This is one of the most common questions from aspiring Merchant Navy students. The short answer is — it depends which department you want to join. Here is the complete picture.
Book Your Seat →For Deck side (DNS, B.Sc Nautical Science) — No, you cannot join if you need glasses. Unaided 6/6 vision in both eyes is mandatory for the Deck department. This is a DGS regulation and there are no exceptions.
For Engine side (B.Tech Marine Engineering) — Yes, you can join with glasses. The engine department has relaxed vision standards and glasses are generally acceptable.
Engine side pays exactly the same as Deck side. A Chief Engineer earns $10,000+/month — the same as a Captain. If you wear glasses, Marine Engineering is your route to the same career, the same salary, and the same life at sea.
Deck officers navigate the ship, interpret navigation lights, read charts and signals — all of which require reliable unaided vision in all conditions including darkness, fog, and harsh weather. Contact lenses are also not permitted as they can be affected by sea conditions. This is why the standard is strict: 6/6 unaided in both eyes.
Engine Cadets and Engineers work below deck in the engine room, machinery spaces, and control rooms. The work is technical and mechanical — not visual-navigation dependent. Standards are therefore more relaxed. Acceptable vision: 0.5 (6/12) unaided in each eye, or corrected to an acceptable level.
Some candidates ask whether LASIK or laser eye surgery would allow them to join the Deck side. The DGS has specific rules on this — post-surgery candidates may be accepted after a waiting period and stable vision confirmation. Consult a DGS-approved maritime doctor for current rules before pursuing surgery specifically for Merchant Navy eligibility.
If you wear glasses, 9CC's coaching covers B.Tech Marine Engineering preparation through IMU-CET. Our students have scored AIR 5, AIR 10 and AIR 23 in IMU-CET. Our June 2026 batch is open — online and in Gurgaon.
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