Merchant Navy Medical Fitness Standards 2026

The medical is where many aspirants get a nasty surprise — especially colour vision. Know the standards before you invest money in training.

Two Types of Medical Certificates

ENG1 (UK MCA Standard)

Required by most British, European, and international shipping companies. Issued by approved doctors (check list at mcga.gov.uk). Valid for 2 years (1 year if over 40).

PEME (Pre-Employment Medical Examination)

Company-specific medical for Indian and Asian shipping companies. Similar standards but conducted by company-approved doctors. Valid 12 months typically.

For most Indian seafarers, you’ll need both at different stages.

Vision Standards — The Critical One

Deck Officers (Navigation Department)

Without glasses/lenses:

• Distant vision: 6/6 in better eye, 6/12 in other eye
• Near vision: N5 in better eye, N10 in other eye
• Colour vision: Must pass Ishihara test (full pass required)
• Visual field: Normal

With glasses/lenses:

• Allowed for Deck Officers (uncorrected must be 6/60 minimum in each eye)
• Contact lenses permitted if spare glasses carried

Engine Officers

• Less strict on colour vision (some deficiency allowed)
• Distant vision: 6/24 in each eye (correctable to 6/6)
• Near vision: N14 corrected

Ratings (GP Rating, AB, Oiler, etc.)

• Somewhat relaxed — 6/24 correctable for most ratings
• Colour vision: Category 3 acceptable (limited deficiency)

Colour Blindness — The Real Answer

The question everyone asks: “Can I join merchant navy with colour blindness?”

Honest answer:

• Deck department: No. Full colour vision required. Ishihara test failure = disqualified for Officer of the Watch positions.
• Engine department: Yes, often. Mild to moderate colour deficiency accepted by most companies.
• Ratings: Depends on position. Bosun, AB — borderline cases evaluated individually.

The workaround some coaches sell (special glasses, Enchroma lenses): These do NOT work for Ishihara tests. The test is specifically designed to be unaffected by lens colour correction. Don’t waste money on this.

Common Medical Rejection Reasons

1. Colour vision failure — most common for Deck applicants
2. High blood pressure — even borderline readings fail ENG1. Get it checked 6 weeks before medical.
3. BMI over 40 — not a fixed cutoff but flag of concern
4. Diabetes (insulin-dependent) — disqualifying for most seafarer medical standards
5. Recent surgery — typically wait 6 months post any major procedure
6. Hearing loss — significant loss in speech frequencies is disqualifying
7. Psychiatric history — not automatic disqualification but evaluated case by case
8. Seizure history — typically disqualifying (epilepsy) unless seizure-free for 10 years

How to Prepare for Your Medical

2 months before:

• Stop smoking (affects BP, lung function)
• Regular aerobic exercise (normalises BP, improves fitness)
• Get your eyes tested by an ophthalmologist — know your status before the medical

1 week before:

• Reduce salt intake (BP control)
• No alcohol for 48 hours (affects BP and liver readings)
• Sleep well the night before

Day of medical:

• Don’t drink coffee or tea (raises BP temporarily)
• Bring all documents (CDC, certificates, previous medical records if any)
• Be honest about medical history — hiding conditions and getting caught later is career-ending

Cost of Medical (India, 2026)

What Happens If You Fail

• Temporary conditions (high BP, short-term illness): Re-examination after 3–6 months
• Colour blindness: Cannot get Deck Officer ENG1. Consider Engine department.
• Hearing: Some companies allow hearing aids
• Borderline conditions: Second opinion from another approved doctor is always your right

Unsure if your specific medical condition affects eligibility? Ask SailorGPT — it can guide you on which departments and companies have been known to accommodate specific conditions.

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