Vision Standards Seafarers for Different Merchant Navy Ranks

When aspiring to join the Merchant Navy, your eyesight isn’t just a minor detail—it can determine the course of your maritime career. The vision standards seafarers must meet are defined by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), depending on the rank and duties onboard.

In this complete guide by SkillsStation, India’s most trusted provider of best merchant navy coaching, we explain the detailed vision standards seafarers must meet across various departments—Deck, Engine, and Electro-Technical—and how to prepare for the eye examination during your pre-sea medical.

 Why Vision Matters in the Merchant Navy

Merchant Navy professionals operate in dynamic, high-risk environments. From ship navigation and radar monitoring to machinery maintenance and emergency management, clear and accurate vision is vital.

The vision standards seafarers must follow ensure:

• Safe ship operation and navigation

  
  

• Quick emergency response

  
  

• Accurate watchkeeping and maintenance

  
  

• Compliance with international safety regulations

  
  

Failing to meet the set eyesight norms can disqualify candidates from specific ranks, especially in the Deck department.

 Standard Eyesight Tests in the Medical Exam

To comply with the vision standards seafarers are expected to meet, candidates undergo:

1. Visual Acuity Test (Near & Distant Vision)

   • Determines clarity of vision at various distances

     
     

   • Typically measured using a Snellen chart

     
     

2. Color Vision Test (Ishihara Test)

   • Detects red-green color blindness

     
     

   • Mandatory for Deck officers

     
     

3. Night Vision Test (Optional/If Required)

   • Checks the ability to see in low light conditions

     
     

   • Used for advanced navigation roles

     
     

Eyesight Requirements by Rank

Deck Department (Deck Cadet, 2nd Officer, Chief Mate, Captain)

• Distant Vision: 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye (unaided or with corrective lenses)

  
  

• Color Vision: Perfect color vision required (Pass in Ishihara test is mandatory)

  
  

• Near Vision: N5 in better eye and N6 in the other eye

  
  

Note: Any degree of color blindness disqualifies candidates for deck ranks. This is a strict IMO and DG Shipping regulation.

Engine Department (Engine Cadet, 4th Engineer, Chief Engineer)

• Distant Vision: 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in the other (with or without glasses)

  
  

• Color Vision: Mild deficiency may be acceptable (depends on ship flag/state)

  
  

• Near Vision: Sufficient to read small print at a comfortable distance

  
  

The vision standards seafarers in the engine side are slightly relaxed compared to the Deck department but still regulated under international norms.

Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs)

• Distant Vision: Minimum 6/9 in each eye (corrected)

  
  

• Color Vision: Should be adequate for reading electrical wiring and panels

  
  

• Near Vision: Must be able to read small instruments and digital displays

  
  

ETOs must meet functional vision standards seafarers need to ensure safe electrical and automation handling on modern vessels.

 DG Shipping Vision Norms Summary

🕰️ Outdated Reference – Archived DG Shipping Medical Guidelines:

https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112345/

http://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/Miscellaneous.aspx

 Disqualifications Based on Eyesight

Candidates may be rejected if they have:

• Red-green color blindness (for deck roles)

  
  

• Uncorrectable poor vision (e.g., worse than 6/18 in both eyes)

  
  

• Advanced eye diseases like glaucoma or retinopathy

  
  

• Night blindness or reduced peripheral vision

  
  

Failure to meet minimum vision standards seafarers are subject to leads to ineligibility for CDC issuance or course enrollment.

 How SkillsStation Supports Maritime Aspirants

As part of our best merchant navy coaching services, SkillsStation offers:

• Pre-medical eye screening

  
  

• Color vision test practice (Ishihara test samples)

  
  

• Corrective lens consultations

  
  

• Guidance for engine-side roles if color vision fails

  
  
  

• Counseling for alternate career paths in maritime logistics or shore-based jobs

  
  

We ensure that no aspirant is left confused or unprepared when it comes to meeting the vision standards seafarers must follow.

Tips to Prepare for Eye Tests

1. Get an eye checkup 2–3 months before pre-sea admission

   
   

2. Consult with an optometrist if you have refractive errors

   
   

3. Practice Ishihara color plates if unsure about color vision

   
   

4. Avoid wearing colored contact lenses before the test

   
   

5. Take rest and avoid eye strain before the exam

   
   

 Conclusion

Meeting the vision standards seafarers must uphold is not only a regulatory requirement but also a safety necessity onboard. Whether you’re aiming for the bridge, the engine room, or the ETO panel, your eyesight will play a central role in your selection and career progression.

Let SkillsStation, your expert in best merchant navy coaching, guide you through pre-sea eligibility, vision assessments, and alternate options, ensuring you chart the right course from the very beginning.