Every seafarer’s career begins and continues with one non-negotiable checkpoint: the medical fitness exam. Among all the checks in it, none causes more anxiety than the eye test — and rightly so. The DG Shipping medical eyesight requirements are strict, clearly defined, and different for each department on board. If your vision does not meet the standard set by the Directorate General of Shipping, you can be declared medically unfit, no matter how good your other reports are.
This guide explains exactly what the DG Shipping medical eyesight requirements are in 2026 — the distance vision standards for deck and engine, the colour vision rules, whether glasses or LASIK are allowed, and how long your certificate stays valid — so you walk into your medical fully prepared.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishant Thapar, MBBS, MD (Radiodiagnosis), Founder — Edge Imaging & Diagnostics, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi.
What Is the DG Shipping Medical Eye Test?
The eye test is one part of the Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME), the mandatory fitness check every Indian seafarer must clear before joining a ship. It is conducted only by a doctor and centre approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), under the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules. The eye examination checks four things: your distance vision, your near vision, your colour perception, and the general health of your eyes. Once you pass the full PEME, the approved doctor issues your medical certificate and uploads it to the DG Shipping e-Governance portal.
Why Eyesight Standards Matter So Much at Sea
On a ship there are no second chances with vision. A deck officer keeping navigational watch must correctly read distant lights, buoys and the colour of signal flags at night; an engineer must read gauges, wiring colours and warning indicators in low light. That is why the DG Shipping medical eyesight requirements are stricter for the deck department, where colour recognition and sharp distance vision are safety-critical, and slightly more relaxed for the engine and catering side. These are international standards aligned with IMO and STCW norms — the examiner cannot waive them.
DG Shipping Medical Eyesight Requirements: Deck Department
The deck department (navigating officers, deck cadets, nautical ratings) faces the highest bar because it is directly responsible for navigation and lookout duties:
- Distance vision (unaided): 6/6 in one eye and at least 6/9 in the other eye.
- Colour vision: Normal colour perception is compulsory, tested on the Ishihara chart. Colour blindness is not permitted for deck.
- Refractive limit: Generally within about ±2.5 dioptres.
- Other: Full binocular vision, normal eye movements, no squint and no night blindness.
DG Shipping Medical Eyesight Requirements: Engine Department
For the engine department (marine engineers, engine cadets, ratings) the distance-vision standard is more relaxed, and corrective lenses are generally accepted if your vision corrects to the required level:
- Distance vision: 6/12 in each eye, or 6/9 in one eye and 6/18 in the other.
- Correction allowed: Glasses or contact lenses are acceptable provided corrected vision meets the standard.
- Colour vision: Normal perception on the Ishihara test is still required.
- Other: Good binocular vision and normal pupil reactions.
Vision Standards for Catering & Other Ratings
Catering staff, cooks and general-purpose ratings have the most relaxed vision standard, but it is still a defined minimum:
- Distance vision: 6/18 in each eye, or 6/12 in one eye and 6/24 in the other.
- Refractive limit: Up to about 2.5 dioptres of correction.
- Colour vision: Normal perception on the Ishihara chart is required.
DG Shipping eyesight requirements at a glance
| Department | Distance vision (unaided) | Colour vision |
|---|---|---|
| Deck / Navigation | 6/6 & 6/9 | Normal — no colour blindness |
| Engine | 6/12 each, or 6/9 & 6/18 | Normal (Ishihara) |
| Catering / Ratings | 6/18 each, or 6/12 & 6/24 | Normal (Ishihara) |
Colour Vision & Colour Blindness Rules (Ishihara Test)
Colour vision is the single most common reason candidates fail the DG Shipping eye test. It is checked using the Ishihara colour plates, where you read numbers hidden within dotted patterns. Normal colour vision is required across all departments, and it matters most for deck personnel who must distinguish red, green and white navigation lights and signal colours. If you have red-green colour deficiency, you may be restricted from deck duties. Colour blindness cannot be “corrected” with glasses, so it is important to know your status before you invest in a maritime course.
Night Blindness, Squint & Other Eye Conditions
Beyond acuity and colour, the examiner also looks for conditions that can worsen at sea or affect safety: night blindness (nyctalopia), squint (strabismus), active or progressive eye disease, and any morbid condition of the eye or eyelid likely to recur. A history of certain retinal conditions, uncontrolled glaucoma, or recent eye surgery that has not healed can also lead to a temporary or permanent unfit result. This is why an honest, thorough eye examination protects both you and your crew.
Can You Wear Glasses, Contact Lenses or Get LASIK?
Yes — with conditions. For the engine and catering departments, glasses or contact lenses are generally acceptable as long as your corrected vision meets the standard and your uncorrected vision is not extremely poor. For the deck department the unaided standard is stricter, so many aspirants consider refractive surgery. LASIK and similar procedures are usually accepted provided the surgery was successful, vision is stable, adequate healing time has passed, and you carry your surgical records for the examiner to review. Always declare previous eye surgery — hiding it can invalidate your certificate.
How Long Is the DG Shipping Medical Certificate Valid?
A DG Shipping medical certificate is generally valid for up to 2 years for adult seafarers, and up to 1 year for those under 18 years of age. The approved doctor can specify a shorter validity if a medical condition needs earlier review. You must hold a valid certificate before signing on to any vessel, so plan your renewal well before it expires to avoid last-minute joining delays.
7 Practical Tips to Pass Your DG Shipping Eye Test
- Get a routine eye check-up a few weeks before your PEME so any issue can be addressed early.
- If you use spectacles, carry an updated prescription and a spare pair.
- Rest your eyes and sleep well the night before — fatigue can affect test performance.
- Avoid straining at screens for long hours right before the exam.
- Know your colour-vision status in advance; get tested if you are unsure.
- Carry records of any past eye surgery, including LASIK.
- Choose a DG Shipping approved centre with proper eye-testing equipment and experienced staff.
Get Your DG Shipping Medical in Delhi at Edge Marine Medicals
At Edge Imaging & Diagnostics (Edge Marine Medicals) in Paschim Vihar, West Delhi, seafarers get a fast, fully compliant DG Shipping approved medical examination — including complete vision and Ishihara colour testing — under Dr. Nishant Thapar. We offer same-day testing and quick report upload to the DG Shipping e-Governance portal, so you meet your joining date without stress. To book your marine medical, see our DG Shipping approved doctor in Delhi page or call 9555999960. For directions and timings, visit our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DG Shipping medical eyesight requirements for the deck department?
Deck candidates need unaided distance vision of 6/6 in one eye and at least 6/9 in the other, with normal colour vision on the Ishihara test and no colour blindness, squint or night blindness.
Can I join the merchant navy if I wear glasses?
Yes, for the engine and catering departments glasses or contact lenses are generally accepted if your corrected vision meets the standard. The deck department has a stricter unaided requirement.
Is colour blindness allowed in the DG Shipping medical?
No. Normal colour perception is required and colour blindness is not permitted, especially for deck duties where identifying navigation light colours is safety-critical.
Is LASIK surgery accepted for the DG Shipping eye test?
LASIK is usually accepted if the surgery was successful, your vision is stable, enough healing time has passed, and you carry your surgical records. Always declare previous eye surgery.
How long is a DG Shipping medical certificate valid?
It is generally valid for up to 2 years for adults and up to 1 year for seafarers under 18, unless the examiner specifies a shorter period.
Book Your Seafarer Eye & Medical Test Today
Do not let an avoidable eye issue delay your contract. Get your DG Shipping medical eyesight and full PEME done at a trusted, DG Shipping approved centre in Delhi. Call Edge Marine Medicals at 9555999960 to book your slot.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and awareness only and does not replace an official medical examination or advice from a DG Shipping approved doctor. Vision standards are set by the Directorate General of Shipping and may be revised; always confirm current requirements with an approved examiner. Learn more at the Directorate General of Shipping.