Merchant Navy Medical Requirements 2026
Eyesight, Colour Vision & Fitness

Why the Medical Examination Matters

Every candidate joining Merchant Navy must hold a medical fitness certificate issued by a doctor approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). This is non-negotiable. The examination covers eyesight, colour vision, hearing, and general physical fitness. Get a detailed maritime medical done before you invest in any entrance preparation — not after.

Eyesight Requirements

For DNS and B.Sc Nautical Science (Deck Side)

Candidates joining Deck side programmes (DNS or B.Sc Nautical Science) require 6/6 vision in each eye separately — unaided, without glasses or contact lenses. This is the most common disqualifying factor. If your vision requires correction, you cannot join the Deck side.

For B.Tech Marine Engineering (Engine Side)

Engine side candidates have more flexibility. Unaided vision of 0.5 (6/12) in each eye is acceptable, or 0.67 (6/9) in the better eye and 0.33 (6/18) in the other. Glasses are generally acceptable for the engine department. This is why many students who cannot meet Deck eyesight standards successfully pursue Marine Engineering.

Colour Vision

Colour blindness is an absolute disqualification for Deck side positions. Navigation requires the ability to read navigation lights, chart colours, and signals — all colour-coded. There is no waiver for this requirement.

For the engine side, colour vision testing is less strict. Many partially colour-blind candidates have successfully joined the engine department.

Hearing

Normal hearing in both ears is required. Candidates with significant hearing impairment in either ear will typically not pass the DGS medical.

General Physical Fitness

• No chronic medical conditions affecting fitness for sea service
• No serious cardiovascular, pulmonary, or kidney conditions
• Diabetes — severity-dependent; mild controlled diabetes may be manageable, severe cases are disqualifying
• No height or weight requirement, but BMI should be in a healthy range
• No criminal record

What to Do Before Applying

Visit a DGS-approved maritime doctor in your city before submitting any application. A pre-application check costs a few hundred rupees and saves you from investing time and money in preparation that may not lead to a certificate. Your 9CC counsellor can recommend the nearest DGS-approved doctor.