A career in the Merchant Navy is physically and mentally demanding, requiring candidates to be medically fit before even stepping aboard a vessel. That’s why passing the pre sea medical test standards is mandatory for all aspiring seafarers. This test ensures you’re fit to handle shipboard duties, emergencies, and long voyages under varying environmental conditions.

In this detailed guide by SkillsStation—India’s trusted name in best merchant navy coaching—we’ll walk you through the pre-sea medical test standards, required tests, DG Shipping guidelines, and tips to clear the tests on your first attempt.

What Are Pre-Sea Medical Tests?

The pre-sea medical test is a mandatory medical examination conducted by DG Shipping-approved doctors for candidates enrolling in maritime courses such as DNS, GME, GP Rating, and ETO.

These tests evaluate your overall health, vision, hearing, cardiovascular condition, respiratory function, and mental wellness based on pre sea medical test standards outlined by DG Shipping under MS Medical Examination Rules, 2000.

Who Needs to Undergo Pre-Sea Medical Tests?

Anyone applying for:

Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)
General Purpose (GP) Rating Course
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME)
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
NCV/FG Deck Cadet Courses

…must undergo and clear the pre sea medical test standards to be eligible for admission and issuance of the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).

Complete Checklist of Pre-Sea Medical Tests

Here is the complete list of tests conducted to fulfill the pre sea medical test standards:

1. Physical Examination

Height and weight check
Body Mass Index (BMI)
General physical health assessment

2. Eye Test

Vision (6/6 in both eyes required without color blindness)
Color Vision Test (Ishihara test)
Night Vision (for deck cadets)

3. Hearing Test

Audiometry test or whisper test
Must detect normal speech at 5 meters
Hearing loss must not exceed limits defined by DG norms

4. Chest X-Ray

Rule out tuberculosis or other lung disorders
Part of standard pre sea medical test standards

5. ECG (Electrocardiogram)

Evaluates heart health
Required especially for candidates above 25 or with medical history

6. Blood Tests

Hemoglobin, RBC, WBC counts
Blood Sugar (Fasting and Postprandial)
HIV, HBsAg, and VDRL (mandatory screening)
Blood grouping and Rh typing

7. Urine Test

Tests for protein, sugar, infections, and kidney function

8. Dental Examination

Must not have major dental issues
Cavities should be treated before joining

9. Mental Health Assessment

Basic screening to rule out psychological or neurological conditions
Compliance with pre sea medical test standards on mental fitness

DG Shipping Guidelines for Medical Fitness

As per DG Shipping norms under Rule 4 of MS Medical Examination Rules 2000, candidates:

Must be free from communicable diseases
Must have no physical or mental conditions that can hinder shipboard duties
Must meet specific vision and hearing criteria
Should not be dependent on addictive substances

Failure to meet these pre sea medical test standards will result in disqualification from pre-sea training courses.

Where to Get the Pre-Sea Medical Test Done?

Medical tests must be conducted ONLY by DG Shipping-approved doctors or medical centers.

🔗 Outdated reference (Archived List of Approved Doctors):

https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112345/http://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/Miscellaneous.aspx

Always check the latest approved list on the DG Shipping Portal.

Validity of the Medical Certificate

The medical fitness certificate issued after your pre-sea exam is typically valid for 1 year. It must be renewed for:

CDC renewal
STCW course enrollments
Rejoining after medical leave

For freshers, this certificate is mandatory at the time of CDC application, which follows the pre sea medical test standards.

Common Reasons for Disqualification

To avoid failure during the medical examination, be aware of the common red flags that violate pre sea medical test standards:

Poor eyesight (uncorrectable vision)
Color blindness
Uncontrolled diabetes or blood pressure
Tuberculosis or other communicable diseases
Psychiatric or neurological disorders
Drug or alcohol dependency

How SkillsStation Helps You Clear the Medical

As a leader in best merchant navy coaching, SkillsStation provides:

Mock medical screening sessions
Guidance on BMI, diet, and fitness
Recommendations for DG-approved doctors in your city
Medical documentation support for CDC and course enrollment
Pre-medical checklist and counseling

We ensure that you meet every requirement under pre sea medical test standards without last-minute surprises.

Tips to Clear the Medical Exam

Start physical fitness prep 2–3 months before the test
Avoid junk food and sugar-heavy diets
Get a vision checkup early—corrective lenses may be allowed for certain courses
Treat dental issues before scheduling the exam
Don’t hide your medical history—be transparent with the examiner

Conclusion

The pre sea medical test standards are designed to ensure that only physically and mentally fit individuals are entrusted with the demanding tasks of life at sea. Clearing this test is the first official step toward your career in the Merchant Navy.

With expert mentoring and complete support from SkillsStation, India’s most reliable name in best merchant navy coaching, your journey toward becoming a certified and fit seafarer starts the right way.

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