Merchant Navy Medical Fitness Test India 2026: Complete Guide
The medical fitness certificate is a mandatory requirement before any seafarer can sail. Get rejected here, and nothing else matters — no CDC, no joining, no career. Here’s exactly what to expect and how to pass.
Which Medical Standard Applies to You?
ENG1 (UK standard): Required if sailing on UK-flagged vessels or vessels managed by UK-based companies. More widely accepted internationally.
Indian DG Shipping Medical: Required for Indian-flagged vessels and for CDC application. Issued by DG Shipping approved doctors.
Most Indian seafarers pursuing international careers get both — DG Shipping medical for CDC, ENG1 for company joining.
DG Shipping Medical Requirements
Tests Performed
- Vision Test: Minimum 6/9 uncorrected or 6/6 corrected in each eye. Must distinguish navigation light colours.
- Colour Vision: Ishihara test — must pass for deck officers. Lantern test also used. Engine officers have slightly relaxed standards.
- Hearing: No significant impairment — audiometry test.
- Height/Weight: No strict limits, but BMI over 35 may trigger additional evaluation.
- Blood Pressure: Must be within normal range. Hypertension on medication — disclosed and evaluated case by case.
- Blood Tests: CBC, glucose, HIV (for some companies), hepatic function.
- Urine Analysis: Glucose, protein, drug screen (for some companies).
- ECG: Resting ECG for officer track candidates.
- Chest X-Ray: Pulmonary health check.
- Physical Examination: General fitness, no significant musculoskeletal issues.
Colour Vision — The Most Common Rejection Reason
For Deck Officers (navigation watches): Must correctly identify red, green, and white lights. Colour deficiency is disqualifying for deck officer roles.
For Engine Officers: Colour vision requirements are less strict — you need to distinguish safety-critical signals but full colour vision is not mandatory.
For Ratings: Moderate requirements — case by case assessment.
If you have any colour vision deficiency (common — affects ~8% of men), you should check this before investing in deck officer training. Consider engine/ETO pathway instead.
Common Reasons for Rejection/Deferral
| Condition | Impact |
|---|---|
| Corrected vision below 6/6 | Rejection for deck officers |
| Colour blindness | Rejection for deck officers only |
| Uncontrolled hypertension | Deferral — control BP then re-test |
| Active tuberculosis | Deferral until cleared |
| Epilepsy history | Usually permanent disqualification |
| Diabetes (insulin-dependent) | Usually disqualifying |
| Recent major surgery | Temporary deferral |
Approved Medical Doctors
DG Shipping maintains an approved list of doctors authorized to issue medical certificates. Find current list at: dgshipping.gov.in → Medical → Approved Doctors
Major cities have multiple approved doctors. Do not use unapproved doctors — certificate will be rejected.
How to Prepare
6 months before your medical:
- Get eyes tested — know your corrected/uncorrected vision
- Do a free colour vision test online (Ishihara plates)
- Check blood pressure — if high, start management
- No smoking before chest X-ray (chronic smokers: disclose honestly)
1 week before:
- No alcohol for 48 hours minimum
- Adequate sleep
- Bring all previous medical records if you have any disclosed conditions
Day of medical:
- Fast 8-10 hours if blood test is included
- Carry passport, photos, INDoS certificate
- Declare all medications honestly — concealment and discovery later causes permanent blacklisting
Medical Certificate Validity
DG Shipping fitness certificate: Valid for 2 years (reduced to 1 year for seafarers over 40).
ENG1: Valid for 2 years (1 year over 40).
Questions about medical eligibility or what conditions affect your maritime career? Ask SailorGPT — honest medical guidance for Indian seafarers.