Merchant Navy Medical Test: Eyesight, Colour Blindness, Fitness & Requirements
If you are planning to join the Merchant Navy, clearing the medical examination is an important part of the process. Candidates are checked for eyesight, colour vision, hearing, general physical fitness and other medical conditions before they can begin or continue seafaring duties.
The Merchant Navy Medical Test is conducted according to medical standards prescribed for seafarers. In India, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) provides the relevant medical standards and requirements. The standards can vary depending on the department and type of duties performed on board.
This guide explains the Merchant Navy medical test requirements, eyesight standards, colour blindness rules, physical fitness checks and important medical documents in simple language.
What Is the Merchant Navy Medical Test?
The Merchant Navy medical test is an examination used to determine whether a candidate is medically fit for work at sea.
The examination is performed by an approved medical examiner. Indian seafarers are subject to the applicable Merchant Shipping medical examination requirements and DGS medical standards.
The examination can include:
- Eyesight and vision testing
- Colour vision testing
- Hearing assessment
- General physical examination
- Blood pressure and pulse checks
- Medical history
- Laboratory investigations where required
- Assessment of physical conditions that could affect safe work at sea
The exact tests can depend on the candidate’s role and the medical examiner’s assessment.
Merchant Navy Medical Test Requirements
Medical requirements are particularly important because seafarers may have to work for long periods away from immediate medical facilities. The medical examination therefore considers whether a person can safely perform their duties on board.
| Medical Area | What Is Generally Checked |
| Eyesight | Distance and near vision |
| Colour vision | Ability to identify colours correctly |
| Hearing | Ability to hear required sounds and communication |
| Physical fitness | General strength, mobility and functional fitness |
| Medical history | Existing or previous conditions |
| General examination | Blood pressure, pulse and overall health |
| Laboratory tests | Tests where required by the approved examiner |
The Directorate General of Shipping states that medical examinations are conducted to assess fitness according to the prescribed standards.
Merchant Navy Eyesight Requirements
Eyesight is one of the most important parts of the Merchant Navy medical test. However, there is not necessarily one single eyesight requirement for every seafarer.
DGS material specifies different pre-sea eyesight standards for different departments.
For example, the published pre-sea standards include the following:
| Department | Distance Vision Standard | Colour Vision |
| Nautical/Deck Department including GP Crew | 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in other eye, unaided | Normal colour vision |
| Engine Department | 6/12 in each eye, or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in other eye | Normal colour vision |
| Catering/Hospitality | 6/18 in each eye, or 6/12 in better eye and 6/24 in other eye | Normal colour vision |
| Radio/Electrical/Electronic roles | 6/12 in each eye, or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in other eye | Normal colour vision |
These standards are published by DGS for pre-sea medical examinations, and candidates should check the current requirements applicable to their particular course or department.
Can I Join Merchant Navy With Spectacles?
This is a common question among candidates.
Wearing spectacles does not automatically mean that a candidate cannot pursue every Merchant Navy role. The applicable eyesight requirement depends on the department and the candidate’s corrected or unaided vision requirements.
Therefore, candidates should not rely on general statements such as “spectacles are not allowed.” Instead, they should check the eyesight standard applicable to their intended course and obtain an examination from an approved medical examiner.
Merchant Navy Colour Blindness Test
Colour vision is another major part of the Merchant Navy medical test.
The purpose of colour vision testing is to determine whether a seafarer can distinguish important colours used in maritime operations, including lights and signals.
DGS pre-sea standards specify normal colour vision, with the Ishihara test chart used for testing.
Candidates who suspect that they have colour vision deficiency should consider getting their eyes tested before spending money on training or admission.
Importantly, there is no reliable shortcut for passing a genuine colour vision examination. Candidates should undergo the official assessment honestly.
What Tests Are Done in the Merchant Navy Medical Examination?
The exact medical examination can vary, but candidates can generally expect an assessment covering several areas.
1. Eye Test
The doctor checks distance vision and, where applicable, other aspects of visual fitness.
2. Colour Vision Test
The Ishihara colour vision test may be used to identify colour vision deficiencies.
3. Hearing Test
Hearing is assessed because clear communication is important for safe operations on board.
4. General Physical Examination
The medical examiner assesses the candidate’s overall physical condition and looks for medical problems that could interfere with normal duties.
5. Additional Investigations
Depending on the circumstances, the medical examiner may request laboratory tests, X-rays or other investigations considered necessary for determining medical fitness. DGS guidance states that investigations are kept to the minimum required for assessing fitness, based on professional judgment.
Merchant Navy Medical Fitness Certificate
After completing the examination, the medical examiner determines the candidate’s fitness status according to the applicable standards.
The Merchant Shipping medical examination rules provide for a certificate of physical fitness where the prescribed standards are satisfied. They also provide for temporary unfitness where a temporary condition is expected to improve after treatment and for permanent unfitness where the applicable medical standards are not satisfied.
Candidates should therefore keep their medical certificate and related documents safely because they may be required during the training or employment process.
Where to Check Official Merchant Navy Medical Information?
Candidates should use the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) as the primary source for current medical requirements rather than relying only on coaching websites or social-media posts.
| Information | Official Source |
| Medical Standards | Directorate General of Shipping |
| Medical Examination Rules | Merchant Shipping medical rules |
| Seafarer Information | DGS Seafarers/Crew section |
| Medical Examiner Requirements | Directorate General of Shipping |
| Current Notices | DGS official website |
Merchant Shipping Medical Examination Rules: DGS – Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules
How to Prepare for the Merchant Navy Medical Test
There is no special exercise that can guarantee a medical fitness certificate. However, candidates can prepare responsibly by taking a few practical steps:
- Get your eyesight checked before the examination.
- If you suspect colour blindness, take a proper colour vision test.
- Carry previous medical records if relevant.
- Avoid last-minute changes to medication without medical advice.
- Maintain regular sleep and a healthy routine.
- Do not hide medical information from the examiner.
- Confirm that the doctor or medical facility is approved for the relevant seafarer examination.
- Check the latest DGS requirements before attending the medical test.
Merchant Navy Medical Test: Important Points
The Merchant Navy Medical Test is more than just an eyesight examination. It is a broader assessment of whether a candidate is medically fit to perform duties safely at sea.
Eyesight and colour vision are particularly important, especially for candidates entering deck-related roles. At the same time, medical fitness also involves hearing, physical condition and other aspects of health.
Most importantly, medical standards can differ according to the department and type of work. Candidates should therefore avoid assuming that a medical requirement for one Merchant Navy role automatically applies to another.
Before joining a course or paying admission fees, check the latest requirements issued by the Directorate General of Shipping and consult an approved medical examiner for an official assessment.
