Seafarer Medical Examination 2026: ENG-1 Complete Guide

The ENG-1 medical certificate is non-negotiable. No ENG-1, no sea service. Period.

What Is ENG-1?

ENG-1 is the seafarer’s medical fitness certificate issued by a DG Shipping approved doctor. It certifies you are physically and mentally fit for sea service. Valid for 2 years (1 year for seafarers over 55).

What the Medical Covers

Vision — #1 Rejection Cause

Deck Officers:

• Distant vision: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other (with or without correction)
• Colour perception: Must pass Ishihara test — check this BEFORE choosing maritime career

Engine Officers:

• Distant vision: 6/12 in each eye acceptable
• Colour perception required but less strict than deck

Hearing

Must hear forced whispered voice at 3 meters in each ear. Hearing aids generally not accepted.

Cardiovascular

• Blood pressure within limits (systolic <160, diastolic <100 typically)
• ECG for candidates over 40

Blood Tests

• CBC, fasting glucose, HIV, Hepatitis B&C (company dependent)
• Drug screening — zero tolerance (cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine)

Psychological

History of epilepsy or serious psychiatric disorders assessed.

How to Prepare

3 months before:

• Get colour vision test at any optometrist — don’t discover a problem at the exam
• Start cardio exercise
• Stop smoking (lung function test)
• Stop recreational drugs entirely — traces remain for months

1 month before:

• Get glasses/contacts sorted if you need vision correction
• Control blood pressure if it’s been high
• Avoid heavy alcohol 48 hours before
• Fast 8 hours before if blood glucose test included

DG Shipping Approved Doctors

Only doctors on the DG Shipping approved panel can issue ENG-1. Find the list at dgshipping.gov.in → Seafarers → Medical Examination. Cost: ₹2,000–₹5,000 depending on city.

Failing ENG-1

Temporary unfit: Minor issues (high BP, healing injury) — re-apply after treatment.

Permanent unfit: Colour blindness (deck), uncontrolled epilepsy, severe heart disease. Engine/ratings roles may still be possible.

Restricted fitness: “Fit for engine room only” or “not for watchkeeping” — limited career scope.

Renewal

Set a reminder 3 months before expiry. A lapsed ENG-1 = no sailing. Companies repatriate you immediately. Renewal requires the full examination again.

Need Guidance on Your Specific Situation?

Borderline colour vision, old injuries, controlled conditions — all have nuances. Ask SailorGPT for personalised guidance at sailorsuccess.online.

Fitness Training for ENG-1

Beyond the clinical tests, being physically fit helps with recovery from borderline results. Specific exercises:

Cardiovascular health:

• 30 minutes brisk walking or jogging daily reduces resting blood pressure by 5–8 mmHg over 8 weeks
• Helps with treadmill/exercise ECG if required

Vision maintenance:

• Screen time reduction before the test (less strain = better acuity)
• Ensure spectacles/contact lens prescription is current

Hearing protection:

• Use ear protection in engine rooms — long-term noise exposure causes progressive hearing loss
• Avoid loud music exposure in the month before the exam

A physically fit seafarer rarely fails ENG-1 on clinical grounds. The most common failures are preventable: colour blindness (discovered too late), substance use, or unmanaged blood pressure.