shipping pre-sea rules state that candidates should have no impaired hearing or relevant ear disease and should be able to hear a whisper from 5 metres on each side. Hearing aids are not permitted for meeting this particular standard.
| Hearing Check | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hearing ability | Must be adequate for safe duties |
| Whisper test | 5 metres on each side under the cited pre-sea standard |
| Ear disease | Relevant disease may affect fitness |
| Hearing aid | Not permitted for meeting the cited standard |
Physical Fitness in the Merchant Navy Medical Test
The medical examination also considers your general physical condition.
Candidates should be prepared for an assessment of overall health rather than focusing only on eyesight.
| Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Height and weight | Helps assess general physical condition |
| Blood pressure | Important cardiovascular indicator |
| Heart and circulation | Relevant to safe work at sea |
| Respiratory health | Important for physically demanding duties |
| Musculoskeletal health | Needed for movement and physical work |
| General fitness | Helps determine ability to perform duties safely |
The Medical Examiner can request additional investigations where required to assess medical fitness.
Is BMI Required for Merchant Navy Medical?
BMI is frequently discussed by Merchant Navy candidates, but candidates should avoid treating a single BMI figure as an automatic rejection rule for every applicant.
Your overall medical fitness matters more than simply calculating a number.
| BMI/Weight Concern | What Candidates Should Do |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Discuss with a doctor if significant |
| Healthy weight | Maintain regular exercise and balanced nutrition |
| Overweight | Work on gradual, sustainable weight management |
| Very high or low weight | Obtain professional medical advice before examination |
The uploaded reference discusses BMI as part of the commonly discussed Merchant Navy medical requirements, but its stated 18.5–25 range should not be presented as a universal automatic rule without reference to the applicable medical standard.
Other Tests During Merchant Navy Medical Examination
The medical examination can involve more than the standard eyesight and hearing checks.
Depending on the candidate and medical findings, the Medical Examiner may require additional examinations or investigations.
| Possible Examination | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Assess cardiovascular status |
| Physical examination | Check general health |
| Blood tests | Investigate relevant health parameters |
| Urine tests | Medical assessment where required |
| Chest examination/X-ray | Assess respiratory or other relevant conditions |
| Eye examination | Assess vision and eye health |
| Hearing examination | Assess hearing ability |
| Additional tests | Ordered when medically necessary |
The uploaded source also identifies general physical fitness, hearing, chest/X-ray and laboratory testing as areas associated with the medical process.
Common Medical Problems That May Need Further Assessment
A candidate should not assume that every medical condition automatically means permanent rejection.
The final decision is made according to the applicable medical standard and the assessment of the approved Medical Examiner.
| Health Area | Possible Concern |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Vision outside the applicable standard |
| Colour vision | Difficulty passing the required colour test |
| Hearing | Significant hearing impairment |
| Heart | Abnormal cardiovascular findings |
| Respiratory system | Conditions affecting safe duties |
| Musculoskeletal system | Problems affecting physical work |
| Blood pressure | Abnormally high or low readings |
| Other conditions | May require specialist evaluation |
The reference material similarly identifies eyesight, colour blindness, dental problems, cardiovascular findings, skin conditions and varicose veins among issues that may raise medical concerns.
Merchant Navy Medical Certificate
After completing the examination, a medical certificate is issued when the seafarer is found medically fit under the applicable requirements.
Candidates should ensure that their examination is conducted by an appropriately approved Medical Examiner.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical authority | Directorate General of Shipping |
| Examination | Seafarer medical examination |
| Examiner | DG Shipping-approved Medical Examiner |
| Certificate | Issued after medical fitness assessment |
| Approved examiner directory | Available through DG Shipping/eSamudra resources |
DG Shipping’s eSamudra portal provides a directory for viewing registered medical practitioners, while DG Shipping also publishes lists of approved Medical Examiners.
Official Merchant Navy Medical Resources
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DG Shipping | Official maritime administration and regulations |
| eSamudra | Unified maritime services portal |
| Approved Medical Examiner Directory | Find registered/approved medical practitioners |
| Medical Examination Rules | Check applicable medical standards |
Official DG Shipping portal: https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/
eSamudra portal: https://esamudra.dgshipping.gov.in/
How to Prepare for the Merchant Navy Medical Test
You do not need to wait until the examination date to think about your health.
A simple preparation routine can help you identify potential problems early.
| Preparation Step | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Eye check-up | Get your eyesight professionally checked |
| Colour vision | Take a proper colour vision examination if concerned |
| Fitness | Exercise regularly |
| Weight | Maintain a healthy and sustainable weight |
| Blood pressure | Check it if you have concerns |
| Medical history | Keep previous reports ready |
| Medicines | Carry details of regular medication |
| Sleep | Maintain a regular sleep schedule |
| Smoking | Avoid smoking and tobacco |
| Alcohol | Avoid excessive alcohol consumption |
Do not attempt to manipulate medical test results or hide a medical condition. The purpose of the examination is to determine whether you can safely work at sea.
Documents to Carry for the Medical Test
The exact documents can vary by medical centre, so candidates should confirm the list before visiting.
| Document | Why It May Be Needed |
|---|---|
| Identity proof | Candidate identification |
| Passport-size photographs | Medical records/certificate |
| Previous medical reports | Relevant medical history |
| Eye prescription | If you use spectacles |
| Previous medical certificate | Useful for existing seafarers |
| Surgery/treatment records | If applicable |
| Other documents | As requested by the Medical Examiner |
Merchant Navy Medical Test: Quick Checklist
| Check | Status to Confirm Before Examination |
|---|---|
| Eyesight | Meets applicable department standard |
| Colour vision | Checked professionally if required |
| Hearing | No known significant problem |
| Blood pressure | Checked if there is a concern |
| General fitness | Maintained |
| Medical records | Collected |
| Approved doctor | Verified |
| Documents | Ready |
| Current rules | Checked with official source |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Merchant Navy medical test compulsory?
Medical fitness is an important requirement for seafarers. Candidates must meet the applicable medical standards before being certified fit for relevant sea service.
Is colour blindness allowed in the Merchant Navy?
The applicable pre-sea standards require normal colour vision for the categories specified in the DG Shipping rules. Colour vision is tested using the Ishihara test chart.
Can I join the Merchant Navy with spectacles?
Spectacles may be permitted when the candidate meets the applicable eyesight standard. The official rules also address the requirement for spare visual aids when they are needed for duties.
Is 6/6 eyesight compulsory for everyone?
No. The applicable eyesight requirement differs by department. For example, the published pre-sea standard for the deck department is 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the other eye, while other departments have different standards.
Where can I find an approved Merchant Navy medical examiner?
DG Shipping publishes approved Medical Examiner information, and the eSamudra portal provides a directory of registered medical practitioners.
